Friendsgiving is Thanksgiving with your chosen family: less pressure, more laughter and a table full of everyone's favorite dishes. Here is how to plan one from the first invitation to the last slice of pie.
When to host and when to invite
Most Friendsgivings happen on the weekend before Thanksgiving, when friends are still in town. In 2026 that is Saturday, November 21 or Sunday, November 22. Send invitations about three weeks ahead — friends' calendars fill up fast in November — and ask for RSVPs a week before so you can plan the potluck.
Friendsgiving invitation wording ideas
Keep the wording short and warm, and always say whether it is a potluck. A few ideas you can copy:
- Classic: “Good food, good friends, good times. Join us for Friendsgiving on Saturday, November 21 at 6 PM. Bring your favorite dish to share!”
- Cozy: “Pull up a chair — there's always room at our table. Friendsgiving dinner, Saturday at 6. RSVP to Alex by November 14.”
- Fun: “Eat, drink and be thankful (and then nap). Friendsgiving potluck at our place — we've got the turkey, you bring the sides.”
- Brunch: “Mimosas, pumpkin pancakes and good company. Join us for a Friendsgiving brunch on Sunday at 11 AM.”
Always include the date, time, address, what to bring and how to RSVP.
How to run a stress-free potluck
- Cover the main dish yourself (turkey, a roast or a big vegetarian main) so the meal has an anchor.
- Assign categories instead of leaving it open: sides, salads, bread, desserts, drinks. A simple shared list prevents five pumpkin pies.
- Ask about dietary needs in the invitation so guests can bring dishes everyone can eat.
- Have containers ready so guests can take leftovers home.
Easy Friendsgiving games
Friends love a little competition after dinner. Try Thanksgiving trivia in teams, a round of charades, or “would you rather” cards at the table. For a sweet moment, ask everyone to write what they are grateful for on a paper leaf and read a few out loud. Our Thanksgiving games guide has seven ideas that work for adults too.
Ready-to-edit Friendsgiving invitations
If you would rather not design from scratch, our Friendsgiving potluck invitation is a 5 × 7 inch Canva template with an illustrated harvest table and a “Bring your favorite dish to share” line. Change the wording in minutes, then print it or text it straight to your group chat. Hosting a morning gathering instead? See the Give Thanks brunch invitation, or browse the full Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving collection.