A Guide to Friendsgiving

By Sunny Anderson

One of my favorite activities in the fall and winter here in Eugene is having a fall-themed dinner party or Friendsgiving.

Start with creating a cozy atmosphere with a playlist, candles, and decor. You can string up fairy lights, put out some pumpkins, make dried orange garlands, or buy a bouquet from Trader Joe's as a centerpiece. Feel free to use WICI's "Dinner Party Oldies" playlist for all the classics.

I think these dinner parties seem to work best potluck style, where everyone plans and brings a dish. Then, you are guaranteed to have more than enough food for everyone, and not only one person has to cook or buy groceries. Usually when my friends and I plan a dinner party, each person brings a different course: an appetizer, a soup, a couple main dishes, a dessert and cocktails.

Some cozy recipes I thought would be fun to do for a Friendsgiving are:

• Apple Cider Mules

• Autumn Fizz martinis.

• Garlic Parmesean Roasted Brussel Sprouts

• Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Sausage and Fall Veggie Roast

• Brie, Apple and Honey Crostini

• This Sheet Pan Herb Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing if you’re craving a traditional style thanksgiving meal

• Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin

• Easy Apple Crisp

We have attached our Pinterest board here for more inspiration for decor and recipes!