FINALLY, it’s Thanksgiving Break, and it’s almost time to eat countless plates of holiday foods that are good for your soul. Along with spending time with your family, this break also gives great opportunities for having or attending a Friendsgiving! During this time of year, we often get together for fellowship with friends - and when the leftovers from our traditional meal have run out (or grown tiresome), here are some food alternatives (and other ideas) that are sure to make your Friendsgiving a big success:
1. If you are hosting the affair, you need to have a “main” dish that is easily complimented by other snacks and side dishes.
Maybe some marinated meatballs or marinated chicken breasts? I am going with this meatball recipe!!
http://www.yellowblissroad.com/spicy-cranberry-barbecue-meatballs/?m
2. Also along with the meat, make some type of dip.
I always love the Rotel/Velveeta cheese dip in the crockpot, but you can easily make it stove-top, as well! Make your dip a little snazzier by adding hamburger or sausage to it. For your vegetarian guests, you can leave out the meat – or substitute it with a can of refried beans. Either way, it’ll be a hit!
http://www.readyseteat.com/recipes-RoTel-Famous-Queso-Dip-2693.html
3. If you aren’t hosting, but have been asked to bring a yummy side dish.
Try these individual-sized green bean casseroles. You’ll be praised for their “yumminess” and complimented on your creativity. They can even be reheated just before serving.
4. Also make sure you have veggies that aren’t part of a casserole.
A vegetable tray or a pan of mixed roasted vegetables are always a hit – and they bring a pop of color to your table.
5. Someone should bring the dessert (or two).
I’m a huge fanatic of pumpkin and apple pie; and there are so many different types of desserts out there that are associated with the fall holidays! If you’re a pumpkin fanatic like me, try these pumpkin pie twists for your friends. The beauty of these is that you get the traditional pumpkin pie experience, but since they’re “hand held”, there’s less clean up. No dishes to clean up!
http://deliciouslysprinkled.com/pumpkin-pie-twists/
6. Make sure there is some type of “fall” drink!
Sangria, anyone?? I’ve personally never tried this particular recipe, but I’ve had variations of it. Sangria is a drink that can be made ahead of time, and it serves a crowd. I’ll be trying this recipe for my freindsgiving…
http://www.flavourandsavour.com/cranberry-apple-cider-sangria/
7. Or maybe make scrumptious “fall” Jello shots to liven up the party, if that’s your thing.
8. If you’re having the get-together at your house, make a seasonal backdrop for pictures!
9. While you’re at it, go ahead and pick out the perfect autumn outfit – so that you look festive and joyful in the photos.
10. Don’t forget to create an awesome playlist for everyone to listen to while dining and wining! Mood music is oh-so important.
11. And while this may be corny - before you eat, you should go around the table and have each person say how each of you met and why you’re thankful for that!
These are just a few ideas to make your Friendsgiving a little more delicious, fun, and memorable! Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving/friendsgiving this year!
