Two Thanksgivings are better than one! If you’ve never heard of Friendsgiving, the name says it all: thanksgiving with friends.

Friends are some of life’s greatest blessings and Friendsgiving is a great way to get some extra practice in before the big day by hosting a dinner party with loved ones. The Thanksgiving-inspired meal is to be shared with friends who typically have commitments to travel or be with immediate family during the holiday. Let’s get to planning, because we’ve got lots to be thankful for!

First, the turkey is the host’s responsibility. All other dishes can be brought by the guests!  After you’ve finalized your guest list and sent out invites, it’s time to create a side dish sign-up. Share a document online so that everyone can collaborate in an organized fashion without repeating dishes and flavors.

Get creative when decorating. Garnish the table with an assortment of fall flowers and gourds and personalized place settings for each guest. Hang up a “What I’m Thankful For” poster for all your friends to write on. You could even rent a photobooth to help remember the occasion.

Most importantly, don’t forget about the music! Pick a friend with good taste to curate a playlist for the night. Or, we recommend kicking it up a notch and bringing in a live musician.