Fall -- the time for pumpkin patch pictures, turkey decorations, early Christmas celebrations and Friendsgiving! Urban Dictionary defines Friendsgiving as "The celebration of Thanksgiving dinner with your friends. This usually occurs on the Wednesday before or the Friday after Thanksgiving Day, since Thanksgiving is usually reserved for family gatherings." This is a time for everyone to get together, have a fun night, make memories, and eat and drink until we pass out. Everyone brings something to the event, including their own personality. Here are the seven types of people you will find at your typical Friendsgiving.
1. The Coordinator
This is the person who has been planning for Friendsgiving since last year. This person has made the Facebook event, assigned dishes to everyone, and very clearly articulated who is and is not invited. This is the Monica of the group. They are the go-to person for all questions relating to your Friendsgiving event, including what you are allowed to wear. Oh, and don't even think of bringing anything store-bought to Friendsgiving, because this person can smell it from a mile away...and they will not be happy. But this person will be the one to make Friendsgiving an event you all will talk about for years to come. Hell, you might even tell your kids about it!
2. The Turkey Guy
Be it a guy or a gal, this person has been put in charge of creating the perfect turkey for Friendsgiving, turning into a self-proclaimed master chef. Awarded this mighty task by the coordinator, the turkey guy has a lot of pressure to get it right. But they don't seem to mind. This person will continually swagger about, boasting of their place in the Friendsgiving hierarchy, and their turkey-cooking skills. Just as you will hear time and time again, this is not the first time this person has fried a turkey. Yet, when no one else is listening, they still need to call their mom for tips.
3. The Drunk
There is always going to be that one person who either a) shows up drunk or b) drinks way too many glasses of champagne during the cooking and prep phase of Friendsgiving. Try to have all sharp knives hidden early on in the night, because you never know what this person will get him or herself into. The space designated to the communal sangria is this person's watering hole. Their fancy plastic wine glass will be refilled constantly throughout the evening, leaving little left for those who can actually appreciate the beverage. The positive part of having this person in attendance is that the entertainment factor of your Friendsgiving will always be there! However, you will most likely fall subject to one-too-many not-so-gentle hair caresses.
4. The One Who Eats Everything, Yet Brings Chips
We've got a fried turkey, homemade mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce....and a bag of chips? You all know who I am talking about...that one person who somehow manages to get away with bringing a bag of chips, regardless of the occasion. Birthday party? Chips! New Years Party? Chips! Thanksgiving? Chips! Chips are the cop-out of the century, and this friend is well-versed in this tradition. They will have multiple servings of each dish, assuming their contribution suffices. Which, we all know, doesn't. If you are this person, do us all a favor and at least make a homemade salsa or dip to accompany it.
5. The Plus One
So, the planning is going great. The invite list is narrowed down, the seating arrangement set, and dishes have been assigned. Then comes the dreaded question: "Is it OK if I invite *insert name of outsider here*?" Let's be honest, you all knew it was coming. The plus-one is usually awkward at first, unsure of how to act in the group. They will probably bring something to contribute, like a bottle of wine or cider, or maybe some store bought cookies. Everyone will act friendly and polite, welcome this person into their home, and make unimportant small talk. But the plus one isn't all bad, or even bad at all. Now you have someone to take a group photo of all of you!
I'm kidding. To all the plus ones out there -- you do you.
6. The "Gordan Ramsay"
This person can't cook to save their life, yet manages to critique each and every dish that passes under their nose. Maybe not totally Gordan Ramsey critical, but close to it. Of course, they don't see it as critical. They see it as improving your dish. This person will throw out random cooking facts and tips, despite their inability to take their own advice.
7. The Person Who Is Way Too Thankful
"Let's all go around and say what we are thankful for!"
Enough said.
