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13 Friendsgiving ideas for a Pinterest-worthy fall dinner party

November 1, 2023

Is it that time already? The Halloween festivities are through and that means it’s fall gatherings and holiday parties from here on out! Whether you’ve stopped by on the hunt for Friendsgiving ideas or just want to throw a fall dinner party at home, we’ve rounded up our favorite Friendsgiving hosting tricks for that coveted fall tablescape and details, menu and more. Take a peek!

Friendsgiving Tablescape Ideas

outdoor friendsgiving table ~ fall dinner party ideas (via @sarahkjp)
Sarah Patrick

If anyone knows how to pull off the perfect outdoor Friendsgiving spread (and perfectly photogenic pies), it’s Sarah Patrick. Take a cue from this New England Thanksgiving and fill your table with pumpkins, pies, and cozy candles.

outdoor fall friendsgiving ideas with dried foliage tablescape
Chinling Photography

An easy (and beautiful) way to fill out a Thanksgiving table without having to purchase a lot of decor? Incorporate dried foliage like in this elegant fall event inspiration.

cozy thanksgiving dinner or friendsgiving ideas with outdoor tablescape
Vasilis Kouroupis

Whether your gathering is indoors or out, you can up the cozy factor with pillows, blankets, and candles like in this Autumn tablescape .

Thanksgiving Cocktail

spiced apple cider for friendsgiving cocktail
Alyson Brown

Welcome guests into your home with a spiced Thanksgiving cocktail like this spiked apple cider with pear and cinnamon marshmallows, which can be served warm or on ice depending on your vibe. Get the recipe here!

maple chai spice cocktail for a fall dinner party
Jessica Jaccarino Photography

Or, try this chai maple old fashioned featuring homemade syrups.

Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Autumn wedding grazing table with cheese, charcuterie, and pies
Berkley Martin Photography

When it comes to Friendsgiving, you decide whether you’d like to craft a formal Thanksgiving meal for your guests or simply focus on specific elements of the traditional fare. It’s also common to serve a Friendsgiving dinner potluck style, with each guest contributing—gotta love the communal feel of that approach! Either way, apps and desserts are a must, and a grazing board with meats, cheeses, fresh and dried fruits makes for an impressive display and tasty spread. Extra points for pies!

friendsgiving idea: a turkey sandwich board (via Reluctant Entertainer)
Reluctant Entertainer

Another more casual way to serve up a Thanksgiving-inspired meal at your fall dinner party: an epic turkey sandwich board. Turkey, stuffing, rolls, cranberry, potatoes… It’s all on the board! See how to pull off this impressive spread from Reluctant Entertainer here.

homemade pumpkin sourdough bread by Swarnika Prakash
Swarnika Prakash

In the off chance that anyone here knows how to pull off an artfully scored sourdough, this Pumpkin and Cranberry Sourdough by Swarnika Prakash is an absolute show stopper! How cute are the cinnamon “stems”?

The Kids Table

kids friendsgiving ideas with beijos events
Blaire Going

A Thanksgiving table is a must for any fall dinner party with little ones in attendance. Get inspired by perusing these kids Friendsgiving party ideas, including a display of caramel apples, disposable dinnerware, and loads of balloons.

Desserts

Love and Olive Oil Apple of My Pie - Friendsgiving fall dinner party ideas
Love and Olive Oil

Have we mentioned pie?! Pies for Thanksgiving are obvi a must, and this “apple of my pie” design is too cute not to share with friends.

custom pumpkin sugar cookies place settings by Bouge Cookie Company
Bouge Cookie Company

Make (or more realistically, order) custom pumpkin sugar cookies with your guests’ names etched in icing. They make perfect little Thanksgiving place cards that double as favors.

Thanksgiving Leftovers

thankful grateful blessed friendsgiving ideas with cute takeout containers for leftovers
Aubrey Taiese Photography

The custom takeaway containers featured in this casual Thanksgiving dinner are the perfect Friendsgiving sendoff.

Thanksgiving hostess gift idea or Friendsgiving gift idea
Aubrey Taiese Photography

Lastly, a recipe attached to a spoon or napkins makes for another thoughtful idea fall dinner party favor to leave friends feeling full and inspired.