Friendsgiving ideas for games and the table

The best Friendsgiving ideas keep things relaxed: a potluck menu, a few easy games, a cozy table, and a frozen drink machine everyone gathers around. Host on the Nov 13 to 15 weekend, since our machines are booked out Nov 21 to Dec 3, which covers Thanksgiving week.

Thanksgiving Day falls on Nov 26 this year. A mid-November Friendsgiving lets everyone celebrate before family travel takes over. Here's how to make it memorable.

Friendsgiving ideas for the table

You don't need fancy china. A warm, casual table sets the mood better.

• Kraft paper runner. Roll brown paper down the table and set out markers. Guests write what they're thankful for, doodle, and leave notes for each other.
• Mini pumpkin place cards. Write each guest's name on a small pumpkin with a paint pen.
• Mismatched plates. Ask friends to bring a plate from home. The mix of patterns looks charming.
• Battery candles. Get the glow without the fire risk near paper and napkins.
• Potluck sign-up. Share a list so you don't end up with six desserts and no stuffing.

Set up the frozen drink machine near the food but out of the kitchen traffic.

Games for grownups

Pick two or three games and keep them light. For more, see our party games guide.

• Thankful guessing game. Everyone writes something they're thankful for on a card. Read them out loud and guess who wrote each one.
• Two truths and a turkey. Each player shares two true facts and one fake. Everyone else guesses the turkey.
• Friendsgiving trivia. Write questions about your friend group: first trips, funny moments, and inside jokes.
• Pie charades. Act out pie flavors, side dishes, and fall movies.
• Leftover draft. At the end of the night, guests take turns picking leftovers in reverse order of who arrived first.

Games and crafts for kids

Many Friendsgivings include kids. Give them their own fun:

• Hand turkeys. Trace hands on paper and decorate with crayons and stickers.
• Pumpkin decorating. Use stickers and washable markers instead of knives.
• Kids table menu. Let kids name the dishes and write a menu card.
• Slushie taste test. Pour small cups of two flavors and let kids vote for a winner.

Pick your drinks

A two-bowl machine serves two flavors at once. For grownups, Sangria and Frosé feel festive, and Peach Bellini adds a bubbly touch. For dessert, Mocha Cappuccino tastes like a frozen coffee treat.

Every mix is alcohol-free until you add alcohol, so kids and non-drinkers can enjoy the same machine. Cherry Limeade, Lemonade, and Orange Dreamsicle are easy crowd pleasers. Put a slushie in one bowl and a grownup drink in the other, and label each side with our free bowl labels. Browse all 33 mixes on our flavors page, and find more seasonal ideas in our guide to Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving frozen drinks. For decor, menus, and dates for the rest of the season, read our holiday party guide.

Add a rim station with Sweet Heat Cocktail Sugar or Chocolate Cocktail Sugar. Each 4 oz package rims about 40 drinks.

Plan the setup

We deliver, set up, and show you how it works, then pick the machine up after the party. Someone needs to be there at delivery, and you rinse the bowls with water before pickup. The machine needs 2 to 3 hours to freeze the first batch, so plan delivery early in the day. Have a garden hose and water source ready when we arrive, and pick a spot that isn't on rock or gravel. Online booking needs 2 days' notice, so reserve your Nov 13 to 15 date soon.

Ready to plan? Check dates and book online in minutes, or get a quick estimate first.