The heart of any Friendsgiving is the food. This segment is all about deciding how to handle the meal and planning a menu that will leave everyone full and happy. From opting for a potluck to cooking solo to deciding on dishes and accommodating special diets, here’s how to make your Friendsgiving feast stress-free and delicious.

Potluck vs. full dinner: choosing your approach

First, decide on the format: will it be a potluck (everyone brings a dish) or a full, hosted dinner (you cook everything)? Both options have their perks, but many Friendsgiving veterans swear by the potluck route. For a casual gathering of friends, potluck is often the way to go. Why? Everybody gets involved by preparing their own dish, and you’re not stuck cooking multiple courses while the turkey monopolizes your oven. Potlucks also bring a fun variety of dishes; part of the charm is seeing what each friend contributes.

If you choose potluck, consider these tips:

• Host does the turkey (and main course): It’s easiest for the host to handle the turkey or main protein so it’s hot and ready (no transporting a hot bird!). You might also make one or two of your favorite sides. This gives your meal a solid foundation.
  

• Coordinate the menu: Don’t leave the rest to pure chance. Get a sign-up or spreadsheet going to ensure all major categories are covered with no duplicates – appetizers, veggies, starches, desserts, etc. This way you won’t end up with five bowls of mashed potatoes and no dessert. If someone is stumped on what to bring, you can always suggest a recipe or a simple classic to help them out.
  

• Share guidelines and recipes: Sometimes friends might not know what to make. Feel free to suggest a dish (“How about you bring a green veggie?”) or share a favorite recipe. If someone has dietary needs, you can guide them toward a fitting dish. The idea is to balance out the menu without micromanaging your pals—a little coordination goes a long way.
  

On the other hand, if you love cooking, you might opt to make the entire meal yourself. A full dinner party can be rewarding—you get full control over the menu—but it’s a lot of work. Be realistic about your capacity. If you go solo-chef, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help in small ways. For example, have a friend bring a pie or extra wine to round out the meal, or ask guests to pitch in a bit for ingredients for a big crowd. Most friends will be happy to contribute if you’re doing all the heavy lifting. Another option: handle the main dishes yourself and let friends bring simple contributions like drinks, dinner rolls, or a side salad. Do what fits your style and energy.

Remember, there’s no wrong choice. Potluck can significantly lighten the load and involve everyone, while cooking everything can be a joy if that’s your passion. You can even find a middle ground – maybe you cook the turkey and a couple of key sides, and ask friends to supply the rest (one brings a signature pie, another a salad, etc.). Choose the route that will be most enjoyable for you as the host, because your mood sets the tone for the day.

Planning the menu

Now comes the fun part: planning what to eat! A great Friendsgiving menu strikes a balance between traditional favorites and any new twists or dietary-friendly options you want to include. Start by covering the basics:

• Main dish: Turkey is the classic centerpiece, but if that’s not your thing, feel free to serve ham, roast chicken, or even a vegetarian main like stuffed squash – there are no rules that it must be turkey.

• Side dishes: These are often the stars of the show. Think mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mac ‘n’ cheese, and more. Also consider adding something fresh like a seasonal salad or roasted vegetables to balance the heavier dishes. If different people bring sides, you’ll naturally end up with a nice variety.
  

• Drinks: Decide what beverages you’ll provide and what guests might bring. You could offer a signature fall cocktail (apple cider mimosas, anyone?) or a batch of mulled cider. Make sure to have plenty of water and some non-alcoholic options, like sparkling cider or soda, for anyone who isn’t drinking alcohol.
  

• Desserts: Pumpkin pie is a must for many, but there’s also apple pie, pecan pie, or even non-traditional treats. You could bake a cake or brownies – you’re not obligated to stick to pie if your crew prefers something else. The key is to have something sweet to cap off the feast, and maybe some coffee or tea to go with it.
  

As you plan, variety is key. Think of your Friendsgiving spread as a full experience: savory mains, sweet desserts, refreshing drinks—and even the atmosphere. Lighting and fragrance (like a Pumpkin Dulce by Capri Blue) can complement the flavors of the meal and make the night feel even more special.

It’s also wise to write out your menu (even just as a list) beforehand to double-check that all bases are covered. Do you have a main, plenty of sides, desserts, and maybe a vegetarian option? This can be as simple as jotting down each dish and who’s making it. If you see a gap (no dessert, or missing gravy), you can fill it in before it’s too late.

Accommodating dietary needs

Friendsgiving tends to bring together various friend groups, which means various diets may be in play. It’s considerate (and not too difficult) to include a few diet-friendly options so everyone can feast. Here are some tips:

• Ask ahead: When inviting people, it doesn’t hurt to ask if anyone has any allergies or dietary restrictions. Knowing in advance means you can plan or delegate a dish for that person. For example, if you have a vegetarian friend, ensure there’s a hearty meat-free dish for them (a veggie lasagna or a robust salad) and maybe use vegetable broth instead of meat broth in the stuffing or gravy so they can enjoy it too.
  

• Allergy awareness: Simple tweaks can make traditional dishes allergen-friendly. Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken gravy for a gluten-free guest, or serve nuts on the side of a salad instead of mixed in, so those with nut allergies can partake. Labeling dishes (“contains nuts” or “vegetarian”) on little cards can also be helpful and shows you care.
  

• Invite contributions: If a friend eats a very specific diet, like vegan or keto, you can ask if they’d like to bring a dish that fits their needs. As one food expert notes, there’s nothing wrong with asking a guest to contribute a dish they feel comfortable eating; that way they know there will be something for them, and it takes pressure off you. Most friends are happy to bring something to share, especially if it ensures they have a favorite food available.
  

Overall, do your best to make everyone feel included at the table. Maybe it’s as simple as having one vegan side dish or keeping the cheese on the side of a salad. These small gestures can mean a lot to someone with dietary restrictions. And who knows—you might discover a new favorite recipe in the process.

Conclusion

With a little planning and teamwork, your Friendsgiving menu will come together in the most delicious way. Whether it’s a potluck smorgasbord of everyone’s specialties or a thoughtful menu you’ve crafted yourself, the goal is a bountiful feast where every friend finds something to love. By covering the classics, accommodating your friends’ needs, and staying organized, you’ll set a mouthwatering spread that sparks joy—and maybe a happy food coma or two.

So tie on that apron and get cooking! The kitchen is the heart of Friendsgiving, and with these tips, yours is sure to be a hit.