Hosting a College Friendsgiving: Cozy, Fun & Totally Doable
It’s that time of year again—when the leaves are turning, the floors of dorms and apartments are echoing with laughter, and you get to host a gathering that feels more like family: a Friendsgiving. Whether you’re in a shared apartment, campus lounge, or even a big common room, you can host an event your friends will remember.
Here’s how to pull it off (and yes—I’ve added your Pinterest board for inspo at the end).
1. Pick Your Space & Ambience
- Choose a spot where people can spread out: couches + floor pillows + makeshift tables = perfect.
- Lighting sets the mood: string lights, fairy lights, or battery-candles make a big difference in a dorm/apartment setting.
- Think about the vibe: you might go cozy “rustic fall” (plaid blankets, pumpkins, warm drinks) or modern “minimal chic” (black, copper, simple décor).
- Use your Pinterest board (link below) to grab décor ideas like table settings, placemats, and centerpiece options.
2. Invitations & Guest List
- Decide whether to keep it intimate (5-7 people) or bigger (10-12). Bigger is fun but more food + logistics.
- Send a group message or use a free digital invite (e.g., Google Form or Facebook Event) to gather food preferences/allergies.
- Ask everyone to bring a dish or drink (we’ll get to that next) and assign one dish each so you’re not cooking everything alone.
3. Food: Easy, Shareable, College-Friendly
- Keep things simple and budget-wise: think casseroles, sheet pan dishes, big salad bowls.
- Since you’re in college, maybe you don’t have a full kitchen—so dishes that use one skillet or are no-bake count.
- Ask guests to bring:
- A main or hearty side (mac & cheese, roasted veggies, stuffing).
- A dessert or snack (cookies, brownies, fruit platter).
- A drink or non-alcoholic option (apple cider, iced tea, sparkling water).
- Make sure there’s at least one vegetarian option (or more) so everyone’s included.
- Set up a “DIY” station: think taco bar, build-your-own sliders, or even a baked potato bar—that gives guests something fun to do and lowers your prep stress.
4. Drinks & Kids-Friendly Options
- Non-alcoholic: sparkling apple cider, flavored seltzers, cocoa bar with marshmallows.
- Adult options (if appropriate): a signature cocktail or punch in a dispenser so you’re not mixing one by one.
- Make sure there are enough cups/ice/trash/recycling bins easily accessible.
5. Décor & Table Setup
- Use what you have: a couch coffee-table can become your buffet. Folding tables + a tablecloth = instant party zone.
- Scatter candles, mini pumpkins, or pinecones for fall touches.
- Use pretty napkins or mismatched plates for charm.
- Create a “photo corner”: a backdrop with string lights or a fall wreath for quick selfies—fun for memories and social shares.
6. Music & Ambience
- Create a playlist in advance: mix of chill, fun, and upbeat.
- Have some games or conversation starters ready: maybe a “What are you thankful for this year?” round or a light BoardGame.
- If space allows, some standing room + chill zone = comfortable flow.
7. Timing & Flow
- Pick a time that works for most (maybe early evening so people are fresh).
- Schedule roughly:
- 5:30 pm → Guests arrive, grab a drink, mingle.
- 6:00 pm → Food opens (buffet style or family style).
- 7:00 pm → Dessert.
- 7:30+ → Games / chat / relax.
- Don’t stress if someone’s late or brings something unplanned—that’s part of the charm.
8. Clean-Up Made Easy
- Use disposable plates/cups/utensils if your kitchen is limited (but pick nice ones so they still look festive).
- Set up a “trash & recycling” station so guests can help themselves.
- Have a “take-home box” option: guests can pack leftovers—less work for you, more fun for them.
9. Special Touches That Make It Memorable
- A “Thankful Tree” or jar: have guests write one thing they’re thankful for on a slip of paper and hang it or add it to a jar.
- Photo booth props: autumn leaves, hats, silly glasses.
- Personalize place cards: even if it’s casual, a name tag adds a thoughtful touch.
- Micro-gift: maybe a small fall scented candle or cookie for each guest to take home.
10. Bring in Your Pinterest Board
For a full round of ideas—food, décor, table settings, photo-op backdrops—check out this board: Friendsgiving College Style.
Feel free to pick and adapt what you like. Pinterest is perfect for inspiration when you want that mix of festive and fun without over-doing it.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a Friendsgiving in college is all about good company, warm vibes, and sharing a meaningful moment with friends. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just welcoming. Focus on connection, gratitude, and fun, and everything else will fall into place.
Have a fantastic Friendsgiving! 🍂
Perfect! Here’s a Dorm & Apartment-Friendly Friendsgiving Checklist — simple, affordable, and easy to print or copy into your planner.
🧡 College Friendsgiving Checklist
(Dorm & Apartment-Friendly Edition)
🗓️ 1. Plan & Prep
✅ Choose a date and time
✅ Check your dorm/apartment rules (for cooking, guests, etc.)
✅ Make a guest list (5–12 people is ideal)
✅ Decide on a theme or vibe (cozy fall, rustic chic, modern minimal)
✅ Create a group chat or digital invite
✅ Assign dishes—everyone brings one thing!
🛒 2. Groceries & Supplies
🥘 Food
☐ Main dish (rotisserie chicken, baked pasta, or sheet pan meal)
☐ Sides (mac & cheese, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, stuffing)
☐ Salad or veggie tray
☐ Bread or rolls
☐ Dessert (cookies, pie, brownies)
🥤 Drinks
☐ Sparkling cider / juice / soda
☐ Water pitcher or bottles
☐ Ice (store-bought or made ahead)
☐ Optional: simple punch or mocktail
🍴 Serving Supplies
☐ Plates (disposable or washable)
☐ Cups & utensils
☐ Napkins
☐ Serving spoons / tongs
☐ Trash bags
☐ Foil or storage containers for leftovers
🕯️ 3. Décor & Setup
☐ Tablecloth or throw blanket for makeshift table
☐ String or fairy lights
☐ Candles or LED candles
☐ Mini pumpkins or pinecones
☐ Centerpiece or tray with décor
☐ Floor pillows or extra seating
☐ Speaker for music
☐ Photo corner setup (blanket backdrop, lights, props)
🎵 4. Entertainment & Vibes
☐ Create a Friendsgiving playlist
☐ Simple games (Cards Against Humanity, Uno, etc.)
☐ “Thankful For” jar or tree
☐ Photo booth props or Polaroid camera
☐ Movie or post-dinner chill activity
🧽 5. Clean-Up Essentials
☐ Trash & recycling bins ready
☐ Paper towels or cleaning wipes
☐ Extra dish soap or sponge
☐ Storage bags or take-home containers
☐ Leftover labels (masking tape + Sharpie works great)
🌟 6. Optional Extras
☐ Name cards or labels for dishes
☐ Little party favors (mini candles, cookies, candy bags)
☐ Gratitude note or quote cards
☐ Donation jar for next year’s event fund
💡 Pro Tip
Use your Pinterest board for quick ideas and inspiration:
👉 Friendsgiving College Style
Beautiful Smart Spending 