Thanksgiving is right around the corner and you’ve decided to stay close to school instead of visiting home. Now’s the perfect time to host your very first Friendsgiving in your off-campus apartment!
However, if you’ve never thrown a dinner party, you might quickly realize it takes more than cooking a turkey for a successful night. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks to make your Friendsgiving a night to remember.
Step 1: Create the Perfect Guest List
It might be tempting to invite everyone you know, but this isn’t a raging Halloween party—you’ll need to whip up enough food and space for everyone. Create a guest list of your closest friends who will appreciate the effort and contribute to the overall vibe of the night. Plus, a smaller guest list means you’ll have more time to catch up with everyone.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, make an invite on Canva and text it out. Be sure to include an RSVP date so you know exactly how many mouths you’ll have to feed.
Step 2: Make Your Menu and Assign Dishes
Now comes the fun (or very stressful) part—planning the menu. The key here is to keep it simple and delegate to your guests. You can assign specific dishes or give each guest a general category, such as “vegetarian side” or “dessert.” This takes a lot of the pressure off of you and ensures there’s a variety of dishes and dietary options for everyone. Here’s a sample menu:
- Martinelli’s
- Turkey and gravy (you can ask someone to bring this or buy a pre-cooked one)
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
- Rolls
- Brussel sprouts
- Pumpkin pie
- Sweet potato casserole
Pro tip: Consider making a Google Doc or Sheet and asking guests to add what they plan on bringing.
Step 3: Shop Around for Cute Decorations
You definitely want your off-campus apartment to feel festive and cozy, but that doesn’t mean you have to go over budget.
Hit up your local thrift store or discount home goods store for cheap and cute decorations like colorful plates and napkins, fall-inspired candles, and string lights. You can also DIY some decorations using items from the dollar store or things you already have at home.
Step 4: Plan Out the Night
Friendsgiving is mostly centered on delicious food, but you can also liven it up by planning fun activities for the night.
Have a game night with board games or cards, a “Friendsgiving talent show” where each guest performs their favorite song or dance, or a movie marathon of everyone’s favorite fall films. Your off-campus apartment might be on the small side, but there are tons of fun activities to do.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Your Host Duties
As the host, it’s your responsibility to make sure everyone is having a good time. Make sure there are enough seating areas for guests to relax and chat, keep an eye on the food and refill dishes as needed, and be prepared with extra plates, utensils, and napkins. And don’t forget to have fun—you worked hard to make the night a success!
Still Need an Off-Campus Apartment to Host at? Try Wharton Rentals
If you’re still in need of an off-campus apartment to host your Friendsgiving, check out Wharton Rentals. With a variety of properties conveniently located near Ohio University’s campus, you can find the perfect space to make your Friendsgiving dreams come true. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more!
