How to Be a Relaxed Friendsgiving Host

The holidays are a time where the pressure to be the perfect host can feel as heavy as the turkey you just lifted. However, Friendsgiving is the perfect time to lean into being a bit more relaxed and enjoying the company of your people. Let’s be real: your friends won’t remember if you scrubbed your floors or whether the table was Pinterest-perfect. What they’ll cherish is the time together, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. So take a deep breath, relax, and let’s create a gathering that’s as casual as it is delightful. Let these five tips and tricks help you celebrate Friendsgiving with ease.

Serve Only Appetizers & Sides

Yep, you read that right. Why go for a full turkey dinner when you can host a casual spread of delicious appetizers? Think cheese boards, veggie platters, and easy dips that require minimal prep, alongside Thanksgiving classics like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce. One simple crowd-pleaser? A three-ingredient cranberry dip. Mix up some Jellied Cranberry Sauce from Ocean Spray® (you’ll never convince us that canned cranberry sauce isn’t superior to homemade) with cream cheese and a dash of orange zest. Spread it on crackers or dip celery into it, and watch it disappear faster than it took you to make it (about three minutes, for those of you counting). You can also use Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce to make these delectable Cranberry Brie Bites, which will no doubt fly off the platter. There’s no wrong way to enjoy the holiday’s favorite fruit.

Opt For Family-Style Dining

Forget the formal sit-down dinner with pre-portioned plates. Instead, set up a family-style table where everyone can help themselves. This encourages mingling and creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Arrange a variety of dishes in the center, allowing guests to pick and choose their favorites to pass around. Consider using colorful platters and bowls to make the spread visually appealing. Pro tip: Place a couple of disposable or instant-film cameras on the table to encourage everyone to capture memories throughout the night — you’ll never regret it!

Create a Signature Cocktail

If you want to make a signature cocktail without breaking out your full at-home bar setup, you’re in good hands. Try a classic Cosmopolitan. Just mix Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail juice with vodka, fresh lime juice, and triple sec, and you’re good to go. For a special touch, rim your martini or coupe glasses with sugar before the guests arrive so they’re ready to sip from. You can also switch things up by trying out a four-ingredient Jingle Mule Cocktail, which can easily be batched and served in a drink dispenser for your guests to pour their own refills. If you’d prefer a drink with a little fizz, mix your favorite juice and liquor of choice in a rocks glass, add a squeeze of fresh lime, and top it off with a splash of club soda. Garnish with skewered fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a simple yet elegant finish.

Embrace the Paper Plates

Let’s be honest: nobody enjoys doing dishes after a big meal. This year, embrace the convenience of paper plates. Not only will you save time and effort, but you’ll also be able to focus on what really matters: enjoying your time together. Plus, there are plenty of stylish options available to keep your table looking cute while you focus on the fun.

Keep the Focus on Friendship

At the end of the day, Friendsgiving is all about connection. Put away your phone, switch off the distractions, and engage in real conversations with your friends. Share memories, swap recipes, and enjoy each other’s company. Remember, your friends aren’t there for the perfect Instagram photo; they’re there for you. So take a deep breath, sit back, relax, and enjoy celebrating the holiday with your friends who feel like family.