5 Amazing Thanksgiving Meal Spread Ideas

Welcome to the beautiful fall season! Even though you may feel a chill in the air, and the Autumnal festivities are starting to take place, to many this is the season of warmth, gratitude, and of course delicious feasts! As the leaves are changing colors, from fresh green to seasoned coppers and oranges, and the air turns crisp, it's the absolute perfect time to embrace the transitional period from harvest to holidays. And what better way is there to do that than by hosting a fantastic Friendsgiving celebration with classic and new recipes?

Friendsgiving is a new spin on an age old tradition that brings together friends, old and new, to celebrate the true joy of friendship and the absolute abundance of the season. Unlike the traditional formalities of Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving offers a much more relaxed and casual environment to gather, where everyone can contribute their favorite dishes, or spins on classic Thanksgiving dishes, and create new memories. Imagine creating a cozy atmosphere filled to the brim with laughter, honest and heartfelt conversations, and an array of absolutely delectable dishes. With the advent of Friendsgiving, you have the ultimate freedom to put your own unique twist on a traditional Thanksgiving affair, and the exciting chance to experiment with creative recipes, and even explore different cultural influences from all around the world.

So, whether you're a positively seasoned Friendsgiving host or you're simply eager to start a new tradition this year, join us as we delve into the absolute magic of this fun and friendly autumnal celebration, with a few new recipes linked below! Creating a moutwatering menu is one of the non-negotiables, so let's get into a comprehensive list of some recipes to get you inspired!

Friendsgiving Menu Items

The menu is the highlight and centerpoint of any Friendsgiving get together, so, here are some exciting ideas and recipes to help you plan an incredible mouthwatering feast:

Appetizers

For the appetizers, you'll want tasty snacks that get everyone in the mood for the main course. These snacks can be the easiest to have guests bring, and you can really think outside of the box when crafting the menu. Here's a few classics, as well as some new spins on old favorites. 

- Baked brie with cranberry sauce

- Spinach and artichoke dip

- Butternut squash soup shooters

- Cheese and charcuterie board

- Deviled eggs with bacon and chives

Main Course

For the main course, you can stick to the textbook recipes of turkey or ham, or you can adventure more into veggie land. This course should be filling and the centerpiece of the night, so choose wisely and make sure all of your guests can enjoy it. If not, be sure to plan some alternative main courses.

- Roast turkey with herb butter

- Honey glazed ham

- Slow-cooked beef brisket

- Vegetarian lentil loaf

- Stuffed acorn squash

Sides

The sides are the cheerleaders and supporters of the main course, so these are also essential. Since they're not the centerpiece, you can also ask guests to bring with them their favorite sides, and you can really customize the dining experience in this way. It could be fun to see what unique creations your guests bring to the table!

- Classic stuffing with sausage and herbs

- Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows

- Green bean casserole with crispy onions

- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple syrup

- Creamy mashed potatoes

Desserts

This is some people's favorite category of the whole occasion. Picking the desserts can be a fun and exciting part of building the menu, and you can keep it classic with a pumpkin pie, or branch out and have your guests bring mulitcultural desserts, or just their personal faves! The dessert should top off the night with a sweet treat and send your guests home feeling warm from the conversation and satisfied from the food.

- Pumpkin pie with whipped cream

- Apple crisp with vanilla ice cream

- Pecan pie with bourbon whipped cream

- Chocolate truffle cake

- Cinnamon sugar donuts