How to Quit Your Day Job and Become a Floral Designer

If you’ve ever tossed some stems in a vase in an attempt to create a statement-making centerpiece, you probably know that it’s not as easy as it looks. We too have dabbled in the art of floral design, and it’s a totally fun, DIY way to bring some vibrant blooms into your life and get to know big ol’ Mother Earth while you’re at it.

THE Floral Design PROS: STUDIO CHOO

In 2009, BFFs and business partners Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo started Studio Choo in San Francisco. Before that, Jill was managing a floral/design store where she hired Alethea. After a brief stint in Seattle as an estate gardener, Alethea returned to San Francisco to launch Studio Choo with Jill. From Jill’s kitchen to a dedicated studio space, the two botanical beauties have perfected their craft and come up with a signature flower style all their own. Here’s some of their inspiration/divine guidance on going from floral obsession to floral profession.

The Tips

Start Small. Jill and Alethea definitely did not go straight from bud vases to floral installations overnight. They set out to find their style by exploring their options and trusting all of their previous experience that had taken them from flower shops to landscapes. Jill said that they’d go to flower markets and local farms, then they’d buy what they liked and practice. She said, “We would then bring our creations all over the Bay Area and do little photo shoots to put online — anywhere from a green cow pasture to a tiny breakfast cafe.”

They’d even drop off arrangements in local shops with business cards, saying yes to any and every opportunity. If there’s one thing that will get your business card noticed, it’s delivering it with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.

Grow Into Your Style. For Jill and Alethea, they set out to find an aesthetic that was different than the studios they’d worked for. Jill said that instead of taking the modern, minimal route, they set out to design “little, wild, overgrown gardens.” Jill said their style is kind of like “wandering through your mother’s garden, gathering up blooms while listening to The Doors. Romantic, nostalgic and a little wild.” Are you in love yet?

By focusing on local materials and really owning their “gardens in a vase” style, Jill said they were able to set themselves apart, and people took notice. But even with all of their experience, their unique look didn’t come to them overnight. They took time to finesse their process while sticking to what appealed to them. Jill said that, for them, it’s important to think about air: “Making arrangements full of movement and air keep our style relaxed and interesting, with plenty of room to let things grow and change as the design ages.”

Ask for the Right Help. You probably know this by now, but starting a business is hard work — even especially a flower business. Jill said, “You have to be cool with being on your feet for hours on end, slinging a lot of heavy buckets/branches/what-have-you and be ready to work weekends for the entirety of wedding season.” But, if it’s your dream job, she says it’s totally worth it.

A good way to keep yourself from getting burnt out is to know when you need help and ask for it. Jill said that this has been one the hardest parts of building Studio Choo. “It takes time to find the right people, and it’s one of the most expensive aspects of owning a small business. That said, having good support allows for a little work/life balance.” Seriously, there’s never been a better excuse to stop and smell the roses. Jill said that being able to grow the business in sync with changes in their personal lives has been super important in moving forward, and it’s also another perk to keeping your small business relatively small.

Think Beyond Bouquets. After they got their footing with Studio Choo, Jill and Alethea started using their expertise beyond what could fit in a vase. Over the past two years, they’ve released the Wreath Recipe Book, The Flower Recipe Book and even the stunning Flower Recipe Calendar. Jill said the books have been the biggest change for the business. All of a sudden, they weren’t just selling flowers; they were teaching people all over the country how to craft their own pieces. They even teach IRL classes. Their class schedule for the next month takes them from the Macy’s Flower Show in San Francisco to the Portland Garden Club.

Next on their list is a flower club and line of custom vases. The biggest project on the horizon though is finishing their new studio, which sounds like a total dream. It will even have gardens blooming right in the back.

Show Your Mission in Everything You Do. These ladies seriously do so much more than design wedding bouquets (which, of course, they’re great at), and no matter what they’re doing, all of their exploration goes back to their main goal: “We love flowers and want to show you why.”

When Jill says they love flowers, she doesn’t just mean she loves them until they start to wilt: “We love how they open and change, grow and eventually die. The moment just before they fall apart is often when they are the most beautiful. We want to share why we are drawn to each bloom — the arc of a tulip, the craggy bend of a crabapple branch, the smell of a tiny sprig of daphne, the dark speckles inside a foxglove bloom.” At the moment, Jill and Alethea have their sights set on seasonal blooms like Quince Forsythia and Tulip Magnolia.

Put Yourself Out There. Like many self-driven pursuits, word of mouth is a big deal for Studio Choo. When they create unique, airy arrangements, people take notice — even really famous people, like the queen of domestic craft. Recently, they were featured on Martha Stewart Weddings list of top wedding florists in the country.

We found Studio Choo through Instagram, and judging by their 14 thousand followers, we’re sure that we’re not the only ones. By going where there’s already an audience for people who love looking at beautiful things, Studio Choo is spreading the botanical love to the social sphere.

Studio Choo’s Final Words of Advice. “Get as much experience as you can! Try lots of different styles, gain skills and knowledge, and then use what you have learned to do something unique.”

If you love Studio Choo as much as we do, buy one of their books. If you’re in the Bay Area, claim a spot in one of their classes.

PERFECT YOUR SKILLS

Speaking of classes, now that you have a little insight as to the business side of things, it’s time to get your learn on. There are plenty of online ways to learn all you need to get started right here on the Internet at your leisure. Everybody has a side hustle, right? Here are some e-classes to get you started.

1. A Quick Introduction: Right from the Brit + Co studios, Christina and Rhiannon of Farmgirl Flowers will give you fundamentals of flower design so you can begin to familiarize yourself with some of the main principles of floral design — color, symmetry, composition and design. ($25 for one 25-minute class)

2. A More Extensive Intro Class: Chelsea Fuss of Nicole’s Classes teaches a four-week course on the full 101 of floral arranging. In the class, you’ll learn how to make a wild English garden arrangement, a wedding bouquet and a head wreath, just to name a few. She even has tips on sourcing stunning flowers. Set your own pace with the weekly schedule and turn in your homework by Sunday night. If only all homework included peonies, #amiright? ($125 for a four-week course)

3. Getting Down to Details: This class goes from basics to specifics with full classes on wedding flowers, flowers for gifts and flowers for the home. The courses are a bit more expansive, starting with the history of flower arranging and even a whole class on containers. At your own pace, you can bloom through 11 classes and even get a CEU certificate at the end. ($40 [without certificate] for a 10-hour class)

4. Bonus: Tablescape Styling: If you’re going to host a spring shindig or deck out the table for someone else’s, you can extend your floral arranging skills to be the life of the party. From a full center arrangement to scattered bud vases, this class covers all you need to know to branch into the business of tablescaping. ($96 for annual Skillshare subscription to view all classes)

We hope this column will continue to bring you the advice, inspiration and skills to go forth and create a life you’re stoked about. As for us, we’re just going to be over here studying up on the best local flower markets to start honing our craft. Look out, Forsythia branches; we’re coming for ya!

What passion would you like to see covered in your Live Your Love Series? Let us know in the comments!

I turn to Instagram for mainly two things: hilariously adorable pet videos to share with my daughter before bedtime — a nightly ritual we started a year back — and a steady stream of home decor inspiration. Having studied interior design and spent years writing about stunning spaces, my love for beautiful interiors runs deep. The home decor bloggers I follow offer a mix of styles and experiences, from cozy vintage vibes to refined and sophisticated homes and rooms. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space for the season or simply find joy in nesting at home, there’s a little something from everyone here to inspire you. Happy decorating!

PrettyOnFridays

PrettyOnFridays

Writer Deema Tabbara Lopez's Friday newsletter, Merci Ktir, offers a glimpse into all the pretty things bringing her joy each week. Her home is so cozy, filled with vintage charm and lovely DIYs and how-tos (and stunning paint colors!). You'll want to dive into her feed for all the inspiration this fall.

ThisHouse5000

ThisHouse5000

Home decor enthusiast Elena Lohse and her handyman husband have been renovating their 1935 home in Toronto’s west end, the Junction, for the past 4+ years. Her style is clean, fresh, and never boring. I love her DIY videos, and her blog follows their travels too through a unique design lens.

Erin Conway Kismet House

Kismet House

For a masters in warm, cozy traditional spaces, follow Erin and Matthew of Kismet House who share tips and tricks for creating homes that feel unique and full of character.

Michael P.H. Clifford

a1000xBetter

Designer Kirsten Blazek creates rooms that are authentic, stylish, and so comfortable. She really thinks about spaces you want to live in. I'm still swooning over this kitchen of hers that we featured. Her first book A1000xBetter: A Rebel By Designshowcases her eclectic interiors and love of vintage treasures along with her design inspirations and tips.

Banda Property

𝗦𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗮̂𝗰𝗲

Principal designer Ithabeleng Mothabeng has such a talent for creating stunning interiors. She blends a timeless elegance with modern touches and the result is always gorgeous and sophisticated.

Sam Arneson

Sam Arneson Home

Sam Arneson, an LA-based realtor, brings a thoughtful approach to design with a focus on sustainability and slow living. Her soulful feed is full of inspiration, from mid-century modern gems to cozy woodsy cabins.

OEZLEM OEZSOY

OEZLEM OEZSOY

This Hamburg, Germany-based photographer and home decor enthusiast is known for her sophisticated eye for vintage and mid-century decor, creating beautifully curated neutral spaces.

LEMIEUX ET CIE

The Organic Bubble Vase, Théophile Candle Holder, and Cadoret Bowl

Christiane Lemieux

NYC-based Christiane Lemieux is an author, designer, entrepreneur and the founder of LEMIEUX ET CIE, a luxury home furnishings brand. If you're looking for elevated interiors with a smidge of fantasy and the unexpected, her feed is the place to be. She was also the co-host and a judge on Ellen’s Design Challenge on HGTV and is a regular guest on MSNBC.

Some other favorites to look out for:

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Almost a year after her exit from the Scream franchise, Melissa Barrera is opening up about what the experience has taught her. In a conversation about her new movie Your Monster (in theaters now), Melissa exclusively told Brit + Co she feels like a whole different person than she was last year.

After posting about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict in November of 2023, Melissa was fired from Scream 7 (production company Spyglass later told Variety in a statement they believed her comments "[crossed] the line into hate speech.")

  • Melissa Barrera opens up about life after last year's Scream controversy.
  • She says she's "grateful" she "survived" the experience, "and that I'm stronger for it."
  • The actress also reveals she's focusing on how to make the industry and the world "better and safer for everyone."

Brownie Harris/Paramount Pictures

"I definitely feel like a changed person," the In The Heights actress tells B+C. "I definitely feel like my priorities are completely different than they were a year ago. I see the world through different eyes now, I see people through different eyes. I see the industry through different eyes, and I'm so grateful for that."

While the experience — and the fact the experience was so public — was difficult, Melissa says she's come out better on the other side. "I'm so grateful for everything that I went through, even though it was really hard, I'm so grateful that I lived it and that I survived it, and that I'm stronger for it," she continues. "And that I know I have a focus of what I wanna keep doing, not just for me and my career, but like, how can I contribute to the industry and to the world to make it better and safer for everyone?"

- YouTube

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

The end of the year brings plenty of reflection, whether you're someone who thrives on journal prompts or you prefer to yap over a bottle of wine with your best friend. But a viral Sundance interview from January, in which Melissa Barrera says the experience with Spyglass started helping her "finally figure out who I'm supposed to be," proves she's been reflecting all year long.

"Everybody's kind of like thinking of like, 'What does the future hold? Like, how do we make it better?' And I have been thinking that for a year," she says. "There's people that have actually been on this journey for way longer, and it's them that we should be thanking for our world not being like over with right now, you know? They're the ones that continue to make changes for the better and to fight for better things for all of us."

Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

After Melissa Barrera's exit from Scream, news broke that Jenna Ortega wouldn't return for the seventh installment. Melissa called Jenna a "good egg" in a January interview with Rolling Stone, and gave Brit + Co some insight into that viral video of the onscreen sisters laughing during Scream 6 press.

"I was so sick during the whole press," she says. "We were laughing because I would start choking on my cough, so it was hilarious — or I would start laughing and it would make me cough and then I couldn't stop. So yeah, we were laughing a lot during that press run because I was sick as a dog."

Okay, I need these two in a sister comedy ASAP.

You can see Melissa Barrera in Your Monster now, and watch Scream and Scream 6 on Paramount+.

Color lovers are in for a treat this season as the best trending home decor hues lean heavily into moody jewel tones and nature-inspired hues. Espresso and burgundy and hints of gold – with a few earthy pastels in the mix – are brightening our neutral spaces and giving us a reason to love color again this season. Here are six moody, modern, and monochrome color trends to embrace this season and decorate your happy home.

Golden Yellow

Lemieux Et Cie

Darker shades like deep gold are adding drama and sophistication to interiors. Whether you opt for subtle buttery yellows (also on trend) or go bold with gold, yellow tones can brighten and elevate your space. Find this rich hue on accent walls, furniture, or accessories.

Shop Yellow Home Decor

West Elm

Cotton Velvet Blackout Curtain

Burgundy

Meredith Kleinman Design

Deep, rich reds are classic for the season and gracing our living spaces with stunning color. Use this color on kitchen cabinets (try Benjamin Moore Classic Burgundy) or your favorite furniture and decor.

Shop Burgundy Home Decor

Interior Define

Maxwell Fabric Sofa By Apartment Therapy

Lulu and Georgia

Carmine Velvet Pillow

Earthy Greens

Gavin Cater

Married couple and design duo behind the Los Angeles design firm Bungalowe, Karan and Sapna Aggarwal, recently renovated their home in the Highland Park neighborhood of LA with this earthy green zellige tile as the accent color in an otherwise neutral home. (Check out their gorgeous home for rustic decor inspiration). Moss, olive, and deep greens like this one are making their way into homes that want to bring in some striking color.

Shop Earthy Green Home Decor

Ruggable

Taylor Washable Wool Rug

Espresso And Mocha

Nils Timm

These yummy colors are on the rise as a modern neutral. Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of celeb-loved L.A. design firm House of Rolison were tasked with reimagining this 1950s Beverly Hills home in the coveted neighborhood for a modern era and chose chocolate and dark woody accents throughout. UK-based Graham & Brown announced its Color of the Year 2025: Elderton, a neutral toned brown inspired by nature. These versatile hues add a sense of warmth and earthiness, perfect for creating cozy, inviting spaces.

Shop Espresso And Mocha Home Decor

Ferm Living

Mara Knotted Rug

Pottery Barn

Ozark Swivel Chair

Urban Outfitters

Sienna Checkered Stool

Earthy Pinks

Desenio

Earthy pinks like toffee, clay and mauve are softening up the rich jewel tone vibe in spaces like this Whimsical Wonderland Gallery Wall. Mixed with more saturated pinks it creates a stunning contrast for all your demure dreams.

Shop Earthy Pink Decor

Lulu and Georgia

Kimber Linen Pillow

Midnight Blues

Anthropologie

With warm colors dominating in recent years, dark moodier blues are creeping back in for us blue lovers. This Winton Dining Table gives this monochrome room a beautiful centerpiece.

Shop Moody Blue Decor

Lemieux et Cie

Roanne Renee Rug

Anthropologie

Liv Wood Lamp Base

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

I can totally understand falling for a costar. One scene gazing into each other's eyes, and (as the kids say), I'd be asking, "What are we?" Zendaya & Tom Holland and Ashley Park & Paul Forman both met on the sets of their most famous projects (Spider-Man and Emily in Paris, in case you were wondering), and this year's biggest movie event also features a brand new celebrity couple: Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater.

The co-stars made headlines when they ended their respective marriages and started dating each other, and Ethan Slater finally spoke out on the response to their relationship. Here's what he had to say, and the latest news on this couple.

  • Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater met on the set of Wicked, in theaters November 22.
  • The couple made headlines when they started dating the same month they separated from their respective spouses.
  • In a recent interview, Ethan Slater reveals the reaction to their relationship was "really hard."

Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's Full Relationship Timeline

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Late 2022 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Meet While Filming Wicked

After Ariana and Ethan were both cast in Jon M. Chu's Wicked, the movie began filming in early December. Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, while Ethan Slater got the role of Boq, one of Glinda's Shiz University classmates.

March 27, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Were "All Over Each Other"

Ariana and Ethan reportedly could get enough of each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscars party. A source told The Daily Mail later that summer that "They were seen making out at a pub in Hampstead, and they were all over each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscar party."

Aliah Anderson/Getty Images

July 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Split From Their Partners And Start Dating

News of Ariana's split from her then-husband Dalton Gomez broke on July 17, while TMZ also reported Ethan filed for divorce from his wife at the time, Lilly Jay, on July 26. (Ariana and Dalton ended up filing for divorce in September).

After People reported Ariana and Ethan were now in a relationship of their own, Lilly told Page Six that “[Ariana’s] the story, really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage.” However, other sources claim Lilly and Ethan had been separated for a couple months before his relationship with Ariana started.

August 2, 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Are Moving Fast

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly fell head over heels so quickly, their friends were telling them to pump the breaks. “Ariana’s been told it’s too soon to go public with him and to take things slower,” said an Us Weekly insider at the time. “She’s very aware of how she’s perceived by her fans, and she’s trying to be mature. [But] if it were up to her, she’d be seen with him tomorrow.”

Elsa/Getty Images

September 4, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Are Learning How To Balance Their Relationship

Sources told People at the beginning of September that the costars and couple are trying to figure out how to balance their relationship with their celebrity.

“While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public,” a friend of the couple says. “They are just trying to navigate their new relationship in private."

Another reemphasizes that Ariana and Ethan only started dating after they were separated from their spouses, while a third adds, “They are doing their best to balance the fact that they are in the public eye with the desire to be respectful to all parties involved.”

September 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Go To Disney World

Surrounded by their friends and family, the Wicked movie stars headed for a day at the happiest place on earth. "They went with a big group of friends as well her mom and brother," a source told People. The source also said they're "really happy and really good for each other. All of her friends love him."

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 — Ariana Grande Supports Ethan Slater's Spamalot

Ariana Grande showed up to support her boyfriend for Spamalot's opening night at Broadway's St. James Theater.

December 23, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Grab Dinner In New York City

To celebrate the holidays, Ariana and Ethan headed out to a nice Italian dinner, reportedly with Ari's dad Ed Butera. "They love to support each other in their work," a source told People. "When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can."

Considering she's a musical girlie, and has been on Broadway herself, I totally believe Ariana heads to the theatre whenever she gets a chance!

December 28, 2023 — Ariana Grande Says She Feels "Deeply Misunderstood"

“I’ve never felt more at the mercy of and in acceptance of what life was screaming to teach me,” Ariana Grande said in an Instagram story. “I have never felt more pride or joy or love while simultaneously feeling so deeply misunderstood by people who don’t know me, who piece whispers together and make what they want out of me and their assumptions of my life.”

A source also told People that the popstar is “serious with Ethan. She loves being with him."

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

January 12, 2024 — Ariana Grande Releases "Yes, And?"

In a line heard 'round the world, Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" (the lead single from her Eternal Sunshine album) begs the question, "Why do you care so much whose d—k I ride?" The song doesn't mention Ethan by name, but there's a lot of room to infer.Although, when the album releases in March, Ariana also talks about a new "interaction" on “Intro (End of the World)," and wonders "if he’s judgin’ me like I am right now."

September 30, 2024 — Ariana Grande Defends Ethan Slater

In a Vanity Fair cover story, Ariana opened up about the reaction to her relationship with Ethan Slater, revealing that “the most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of [the story]."

“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she says. “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about. There is no one on this earth with a better heart...I’m 31 years old and I’m not a perfect person, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming. I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good.”

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Lucille Lortel Theatre

October 30, 2024 — Ethan Slater Finally Speaks Out About His Relationship With Ariana Grande

Almost two years after meeting Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater finally opened up about their relationship in a new interview with GQ. “Obviously, it was a really super big year and I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public," he says. "There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening, so it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love. So just to address that part of it, that feels really hard."

But the clouds also came with silver linings. “Of course, it was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I’m just really excited," he continues. "I’m just really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this. She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”

Check back here for the latest news on this Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's relationship! Read up on Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce while you're at it ;).

We love our families, we really do, but one of the best parts of growing up is getting to make yourself a new friend-family to celebrate with, whether it's your college buddies or the group you do happy hour with after work. Think Galentines Day and, our more timely fave, Friendsgiving. Whether you're looking forward to Turkey Day at your in-laws' or not, you can always count on your squad for a killer festive time, especially with these 19 Friendsgiving ideas.

Share The Wealth

Fauxels/Pexels

One of the most stressful things about big holiday dinners is the pressure to host the whole thing, from prep to table. You need production calendars, ideally a second oven, and three extra sets of hands. Not so with Friendsgiving! You roast the bird and let your buds bring the rest, potluck-style. Then, let them go around the table and present their dish. Make them really sell it and brag about their sweet cooking skills.

Game of Football or Soccer

Mizuno K/Pexels

If you want to take inspiration from an episode of Friends, a game of football or soccer is always a good idea. Just don't let things get *too* competitive!

Go For a Walk

Thirdman/Pexels

Nothing makes you feel better after a heavy meal than going for a walk. Whether it be a beach, a park, or just around the neighborhood, grab your friends and walk and talk.

Caravan Draw Together Thanksgiving Set

Brit + Co

Print out an epic tablecloth that you can color in, or just put butcher paper, crayons, and paints on the table and let your friends go to town decorating. We bet they wouldn’t even be opposed to making turkeys with their handprints.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

IMDB

Age is just a number, and the Peanuts gang will live in our hearts forever. Watch the movie on the big screen with all your friend and reminisce about Thanksgivings from your younger days.

Macy's Parade Drinking Game

Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

When it comes to the Macy’s parade, some things are a given: There will be a marching band from the Midwest, there will be floats, and there will likely be some country star wearing a cowboy hat. Lay out the rules, and then get ready to do some pre-dinner drinking. If you want to save that valuable stomach real estate for food, make it a workout game rather than a drinking game. Think jumping jacks, burpees, and plank (while you’re doing that, we’ll be in the corner, thank you very much).

Card Games

Yan Krukau/Pexels

If you’re too full to swing a stick around, board games or card games are always a safe bet. Maybe playing Cards Against Humanity might seem slightly wrong on this most thankful of days, but we do promise that it will be fun. You can even get in the spirit of the upcoming season by adding in the Holiday Pack.

Potluck Dessert

Ron Lach

Invite each guest to bring a family favorite, provide toppings (hello, whipped cream), and dig in.

Booze Tasting

Pexels

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of a certain elixir, there’s no better time to show off than the holidays. Pick the perf wine to go with your turkey, showcase the beer you’ve been brewing, or tell the crew a thing or two about whiskey.

Gratitude List

Unlike birthday wishes, you can totally tell people what you’re thankful for. In fact, sharing in your gratitude on a group list is a great way to discover what else you may be grateful for.

To-Go Pie

ROMAN ODINTSOV

Have your guests help assemble the containers so that at the end of the night everyone gets to bring a slice or two (or three) home.

Thanksgiving Bingo

This fun printable is a great place to start, but if your squad has their own particularities, you may want to create your own. Suzie gets sloshed on rosé? Check. Tom quotes Charlie Brown? Check.

Giant Dominos

Alena Darmel

Set up lawn games.You can easily play an outdoor version of dominoes while sipping a cocktail in your Turkey Day best, or just watch everyone else run around the yard.

Appetizers

Wendy Wei/Pexels

You don’t need to wait until the afternoon to celebrate Turkey Day. Starting the festivities with some out of the ordinary thanksgiving treats before you all head to your dinners is a great way to say you’re thankful for each other.

Photo Area

Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

Instead of one big awkward photo, you can take all the cute photos you want in a designated photo area. DIY an ombre leaf wall and bring in some fun props like a turkey leg, wishbones, and more!

Have dessert outside

Aline Viana/Pexels

While having your entire Thanksgiving feast probably isn't feasible, take some of the fun outside when it comes to dessert! This allows you to get some fresh air, put on your cutest chunky sweater, and enjoy the fall weather.

Decorate Cookies

Roman Odinstov/Pexels

This activity is fun and tasty! What could be better than that? Play some music, light some fall-scented candles, and watch everyone have a blast.

Gossip Girl Thanksgiving Episode Marathon

Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

Arguably the best Thanksgiving episodes come from Gossip Girl! Queue them all up and sit back and watch all the drama unfold.

Make Hot Chocolate

Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

Nothing is cozier than hot chocolate! Put on a holiday movie, distribute hot chocolate, and have a great time.

If you need ideas for your menu, check out our easy and affordable Friendsgiving recipes!

This post has been updated.