As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to gather your closest pals for a feast that celebrates friendship and gratitude. At Cowboy Chicken, we believe the best get-togethers are simple ones! We have enough stressful events going on around the holidays, planning time with friends and loved one’s shouldn’t be one of them. Whether you’re a seasoned Friendsgiving host or a first-timer, we’ve outlined some helpful tips and ideas that will ensure your gathering is a memorable and stress-free affair. From a mouthwatering “ready-to-go” meal from Cowboy Chicken to festive decor ideas that set the perfect ambiance, we’ve got you covered. So, dust off your favorite autumnal decorations and get ready to create unforgettable memories with friends, food, and laughter. Here’s how you can host the ultimate Friendsgiving this year!

Choose A Date 

Choosing the perfect date for your Friendsgiving gathering is as easy as pie! Simply pick any day in November, and you’re done! November offers the ideal backdrop with its crisp fall weather and a sense of anticipation for the upcoming holiday season. Consider your friends’ schedules and commitments to ensure maximum attendance, and don’t forget to account for any work, family, or travel plans they may have during the holiday season. Traditionally, many people choose to host their Friendsgiving events right before Thanksgiving, while others might prefer a mid-month gathering to avoid the holiday rush. It’s all about what works for you, so, take a moment to consult with your crew, and circle a date on the calendar that allows everyone to kick back and relax. The time leading up to Thanksgiving also makes it easier to find decorations and other necessities you’ll need. It also provides you with ample time to plan, shop, decorate, and call your local Cowboy Chicken to order your delicious feast! 

Pick A Theme

Picking a theme for your gathering can add an extra layer of fun and creativity to the event. This is not a must, but for those of you who love a good theme, this is where you’ll shine! If you’re in need of a few suitable ideas, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. 

• Rustic Harvest Theme: Use burlap table runners, mason jar centerpieces filled with dried flowers or wheat stalks, and wooden place settings. Incorporate autumn leaves, pumpkins, and candles for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Friendsgiving Fiesta: Embrace vibrant colors with Mexican-inspired decor, including papel picado banners, sombreros, and cactus centerpieces. Set the mood with festive music. Offer a Tex-Mex twist with your feast with guacamole for your apps, and margaritas with your meal. Don’t forget to include churros or flan for dessert.
• Woodland Wonderland: Create an outdoor or rustic cabin setting using natural elements like tree garlands, pinecones, tree branches, and lanterns. Opt for cozy blankets and plaid tablecloths. Dessert options include gooey campfire favorites like s’mores, and hot cocoa with roasted marshmallows. Bonus points for after dinner cocktails around a backyard fire pit! 
• Vintage Elegance: Create a nostalgic ambiance with vintage tableware, antique vases, fresh flowers, and classic record players playing classic tunes. Encourage guests to dress in vintage attire, and serve up retro cocktails like martinis or old fashioneds.

Choosing a theme can help guide your drink, dessert, and decor decisions, making the planning process even more enjoyable and seamless. So, whether you decide to go with a theme or not, make sure that it reflects the vibes of your friend group!

Invite Your Guests 

When it comes to creating your Friendsgiving guest list, it’s important to consider the space you have available. If you’re planning an evening in your home, you may want to keep things cozy by inviting just a few close friends, ensuring everyone has ample room to relax and enjoy the festivities. However, if you have a larger space or are hosting the event outdoors, feel free to invite more friends and expand your circle of gratitude. To streamline the invitation process and make things easy for your guests, consider sending a quick evite or even a simple text with the date and details. This modern approach allows for swift RSVPs and saves you time and effort. While sending snail mail invitations has its charm, we personally say, skip it – with all the other preparations on your plate, keeping it digital is a hassle-free choice that ensures everyone can join in the festive fun!

Plan The Menu 

Planning the menu can often be the most stressful part of hosting an event. But fear not, at Cowboy Chicken, we’ve transformed your culinary frustrations into a delicious feast with our Holiday Turkey Package. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, just give us a call or head to our website to place your order for all your favorite holiday fixin’s. Our Holiday Turkey Package, includes a succulent roasted turkey, along with a delectable array of sides, like Twice Baked Potaters, an additional Wild West side, and fresh rolls. Now, the easiest (and tastiest) part of your Friendsgiving is done and done – thanks to Cowboy Chicken! To complete your meal, don’t forget to add a few gallons of our signature tea to your order for that perfect Southern touch. With Cowboy Chicken, you can skip the grocery shopping, the kitchen chaos, and the stress of meal prep. Just pick up your order, set the table, and get ready to enjoy a memorable evening with your loved ones!

Time To Decorate

Now it’s time for the truly fun part of hosting – decorating! With your chosen theme as your guide, get moving to your favorite retail chains, craft and hobby stores, or even the local party supply shop. Let your imagination run wild as you pick out decorations that align perfectly with your theme. Whether you’re opting for a rustic harvest vibe, or a chic vintage affair, make your space picture-perfect. Consider vibrant table settings, fun centerpieces, and eye-catching wall decor that’ll not only set the mood but also create wonderful memories to capture and share online or as keepsakes for your friends. And don’t forget the finishing touches – party favors and goody bags! These little tokens of appreciation will leave your guests with fond memories of the day, allowing them to cherish the Friendsgiving celebration for months or even years to come. So, grab your shopping list, put on your creative hat, and let the decorating adventure begin!

Friendsgiving is all about coming together, sharing laughter, and expressing gratitude for the special people in your life. Whether you’re following a theme, suggesting a dress code, playing festive games, or simply enjoying heartwarming conversations over cocktails, Cowboy Chicken’s Holiday Turkey Package ensures that the meal is a highlight of the day. So, why not cross meal planning off your to-do list and leave it to the experts? 

Simply order ahead online or give us a call, and we’ll provide you with a delicious feast that includes mouthwatering fire-roasted turkey and a variety of delicious homestyle sides. Cowboy Chicken will help you create a fresh, fun celebration that brings friends closer, makes memories sweeter, and allows you to fully savor the moment. Order online today, and get ready to host a Friendsgiving to remember – one filled with warmth, gratitude, and the delicious flavors of Cowboy Chicken. Cheers to good times and great food!