It’s. Almost. TURKEY. DAY. On a scale of excited to excited, how excited are you?! #excited
One of the things I’m most stoked to do once J and I are in a place of our own is host ridiculously fun and fabulous Friendsgiving parties. This whole idea of a “Friendsgiving” is just too good, isn’t it? Since Thanksgiving celebrations typically are held around the family table, Friendsgivings are meant to be a big ol’ feast of good food and friendship before Turkey Day rolls around.
I’m an impatient person, though, and waiting until next fall to host a Friendsgiving just wouldn’t work. The past two weeks have been totally nutso in a double “hell week” for my a cappella group at Penn, Counterparts. So in the spirit of livening things up and taking a much-needed break from singing and aca-bopping, we grabbed some of the best from Hickory Farms and took to nomming after a five hour weekend rehearsal.
Some people go all out with Friendsgiving, grabbing beautiful decor, setting a table, and having everyone dress up to the nines for a special, classy time together. I’m all about that life. But not this year…this year, it was just about all taking a hot sec to relax and snack and soak up the little things as we goofed off and laughed together.
With a box of cheeses, crackers, and sausages, a tin of nuts, an a whopping cheesecake sampler, just add adorable Turkey-themed plates and napkins and your crew and you’re good to get stuffed.
With three packages, you’re good to go for everyone’s tastes. Sampler selections mean you have to buy (and carry) less schtuff to bring to your car and apartment/house, but you’ve got the same great assortment of goodies. This cheese and sausage sampler has got multiple cheddars, Swiss, and jack varieties, beef and turkey sausages, crackers and nuts, AND peanut brittle. Then you’ve got this nut sampler, so your cashew, pistachio, almond, and pretzel and cranberry blend buddies will all be satisfied. You guys know I’m such a sucker for cheese and wine (have you seen these wine and cheese pairings??) and nuts and CHEESECAKE (!!!) and ugh, it’s so fabulous and delicious and I want to have little parties with everyone I know and just nom all day long.
When you’re planning a Friendsgiving, here’s a few quick tips for success:
- Plan ahead. Make sure you’ve got plans for all serving dishes, plates, utensils – the whole nine yards – ready to grab n’ go’ when guests arrive.
- Don’t stress out over dietary restrictions. Crazy in this day and age, right? But if you’re hosting, just make sure you’ve got a whole array of options, and go the extra mile by labeling little cards for in front of dishes if something contains a potential allergen or does cater to a specific food need (think: “This has nuts!” or “I’m gluten-free!“)
- Think of things for people to do when the inevitable “What can I do to help?” is asked. Instead of making yourself nuts by doing all the work yourself, let others pitch in and feel helpful – just express your gratitude afterwards, since that IS what this lil’ holiday is all about. (;
- Remember the big picture: FRIENDSgiving. It’s not all about a crazy beautiful tablescape or decor…it’s about the friends you’re bringing together. Don’t sweat it if something doesn’t go exactly according to your grand plan – remember your priority in celebrating the great people in your life, and stick
And nothing beats a sweet sampler of cheesecake for the perfect Friendsgiving happy ending, amiright?? With six different cake flavors, everyone can enjoy their own personal favorite slice. Or, if you’re like us, you can divvy it up even more and have everyone try a little bit o’ everything. Because why not?
Have you ever hosted or attended a Friendsgiving?
I’d love to hear your own tips and favorite Friendsgiving memories in a comment below! If you’re looking to try a few Hickory Farms goodies, too, I would lovelovelove to help you plan your own Friendsgiving and recommend a few more products to match exactly what you’re going for, so just let me know what vibe you’re going for and we’ll chat party.
And since you’ve gotten a taste for Hickory Farms and Friendsgiving…here’s a taste of Counterparts. (: Happy weekending!
*Thanks to Hickory Farms for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Coming Up Roses!