2-3 weeks ahead:

Create a guest list of your closest friends and send out invites. A casual social media event or group message works great!
Use a sign-up sheet to coordinate dishes and avoid duplicate dishes. Make sure everyone knows what to bring to complete your Friendsgiving menu.

1 week before:

Plan your decorations, such as a DIY Friendsgiving banner and any additional festive touches like balloons or floral accents.
Shop for your ingredients, including the main event like a whole turkey and staples like green bean casserole, stuffing, and gluten-free options if needed.

The day before:

Prepare any dishes that can be made ahead of time, such as pies or appetizers.

Set up your dining space and kid-friendly area if needed.

Organize games or entertainment (don’t forget that $5 buy-in for poker if you’re playing!).

The day of:

Start cooking your main dish (like the turkey) early, and ensure you have enough oven space. You can use slow cookers or warming trays to keep food warm on the counter.

Welcome your guests and have them place their potluck dishes on a designated table. Keep drinks handy in a cooler or serve a signature drink like Teri’s Wassail.

Once everyone is settled, serve up the feast! Don’t forget the mashed potatoes—they’re a Friendsgiving essential!

After the meal:

Transition into games or entertainment to keep the energy up. Whether it's Pictionary, poker, or a worst movie marathon, have something planned to keep your guests engaged and laughing.
Enjoy:

Take a moment to look around, savor the good food, and enjoy the good company. This is what Friendsgiving is all about—great food, wonderful friends, and lifelong memories.