Friendsgiving Ideas: How To Host A Friendsgiving In The UK
Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving-style meal with friends instead of family. You don't need to be American — it's simply a cosy autumn dinner where everyone brings a dish and says what they're thankful for. Most people hold it on a weekend around Thanksgiving, which is Thursday 26 November in 2026.
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Food (everyone brings a dish)
- Host cooks the main: roast turkey crown, chicken or a big veggie pie.
- Sides: roast potatoes, mac and cheese, stuffing, honey-roast carrots.
- Something American: cornbread or sweet potato with marshmallows.
- Pudding: pumpkin pie, apple crumble or pecan pie.
Games and activities
- A 'thankful jar': everyone writes something they're grateful for and reads them out.
- An autumn or Thanksgiving pub quiz.
- Pictionary or charades after dinner.
- Pie-baking contest with a silly prize.
Decorations and table
- Autumn colours: orange, deep red, mustard and brown.
- Paper leaf garlands or bunting.
- Mini pumpkins and candles down the table.
- Name cards with a 'thankful for' note for each guest.
Hosting tips
- Send a shared list so you don't get five desserts.
- Ask about dietary needs early.
- Keep drinks simple: a big jug of mulled cider or a punch.
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How to write it so it lands
- Start a group chat for the dish list.
- Keep it relaxed — it's about friends, not a perfect turkey.
- Send guests a thank-you card afterwards.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Friendsgiving?
A Thanksgiving-style meal shared with friends, usually potluck, held around late November.
When should I host Friendsgiving?
Any weekend in November — many pick the weekend after Thanksgiving, 28–29 November in 2026.
What do you bring to Friendsgiving?
A side, pudding or drinks — check the host's list so dishes don't double up.
What is a good example of friendsgiving Ideas?
"Host cooks the main: roast turkey crown, chicken or a big veggie pie." is one of 15 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.