How to Host the Perfect Friendsgiving
Do you ever wish that Thanksgiving lasted longer?
It seems as if it goes as quickly as it comes, leaving our bellies full and our time with loved ones depleted. Well there’s another way to enjoy food with those closest to you … Friendsgiving. If you’re like me and you want to host, there are a few tips you need to know for pulling off the perfect Friendsgiving.
It’s All About the Presentation
Like any special occasion, people will be taking a lot of pictures, so you’ll probably want to ensure that your home is stylized and “picture perfect.” The easiest way to make this happen is by cleaning (super easy) and preparing the table. Candles, flowers, leaves and even burlap are fantastic table decorations. Be on the lookout for next week’s article about creating the perfect tablescape.
The food presentation makes its own statement. White plates and trays give your eyes a break and will strongly contrast with the colors of the food, making them pop and stand out. A simple and quick upgrade is to wrap your silverware in napkins before placing them on the table. It’s all in the details when it comes to making the entire presentation come together.
Let the Music Set the Mood
Awkward silence and loud conversations can happen at any event, so music playing in the background will help cover any conversation lull and add some much-needed ambiance to the room’s atmosphere.
Artists like Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé create a chill, swanky sound that create the perfect ambiance, and their music makes you feel like an adult who has it all together. Keep the music low enough to talk to one another easily, but loud enough to be enjoyed.
It Wouldn’t Be Friendsgiving Without Food
Cooking an entire meal can be daunting and expensive, so divide the workload and assign each friend a dish to bring. Not only will this be fair to everyone involved, but it also gives you a chance to try new versions of old dishes.
Pictures Are Worth A Thousand Likes
After all your hard work, don’t forget to document the moment. Take photos of the table, decor, food, and most importantly, you and your friends. Make an effort to record the event, you just might want to sit back and reminisce about it twenty years down the road.
Photos are a sure thing, so make sure you dress a little nicer than usual. Your friends know what you look like in gym clothes with messy hair, so take the time to clean yourself up so you’ll actually enjoy the pictures later.
My biggest tip to being the perfect host? Don’t take it too seriously. Have fun and make memories! The main reason we all gather for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving is to appreciate our blessings and spend time with the people we care about most.
Savor the moment — you'll be back to the "real" world before you know it.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Jack P.
Born and raised in the 256, Lydia is majoring in interior design and minoring in sustainability. Growing up with an eye for design, she pursued photography as a child and later fell in love with the simplistic beauty of modern architecture.
A lover of tattoos and all things black, Lydia believes that artistic self-expression is what makes each person unique. When she isn't hard at work on studio projects or working here in the marketing department, you can find her taking photos and cuddling with her dog. She wants to move to New York City to continue her career in design, so she can open her own architecture firm with her brother.
