50 Fun Facts About Friendsgiving

What is Friendsgiving primarily defined as?

Friendsgiving is a blend of 'friends' and 'Thanksgiving,' referring to a large meal eaten with friends either on or near Thanksgiving.

In what decade did the term 'Friendsgiving' first appear?

The term 'Friendsgiving' first appeared in the early 2000s, with its earliest known uses in print dating to 2007.

What type of gathering is Friendsgiving often described as, where guests contribute dishes?

Friendsgiving is often produced potluck-style, with each participant bringing items to share.

The word 'Friendsgiving' was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in what year?

The word 'Friendsgiving' was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in January 2020.

Friendsgiving is often celebrated as an alternative to or in addition to what traditional holiday?

Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving-themed feast meal eaten with friends, typically prior to or instead of a family Thanksgiving dinner.

While some credit a popular TV show for inspiring the concept, when did the term 'Friendsgiving' actually start appearing in print?

Although some credit the TV show 'Friends' for inspiring the concept, the earliest known uses of the term 'Friendsgiving' in print date to 2007.

What type of ad campaign helped bring 'Friendsgiving' into national prominence in 2011?

The term 'Friendsgiving' started coming into national prominence in 2011 when Bailey's Irish Cream used the word in an ad campaign.

Is there an official, fixed date for Friendsgiving?

Unlike Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving does not have a set date and can be held on basically any day in November, though the weekend before Thanksgiving is popular.

What is a common reason for people to celebrate Friendsgiving instead of, or in addition to, traditional family Thanksgiving?

Friendsgiving is often celebrated by people who are unable to go back home to their family or are wary to travel for the traditional holiday.

Before the term 'Friendsgiving' became widespread, a 1973 animated TV special featured a Thanksgiving meal among friends. Which special was it?

'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,' released in 1973, centers around a Thanksgiving meal among friends that closely resembles what would become Friendsgiving.

What kind of food is typically served at a Friendsgiving meal?

The menu for Friendsgiving typically looks a lot like a classic Thanksgiving day menu, though it can also include experimental recipes.

What is one common item guests are encouraged to bring to a Friendsgiving potluck?

In a potluck-style Friendsgiving, guests often bring a side dish or dessert to contribute to the meal.

What is often considered the main entree that a Friendsgiving host might provide?

The host of a Friendsgiving party generally provides the venue and main entrée, often the turkey.

What activity do many Friendsgiving celebrants hope to create and make a regular occurrence?

Many Friendsgiving celebrants are interested in making parts of it a regular occurrence, with 77% hoping to create new traditions that involve the event.

What type of food contribution is often suggested for guests to bring to ensure variety among the heavy dishes?

A big, hearty salad is often suggested as a Friendsgiving contribution because it's a refreshing contrast to heavy, rich dishes.

What is a common alternative to traditional pie for Friendsgiving dessert?

Instead of traditional pie, a batch of good cookies, brownies, or bar cookies are suggested as Friendsgiving desserts that stand out.

What kind of beverages are always appreciated as a contribution to Friendsgiving, requiring no cooking skills?

Bringing drinks such as wine, beer, or cider is always appreciated at Friendsgiving and requires zero cooking skills.

What is a popular social media trend for Friendsgiving where each participant brings a specifically themed platter?

A trend that has taken social media by storm for Friendsgiving is having each participant bring a pre-designated 'board,' including themes like monochromatic boards of varying foods.

What type of dish is ideal for Friendsgiving because it can be made a day or two ahead and reheated?

Anything that tastes better the next day, such as a big pot of soup or a braised dish, is ideal for Friendsgiving because it can be made ahead and reheated.

What is a suggested alternative to roasting a traditional Thanksgiving main dish for Friendsgiving, allowing guests to customize their meal?

Instead of traditional mains, setting up a 'build-your-own' station (like burrito bowls or Asian heritage soups) allows each guest to tailor their meal to their tastes.

What percentage of young Americans reportedly prefer Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving?

Approximately seven in 10 young Americans prefer Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving.

What is a common strategy for Friendsgiving dishes regarding temperature and assembly?

The best Friendsgiving dishes are ones that taste good at room temperature, can sit out for a while without suffering, and don't require last-minute assembly.

What kind of atmosphere is Friendsgiving generally intended to be, compared to traditional family Thanksgiving?

Friendsgiving is purposefully relaxed, a sort of low-key antidote to big, often stressful, family functions, making it a more casual version of Thanksgiving.

In what year did lifestyle pieces about Friendsgiving begin appearing in edited prose?

Friendsgiving started showing up in edited prose fairly quickly after its appearance on the web, with lifestyle pieces appearing in 2008 and 2009.

What type of people commonly celebrate Friendsgiving due to living far from relatives or not traveling home?

Friendsgiving is most common in places with many transplants for whom traveling home for the holiday is logistically or emotionally difficult, often celebrated by young adults.

What is sometimes used as a fun, competitive activity at Friendsgiving, related to the food served?

New traditions for Friendsgiving can include voting on the best dish of the night and awarding the chef a trophy.

What is a common type of small bite or appetizer to serve at Friendsgiving to get the party started?

Fun Friendsgiving appetizer ideas include festive veggie platters, creamy dips, or mini crescent dogs to get the party off to a fantastic start.

What kind of meals did Alice Brock and her husband Ray host in the mid-1960s that partially inspired a Thanksgiving tradition?

Alice Brock and her husband Ray were known for hosting Thanksgiving dinners for their friends in the mid-1960s, which partially inspired the song 'Alice's Restaurant.'

What is a recommended dessert type for Friendsgiving that is easy to serve and eat without plates or forks?

Bar cookies or blondies are suggested as Friendsgiving desserts because they are easy to serve and eat without plates or forks.

What is a common theme for charcuterie-style boards brought to Friendsgiving, in addition to traditional meats and cheeses?

Themed boards for Friendsgiving can range from staple items like veggie or fruit boards to more adventurous options like a hummus board or sushi board.

What is a common practice for guests at Friendsgiving to help manage the overall cooking burden?

Typically for a Friendsgiving feast, everyone who is invited will bring a dish or two so the responsibility doesn't fall on one person.

What is a characteristic of Friendsgiving meals regarding culinary expectations?

Friendsgiving is highly adaptable with classic dishes combined with experimental recipes and takeout, representing the personalities of those who attend.

What is a common item to bring along with cornbread to Friendsgiving, especially if it's made ahead?

If bringing cornbread made the day before, it's recommended to bring butter and honey on the side.

What does Friendsgiving embody by reimagining the communal meal of thanking?

Friendsgiving embodies concepts by taking the template of the Thanksgiving ritual and reimagining it to reflect today's values of inclusivity, fluidity, and cultural hybridity.

What specific item, often associated with Thanksgiving, is considered a 'must-have' for many Friendsgiving celebrations?

For many, stuffing is a must-have for Friendsgiving, just as it is for Thanksgiving.

What type of food can guests bring to Friendsgiving that is pre-made from a good bakery or specialty store?

Pre-made items from a good bakery or specialty store, like a box of pastries or a container of soup, are acceptable contributions.

What is a common post-meal activity on Thanksgiving that is often skipped at Friendsgiving in favor of more social events?

While watching football on TV is a standard post-meal activity on Thanksgiving, 58% of Americans enjoy Friendsgiving more because it is a more social event, and football is often skipped.

What is the key to creating an unforgettable Friendsgiving menu, according to food experts?

The best Friendsgiving food ideas balance light bites, hearty mains, and sweet finishes, so every guest leaves full and happy.

What type of gatherings did Vincent OuYoung mention having in college between 1996-2000 that resembled Friendsgiving?

Vincent OuYoung commented that he had 'Friendsgivings' in college between 1996-2000, suggesting the concept existed before the term became widely popularized.

What is a reason cited for the rise in popularity of Friendsgiving among those who can't or don't want to reunite with relatives?

Friendsgiving has risen in popularity for those who can't or don't want to reunite with relatives, partly due to avoiding awkward family conversations.

What is one simple way to add something green to the Friendsgiving table?

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a super simple way to add something green to your Friendsgiving table.

What type of event is Friendsgiving often considered a good way to organize for people who don't see each other often?

Friendsgiving gives people a good way to organize a holiday gathering with people they don't see often, instead of just going to a bar or ordering takeout.

What is a common practice for guests to discuss at Friendsgiving, as a way of fostering connection?

Giving thanks is a practice that can carry over from Thanksgiving to Friendsgiving, with people making toasts and talking about what they're grateful for.

What type of game did one Friendsgiving host mention playing after a hearty feast, instead of watching football?

One Friendsgiving host mentioned playing 'The Night Cage,' a cooperative board game, after their feast instead of watching football.

What did Merriam-Webster refer to 'Friendsgiving' as before officially adding it to the dictionary?

The holiday's name had previously appeared on Merriam-Webster's 'Words We're Watching' list before being bumped up to an official dictionary entry.

What is the primary focus of Friendsgiving, making the meal special?

Contributing and sharing becomes what makes the Friendsgiving meal special, not just the food itself.

What kind of dinner rolls are suggested for Friendsgiving that are soft, flaky, and buttery?

Bakery-worthy homemade rolls that are soft, flaky, and buttery are suggested to impress guests at Friendsgiving.

What approach to hosting Friendsgiving is encouraged, rather than adhering to rigid rules?

There are no rules when it comes to hosting Friendsgiving; hosts are encouraged to be flexible and do what works best for their crew.

What kind of dip is mentioned as a bold Friendsgiving food idea to get people excited?

Bold Friendsgiving food ideas that get people excited include salsa with queso, mini quesadillas, or a whipped goat cheese appetizer.

What concept has particularly taken off among communities of young people, relevant to Friendsgiving?

The concept of a 'chosen family' is something that has really taken off, especially among communities of young people, which resonates with Friendsgiving.