How to host your own Friendsgiving
As November comes upon us, fall begins to wane, and the semester starts to wind down, most students will start to make their travel plans for the Thanksgiving holiday break. While coming together to share memories and 
food with family after a long absence is a huge blessing, honoring new and old friendships is also very important.
Even if you can’t be with your friends on Thanksgiving Day, you can still celebrate those important relationships by hosting a “Friendsgiving”. A Friendsgiving gathering can be as casual or formal, and as simple or elaborate as you want; it can be anywhere from dessert and coffee with a few of your closest friends, to a planned, sit-down potluck dinner with a large group of people.
Whether you plan on just serving desserts or putting together an entire meal, warm, simple dishes will remind everyone of home and are perfect for the chilly weather. For drinks, hot apple cider or creamy hot chocolate, made in a crock pot, are both easy options that can serve a big crowd. Supply caramel syrup, whipped cream, marshmallows, and your favorite candy on the side, and you have a do-it-yourself hot chocolate or apple cider bar.
You can ask your friends to bring different main or side dishes, or you can make a hearty, one-pot meal, like soup, chili, or pasta, and ask those attending to bring a dessert to share.
No matter your budget, a few decorations around your apartment, ho
me, or dorm can add the finishing touches to make your Friendsgiving extra special. Simple autumn-themed banners and other décor can be purchased from the Target dollar section for $1-$3, and artificial or real pumpkins can help add to the cozy effect. Even colorful leaves sprinkled on the table or placed in a bowl or vase make the perfect, no-cost centerpiece!
Don’t just let the food be the main focus of the event. Consider asking your friends to share something they’re thankful for, a favorite memory from the year, or a compliment for someone in the room. Doing this is the perfect way to round of the end of the semester at school and reflection on the year’s many blessings.
Bryce Hagan
Elyse Crichton
Sierra K
Tomás Carradero
Zoe Herron