Friendsgiving Dinner Party Ideas

If Thanksgiving is a cook’s holiday, then Friendsgiving is for the hosts. It’s a gathering centered around community and offers every guest the chance to contribute, whether it’s a dish or a drink, a centerpiece or a playlist.

I've cooked many, many friendsgivings over the years, and what strikes me every time is how different the energy feels. There's a freedom to it. People are more relaxed, more willing to try something unexpected, more present in the moment. It's less about recreating the same meal year after year and more about creating something that reflects who's actually at the table.

If you're thinking about hosting one this year, or gifting one to people you care about, here are some thoughts on how to make it something everyone remembers.

Friendsgiving Food Ideas That Break the Mold

The thing about Friendsgiving is that you're not bound by tradition. You don't have to make your grandmother's stuffing or stick to the same sides everyone expects. This is your chance to cook what actually excites you and your friends.

Here are some directions I've been exploring lately that work beautifully for these gatherings:

Go global with it – Who says it has to be turkey and cranberry sauce? I love Friendsgivings built around the heritage at the table - think miso-glazed proteins, pickled vegetables, and Mediterranean spreads with whole roasted fish, lamb, and vibrant salads.

Rethink the centerpiece – Instead of a whole roasted turkey, consider something that's easier to serve and more interesting to eat. A standing rib roast, a whole roasted chicken per every four people, or even a beautiful piece of fish like halibut or black cod. You want something impressive that doesn't leave you carving at the table for twenty minutes.

Think about flow – Friendsgiving doesn't have to be one massive plated dinner. Consider breaking it into courses so the evening has rhythm and people aren't overwhelmed by everything at once. Each friends' contribution can get their moment in the spotlight.

Let Us Handle It at Your Place

Here's what I always tell people: the best host isn't the one doing everything themselves. The best host is the one who gets to actually enjoy their own party.

That's the whole idea behind what we do. We come to your home with everything—plateware, glassware, silverware, napkins, the works. We build a menu around what you and your friends actually want to eat. We cook it, serve it, and clean up after. You get to sit with your people and be fully present for the evening.

November and December are filling up quickly. If this sounds like the kind of Friendsgiving you want to host, reach out at chefs@vendador.com or book through our site.

The Drinks Matter as Much as the Food

I've always believed that a great meal without great drinks is only half the experience. And I don't mean just opening a few bottles and calling it done.

We run Chicago's leading licensed bar service, and for Friendsgiving gatherings, our beverage program is exactly where you can really elevate the night!

Wine pairings – We offer three tiers depending on how involved you want to get. Or if you have your own collection, we'll pair from your cellar and guide everyone through it as we go.

Interactive cocktail classes – This has become one of my favorite additions. We teach your group how to make a few cocktails together. Everyone gets involved, and it becomes part of the evening's rhythm rather than just something you drink.

Seasonal cocktail programs – Carefully designed lists that reflect the menu and the moment. Way more thoughtful than a random assortment of bottles.

Spirit-free options – Not everyone drinks, and they deserve something as considered as what everyone else is having. Our spirit-free program treats non-alcoholic beverages with the same care as everything else.

The idea is that no one has to play bartender all night. Everyone gets to sit, talk, and actually enjoy being together.

Or Give Someone a Private Dining Experience

This is one of those gifts that actually means something. Our gift cards let someone (or a group of friends) have a fully customized in-home meal with our Michelin-trained chef team. It works for milestone celebrations, holidays, or just because you want to give someone an evening they won't forget.

Cards start at $1,500 and include everything—chefs, servers, custom menu, ingredient sourcing, all the details handled. Perfect for the friend who's impossible to shop for or the couple who never does anything special for themselves.