How to: Throw a successful friendsgiving

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How to: Throw a successful friendsgiving

Having a successful potluck party can be intimidating, but these tips can help you celebrate thanksgiving with your chosen family with ease

TAYLOR PIPE

Thanksgiving is a time to get together with friends and family, eat your faces off and reconnect with one another. This year, students are on campus and might not have the opportunity to go home and be with their loved ones.

Throwing a friendsgiving can be a great way to still feel that sense of family, especially when you’re away from home. After all, when you’re in university, your friends become like your family. You laugh together, cry together and even bicker. Why not make your chosen family even closer, and throw them a friendsgiving potluck dinner? And how do you even do that?

ICON BY FLATICON

1. See who wants to participate

It might seem like an obvious step, but you’ll want to have a headcount of who will actually come to your friendsgiving. This will give you an idea of how much food and drink you might need, and how to split up duties amongst friends.

2. Decide on the type of food you’re serving and find out about dietary restrictions

Do you want to do a traditional thanksgiving feast? Finger foods? Hot dogs and Hamburgers? It all depends on your guests! If you have friends that are vegetarian or vegan, that’ll definitely impact the type of food you’re going to serve. Some roasted vegetables can go a long way, or a butternut squash soup could be a hit for crowds with dietary restrictions.

Brisson, Leis & Associates OPTOMETRISTS

3. Distribute the tasks

The best part of doing a potluck friendsgiving is that you don’t have to do absolutely everything yourself. You don’t have to spend all day looking over a turkey, or googling how to properly stuff it. You can really do whatever you want! Give your friends specific instructions when you’re delegating the tasks. Is Noah bringing the plates and cutlery? Tell Madison to bring the appetizers and have Carlee bring a dessert. If everyone does their part, everything will go smoothly.

4. Plan the decor

Now that all the necessary food items are being taken care of, you can think about the type of decor you want to go with. Don’t worry about wowing your guests with intricate cornucopia’s or elaborate wreaths. Friendsgivings are low-key and a trip to the dollar store can be a lifesaver for affordable decorations. A fun fall-themed tablecloth, a few candles and maybe even a string of fake leaves can bring all the vibes to your friendsgiving table.

5. Confirm and enjoy

The day before your dinner, confirm with your friends. It’s important that you have peace of mind while you’re doing what you can to organize a fun event for 22 & 23 | SHEBAD

Hosting a friendsgiving is a great way to feel the love within your chosen family if you’re unable to make it home for the holiday. ILLUSTRATION BY PAIGE STAMPATORI

everyone. Once you know that everyone is on track for your dinner, it’s time to decorate, kick back and make yourself a drink. When your friends arrive, make sure you have a place for the items they bring. If you’ve told them to come at a certain time, expect it to get a little hectic when setting up their items.

The best part of university is the friends you make. Hosting a friendsgiving is a perfect way to let them know that they’re appreciated. If it goes off without a hitch, great! And even if it’s a complete disaster, just know you’ll have funny memories to look back on and a great story to tell at thanksgivings to come.

Judith A. Brisson, O.D. P. Lynne Leis, O.D. Reita Thomas-Parel, O.D. Violet Zawada, O.D. Jianchang (Iris) Shen, Optometrist

Serving the U of G community for 40 years, we provide personalized eye care including comprehensive examinations, contact lenses and eyewear.

Exams available in English, French, Polish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

21 College Avenue West, Guelph (across from OVC) TEL (519) 822-2710 · FAX (519) 822-7877 www.eyesoncollege.ca · brisson.leis@rogers.com

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