Thanksgiving is a day to count blessings and give thanks. Whilst a tradition best known for bringing together families (and the occasional intolerable relative(s)), it has in recent years also become about getting together with friends. Yes, we’re talking about Friendsgiving.
Enjoy connecting with old pals this time of year? Take a peek at our comprehensive guide below and find out what it means to celebrate Friendsgiving.
Decide a Day/Time, and Theme & Coordinate Dishes
Perhaps obvious, but also critical, is coordination and planning for the night of - particularly on theme and dishes. A classic Thanksgiving includes things like mashed potatoes, rolls, baked ham, turkey, stuffing, pie, green bean casserole, and more.
If you’re like us, though, and looking to go a little more ‘Rogue,’ take a look at our custom menu below. We’re confident it can help guide you through a successful Friendsgiving adventure:
To Start or share
Cranberry cream cheese bites
Ancho pumpkin hummus dip
Garlic roasted mushrooms
Parmesan herb sprouted wheat focaccia bread
Cranberry jalapeno dip
Main
Roast leg of lamb
Sherry glazed Thanksgiving turkey
Smoked turkey breast
Cauliflower rice stuffed peppers
To Pass
Dauphinoise potatoes
Chipotle mashed sweet potatoes
Broccoli-cauliflower gratin
Quinoa Stuffed squash with almonds and apricots
Salad russe
Utica greens
Cranberry, apple & sausage stuffing
Sauce
Béarnaise sauce
Cranberry pear sauce
Turkey gravy
Dessert
Crustless cranberry pie
Gluten-free mini cheesecakes
Apple buttercake
Straightforward, right? Just make sure you coordinate with your guests. Preparing this all yourself is a recipe for disaster.
Now, let’s take a look at drinks. No Friendsgiving is official without cocktails.
Friendsgiving Drinks & Cocktails
Cranberry orange whiskey sour. A no-brainer, and perhaps staple of Thanksgiving (or Christmas), is the cranberry whiskey sour. Not only are whiskey sours known to aid in digestion, but cranberry is an excellent complement to an otherwise great cocktail.
Apple cider mimosas. Perhaps next to holiday sangria, apple cider mimosas are an affordable option to nourish guests in bulk. Champagne and apple cider are cheap and accessible – and what better way to top off apple season?
Pumpkin pie pudding shots. A Friendsgiving isn’t complete without a few pucker faces. Rather than go with the taboo jello shot, though, why not try something a little more timely and unique? Note - For those of us that don’t like cinnamon liqueur, feel free to sub in your favorite vodka.
Beer. Last but not least is beer. Thanksgiving is kind of the point at which nutty fall beers transition into dark spicy lagers. Get ahead of the curve and break into holiday time early with a chocolate peanut butter-flavored stout.
Other Rogue Tips
- Create an online event. Use social media to gather up interest. Most platforms tie directly into calendars, so nobody should miss a beat. Note - Use that same platform to send reminders, coordinate dishes, etc..
- Make room. Not everyone’s willing to host Friendsgiving. Those of us without big spaces, do your best to ‘feng shui’ prior to guest arrival. The right space can improve guest interaction, longevity, etc..
- Go Buffet style. This can help with the above. This gives people the freedom to eat when, where and how they want.
- Ambiance, Decor & Music. In the same vein as above (and, of course, if you have the time, resources, and energy), try to do some due diligence here as well. Lighting and music can boost vibes and keep people energized as well.
- Get a gratitude board. Sharing’s not for everyone but has been known to be easier when on paper. A gratitude board can help soften the need to share thanks publicly.
- Relax. Preparation is key here. The greater the prep, the more likely you’ll have a chance to sit back and kick it. And if you’re going with something like the menu above, you’ll need just that.
- Plan your cleanup. Cleaning and hosting are not synonymous. Guests can and should help with this one.
- Buy a mix-pack. Have a variety of Rogue products ready to go before and after your meal. They make a great complement to any Thanksgiving celebration.
Summary
Whether it’s Uncle Joe or your neighbor from grade school, Thanksgiving is about being with people who you love. This year, take a step back from societal expectations and take a crack at Friendsgiving. We’re confident you won’t regret it.
For more information about Rogue or any of our products, visit our homepage at www.roguenicotine.com. To locate a retailer near you, click here.
