▶ ▶ The Backyard If you live in a climate where November is pleasant, our vote is for a backyard soirée. It’s pandemic friendly, easy to clean up afterward and offers space for kids to run around and have fun after dinner. If you choose outdoors, make sure to bring coverings for inclimate weather and insect spray —mosquitoes are year- round in some areas! ▶ ▶ Indoors Indoor meals don’t have to take place around a formal dinner setting — though there’s nothing wrong with that if you have the time and motivation. A great room with plenty of casual floor seating is one option we love, or try the sunroom, the basement or even the garage set up with space heaters. ▶ ▶ A rented facility, such as a clubhouse We’ve all attended parties at rented facilities, and if you are fortunate to have access to a clubhouse, pool house or similar space, it’s a great idea — especially if you plan on hosting a few more people than you’re comfortable having at home.
The Entertainment ▶ ▶ For adults Obviously, great food and conversation will be the main entertainment highlight for the grown-ups, but you could take things a step further and have a few lighthearted party games on hand. Whether you
If you’re planning to host a more casual party, you have two options: create your own menu with simpler versions of festive favorites, or ask guests to bring an item of their own to add to the menu. While some hosts will want to be in charge of the entire menu, most Friendsgivings opt for the second method — a “potluck” style. So how can you make sure you don’t end up with four green bean casseroles if you host a potluck? This is where the invitations come in handy. With paper invitations, you could list suggested items for a menu and have guests announce their contribution when they RSVP. If you are using social media to invite your guests, an online discussion will do the trick. What should you provide as the host? Turkey would be the most obvious answer (and/or a vegetarian option) but we’re also in favor of choosing whatever your “best dish” is and letting guests know what you’ll have on hand. You won’t go wrong with serving one main course, one unique side and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages such as punch, iced tea or seltzers. Then, ask your guests to provide the other sides, desserts and the beer/wine of their preference.
choose board games, card games, or “parlor games”
such as charades, a game can break the ice and keep people laughing and talking. ▶ ▶ For kids Younger kids can entertain
themselves with their imaginations, but sulky
preteens and teens might need a bit of help getting off their devices. Some fun options are Exploding Kittens, Apples to Apples, Jenga, Monopoly, What Do You Meme and Twister.
The Menu The food is the focal point of most holiday gatherings, but when you’re hosting friends or neighbors, the rules can be more flexible. Sure, you can create an entire spread using your great- aunt’s recipes if you choose, but a laid-back Friendsgiving party doesn’t demand it.
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