How To Host An Alternative Friendsgiving Dinner

Who needs all the hassle of throwing a Thanksgiving dinner when you just want to have fun and eat? Use these tips to switch things up a bit. And don't worry--the traditionalists among you can scroll to the bottom for the classic recipes!

Ask your friends to each bring a dish. Set up a group chat or an event to coordinate dishes and drinks. It’ll take the load off your back.

Controversial, we know, but two turkey-centric meals a year is a bit much. Plus, there’s so much work involved in defrosting, stuffing, seasoning, and cooking, so leave the turkey for Christmas. Try this Classic Roast Chicken instead! It’s much quicker, much cheaper, and you probably have most of the ingredients already. (And if you’re feeling particularly lazy, buy a rotisserie chicken and pretend to take it out the oven as your friends come in. Just don’t forget to take it out of the bag.)

This simple, easy, and deliciously juicy Classic Roast Chicken is effortless to make. You will never buy rotisserie from the store again!

And for those of you who find the lack of turkey absolutely blasphemous, why not make Shakshouka with Turkey Meatballs? A little different, and absolutely packed with flavor, this is a great alternative to a roasted whole turkey.

This Middle Eastern dish has hardly any carbs but is still very filling.

For your cranberry needs, turn your cranberries into a drink using two in-season ingredients with this Cranberry and Pomegranate Mule!

Put a festive twist on the vintage Moscow Mule by adding some color. Your taste buds will love the new addition!

Up your potato game and try these delicious Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Guacamole.

The flavor of the sweet potatoes and guac together will blow your mind, and you’ll feel smarter, prettier, and more energized instantaneously.

Ditch the casserole but keep the green beans with these Green Bean Fries or Spicy Green Beans.

A trendy way to make “French fries” out of green beans. This dish would be great served with a dip at a big gathering!

Whenever you make these, you're bound to think, why don’t I have this every day? Throw a fried egg on top, serve with rice, and you have a delicious meal.

With this Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe, why not turn it into stuffing muffins by baking them in cupcake liners?

What's Thanksgiving without stuffing, right? Whip up this super simple classic, perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner table. Besides being really easy to make, it's pretty budget-friendly, too.

No pumpkin pie here. Make a Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup as a rich and flavorsome starter!

This soup is packed with true Caribbean flavor and, although it’s fully vegetarian, ALL your guests will be craving every drop.

Don’t forget to have fun! After all, Friendsgiving is all about spending time with your friends and enjoying each other’s company!

Happy Friendsgiving everyone!

P.S. If you have been appalled by the total disregard for tradition, here are some classic recipes below!

Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a classic roast turkey.

This 3-ingredient cranberry sauce is a quick and easy Thanksgiving accompaniment that you can whip up in less than 20 minutes.

This Thanksgiving dish is the perfect side for your turkey. It's a great way to add some greens onto everyone's plates. Make it in advance to save time and trouble!

Whoever coined the term "easy as pie" obviously never baked a pumpkin one, but the labor is well worth it when you bite into this delicious dessert!