Canada
So, Friendsgiving. We get that Friendsgiving rolls off the tongue more easily, but maybe it should be ThanksFriendsing to properly express what we’re celebrating – our gratitude for the camaraderie and community of our closest friends.
Whether it’s an epic event or a quiet coming together, here’s a checklist that we’ve found helpful in pulling together a festive Friendsgiving without any frazzle.
- Make it a potluck. Everyone gets to contribute and no one has to shoulder the burden of the entire meal. It gives each of us the opportunity to taste (and compliment) what everyone brings, whether they prepared it themselves or selected it.
If you’re hosting the Friendsgiving potluck:
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- Make a potluck sign up so we don’t wind up with three dishes of mashed potatoes and four green beans and not much else. Maybe someone can bring the amazing Stuffed Kabocha Squash pictured at the left or maybe the Low Carb Riced Cauliflower Stuffing pictured below (recipes also linked below). Pretty much everyone has access to Google sheets, but you could do it anywhere you all have access to.
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- Make sure it has seven sections (appetizers, breads, salads, main dishes, sides, desserts, and drinks) and allows people to put down their name and what exactly they’re bringing and any special notes.
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- It’s also good to include a column where people with specific needs around food (allergies or specific diets) can state what they cannot eat.
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- If at all possible, use real plates and flatware and set a place for every guest. It can be so tempting to use disposables for a gathering, but it’s so much more festive to use the real stuff.
If you are attending a Friendsgiving potluck:
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- Don’t forget that host gift (in addition to your meal contribution). It doesn’t have to be expensive or grand – just something thoughtful to show your appreciation that they’re hosting. A bag of coffee or tea? Some preserves? A thoughtful token goes a long way.
- Try to avoid bringing a dish that you have to finish cooking or assemble in the host’s kitchen, unless you’ve made arrangements in advance.
Looking for great menu contributions for Friendsgiving? Here are a few of our favorites:
Low Carb Riced Cauliflower Stuffing
Stuffed Kabocha Squash Centerpiece
Roasted Butternut, Apple, and Walnut Salad
Red Pear & Goat Cheese Medallion Salad
Butternut Squash Puree with Balsamic, Rosemary and Parmesan
Braised Kale with Butternut and Bacon
Harvest Pie with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries
Do you do a Friendsgiving potluck gathering? And if so, how do you do it? In place of standard Thanksgiving or as a second gathering over the weekend? Same type of menu as traditional Thanksgiving or do you do something completely different? Taking time at the start of the oft-frenetic holiday season to really savor your community is a soul-warming treat for all.
