Friendsgiving (and Friendsmas!) holds a special place in my heart. While the holiday season is often thought of as family-focused, I truly believe it’s also the perfect time to celebrate and nurture your friendships. Gathering your closest friends for a heartfelt Friendsgiving is one of the most beautiful ways to show them love and appreciation.

If you’re planning to host one this year, I’m here to help with everything you need to create a memorable gathering—whether it’s all on you or a group collaboration. From crafting the perfect guest list to setting the mood with decor, here’s your ultimate guide to hosting a Friendsgiving that’s as thoughtful as it is festive.

What is Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving is all about celebrating the chosen family you’ve built with your closest friends. It's a more casual, flexible, and creative version of Thanksgiving, where you can let your personality shine while sharing gratitude and good food.

1. Crafting the Guest List and Choosing the Location

Start with a guest list that feels intimate but inclusive. Invite those friends who truly bring joy and good energy to the table.

Location Options:

• Hosting at Home: Ideal for a cozy, personalized vibe.

• Collaborative Venues: Collaborate with friends to use a shared space or even rotate hosting each year to share the joy and responsibilities.

Who Pays?

If you’re hosting solo, expect to carry most of the financial responsibility. However, you can lighten the load by asking guests to bring simple dishes like dessert, wine, or anything that doesn’t require much prep. This ensures everyone contributes without complicating the menu.

For a more collaborative approach, split tasks and costs as a group. Each person can take on specific responsibilities, such as providing appetizers, drinks, or decor. This makes it more manageable and fun for everyone involved while keeping the celebration balanced.

2. Drinks: Cheers for Everyone

No Friendsgiving is complete without a well-stocked drink selection. Be sure to include:

• Signature Cocktails: Create one or two festive options, like a spiced cranberry mule or a fall-inspired sangria.

• Non-Alcoholic Options: Make an effort to include elevated non-alcoholic drinks. Think sparkling apple cider, mocktails with cranberry and rosemary, or infused waters.

3. Decor: Go Big or Stay Classic

Elevate your Friendsgiving with thoughtful, festive decor. Start by choosing a style—classic, traditional, or creative—and let that guide your decisions.

Flowers Are Essential
Flowers bring life, color, and beauty to the table. Use a combination of bud vases, medium-sized arrangements, and larger centerpieces for depth and texture. Seasonal blooms like dahlias or peonies (depending on availability) work beautifully, and varying vase heights create a layered, visually striking effect. Just remember to keep the centerpiece proportionate to the table size.

Setting the Ambiance with Candles
Candles are a must for ambiance! I love combining taper candles with votives to create a warm, layered glow. Mixing candle holders of varying heights adds a bit of drama, elegance, and visual interest. This makes the table feel intimate and inviting, especially in the evening.

4. Music: Set the Tone

Ask each guest to share their favorite songs in advance and create a playlist that rotates everyone’s picks. This keeps the mood inclusive and ensures there’s something for everyone. Keep the vibe upbeat for dinner, and wind down with softer tunes as the evening progresses.

Friendsgiving is your chance to celebrate the love and connection you share with your friends. Whether you go big with decor and dishes or keep it simple and heartfelt, what truly matters is the time spent together. With these tips, you’ll create an unforgettable evening filled with gratitude, laughter, and beautiful memories.

✨ Cheers to celebrating life beautifully.

xx, Akeshi

PS: For more tablescape tips, don’t miss my recent feature in Forbes! Check out my expert advice on creating beautiful and unforgettable tablescapes here: Read the Forbes Article.