Look, we all love the idea of a Friendsgiving that looks like it popped straight out of a magazine. I get it — I’m the one with a Pinterest board for every single outing (so yes, I know this is rich and ironic coming from me). But BFFR. Trying to cram all your friends around a tiny NYC apartment table with candles, perfect place settings, and a six-course meal isn’t just ambitious — it’s a new movie in the Mission Impossible series. Who has a table that size in New York, anyway? So sorry I don’t have enough dining chairs for all of my friends in my studio apartment.
If you’re like me, and the picturesque, formal Friendsgiving is a bit out of reach, here are some low pressure ideas to enjoy Thanksgiving in your friends’ company (in a cute, vibey way of course).
Craft Studio Night
If you had suggested craft night to me in the past, I probably would’ve laughed in your face. As a perfectionist with OCD, it’s not my forte… or so I thought. I recently went to Artishouse in NYC, which is a cutie little art studio that hosts classes and private events. I made my own version of the viral matchbox shadow box and am OBSESSED with it. You can bring your own matches from your favorite restaurants, but if you don’t collect them like I do, they have a zillion for you to choose from. They also have charcuterie board painting, hat embroidering, collaging… you name it. And I feel like I should mention you’re able to bring your own food and drinks too so… do with that what you will. Or simply DIY with a craft night at home with a small group of friends. Take the pressure off of cooking a turkey and turn that energy towards junk journaling.
Tastings
What do you get when you love food/drinks and are the most indecisive person ever? A tasting. For real, nothing is better than being able to try a bunch of different meal options and yapping with your friends. Roscioli offers different food and wine tastings that can accommodate pretty much any size party. I went to the wine class with 10 of my friends last year, and it was AMAZING. They also brought out dishes that paired with every type of wine (duh), and the food was absolutely fire. After fact-checking this, I also see that they have a mozzarella-making class. My Italian self needs to do that ASAP. Again, you can always pull this off at home with a smaller crew but why not leave it to the professionals?
Cooking Class
Speaking of mozzarella, cooking classes are the move if you’re looking to do something a little different with friends. Little Charli has this pizza-making experience where everyone in your group gets to play chef, make their own pizzas (gluten-free options on deck, of course), snack on some apps, and drink incredible wine/cocktails. The communal table they have that hosts up to 24 people is giving authentic Italian Sunday dinner and I’m here for it.
