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Friendsgiving provides an opportunity for people to show appreciation to their chosen family. They can be a welcome addition to traditional holiday events or a needed refuge from complicated dynamics. Hosting Friendsgiving has become increasingly popular in recent years. People love gathering their group chat for good food and conversation as the year approaches a close. The result is a great time, but facilitating that great time can take some work. We asked seasoned event planner and Maple and Monroe founder Shakira Johnson for some of her Friendsgiving best practices to help you plan a memorable occasion this year.
Consider Budget
“Whenever you’re doing an event, you have got to start with the numbers first, whether that’s a large-scale event or an intimate event in your own home,” said Johnson.
Make a Realistic Guest List
It’s tempting to throw a grand shindig where everyone you’ve ever double-tapped on Instagram is welcome, but that is only feasible for some people. “If you have a smaller number, you can create a more elevated experience for those in that room of a few,” Johnson pointed out.
The ideal number of guests is determined by your setup.
“For a sit-down, you do a hundred percent seating, meaning that if you have ten seats, then you invite ten people,” she continued. The seating requirements for gatherings that do not require place settings are a bit more lax. “If it’s a cocktail or more of a house party style, you can do as low as 50 percent [seating]. That’s the minimum that will typically do,” Johnson explained. The seating sweet spot for most affairs is between “50 and 75 percent.”
Divide The Labor…In Advance
“Parties are great, but clean up can be a heavy lift,” said Johnson. “If you already have a housekeeper, just notify them you’re having a party.” Keeping your housekeeper informed can help get your home back on track quicker. “They can adjust their schedule around what you’re having in your home,” she explained. If this is not a service you usually splurge on, you can still get help on the fly. “If you don’t normally have a cleaning team, you can use services like TaskRabbit,” said Johnson. If enlisting hired help is not an option, you can ask those “dearest and closest to you.” “If hiring is not an option, just get some help in advance so that you’re not overwhelmed,” said Johnson. Avoid awkward interactions by designating responsibilities ahead of time. “Usually, people don’t mind, but you don’t want to spring it on people,” Johnson advised.
Plan The Menu Thoughtfully
Inclusion is always in style. Please remember to ask your guests about any dietary restrictions before the event so that you can make sure they’re comfortable.
Do not assume that because someone was drinking alcohol and eating meat or cheese the last time you saw them, they will still be doing so on the day of your function.
Labeling items on a table or passed tray helps avoid issues as well. Everyone will be informed about their options to make the right decision.
Pick Unique Post Dinner Activities
Instead of pulling out the card games, cigars, and cognac, try something new by adding a charitable element to your party this holiday season. “Social impact is the new black,” declared Johnson. “So post dinner. I see that as a great opportunity to make baskets that can be taken down to food shelters or given to groups already collecting holiday items.” “You can wrap toys,” she added. “As we know, this economy has created a scenario where the food pantries have more demand than they can even supply, and many people are losing their jobs. So, as a part of your invitation, ask people to bring a gift or an item aside after dinner,” she continued. “What’s better than a Friendsgiving but by blessing others?”
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