22 Creative Friendsgiving Themes That’ll Blow Your Guests Away

When it comes to hosting a fall celebration, nothing beats getting creative with Friendsgiving themes. There’s just something about pumpkins, cooler weather, and the cozy start of the holiday season that makes gathering with friends that much more special.

If you’re planning your own Friendsgiving this year, you’re probably searching for fresh theme ideas to inspire your party and make it unforgettable.

That’s where this list comes in! I’ve rounded up 22 fantastic Friendsgiving themes. From food focused ideas to activity based party themes, keep reading to find the one that’s just right for you and your friends.

Friendsgiving Themes

1. Pajamas & Pies 

We’re starting off this list of Friendsgiving themes on a very cozy note with a Pajamas & Pies party.

Like the name suggests, encourage everyone to dress up in pajamas and really lean into all things pie when it comes to your menu. 

From sweet to savory, there are sooo many pie recipes you can include. Think chicken pot pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie, piezookie, pizza pie, fruit tarts, and sweet potato pie. You could even turn it into a fun pie bake-off or have everyone make a pie together as a party activity.

2. Taco Bout Friendsgiving

Forget the turkey, let’s talk about tacos this Friendsgiving! If you’re looking for a delicious party theme that’s totally different from the traditional Thanksgiving food, a taco themed menu might be right up your alley. 

One of the easiest (and most fun) ways to bring this theme to life is by setting up a taco bar with different meats, shells, and toppings so everyone can build their own tacos. You can also add chips and salsa to your menu as a quick appetizer.

Here are some simple ingredients that you can include in your taco bar:

Tortilla options

• Flour tortillas
• Corn tortillas
• Romaine lettuce (for a low-carb wrap option)

Protein options

• Chicken
• Ground beef
• Black beans
• Mahi mahi
• Carne asada
• Pulled pork

Toppings

• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Onions
• Shredded cheese
• Cilantro
• Guacamole
• Salsa verde
• Jalapeños
• Lettuce

3. F.R.I.E.N.D.S-giving

If you and your friends are obsessed with the show “Friends”, why not use its branding as the theme for your Friendsgiving party? 

Send out invitations inspired by the Friends logo and serve iconic foods mentioned in the show. Such as Joey’s pizza, Joey’s meatball sub, some vegetarian dishes inspired by Phoebe, and (for laughs) even Rachel’s trifle.

4. Flannels and Friends

Break out the flannels for a Flannels & Friends Friendsgiving party. The main idea with this theme, is for everyone to show up in a flannel outfit. 

5. Pumpkins and Prosecco

Bring out the bubbly with a Pumpkins & Prosecco party theme (21+)! You can take this idea in so many fun directions. For example, you can turn it into a paint-and-sip where you and your friends paint pumpkins while sipping Prosecco. You could also decorate your space with lots of pumpkin themed elements and feature Prosecco as one of your signature drinks.

Friendsgiving Ideas

6. Frenchgiving

Say oui, oui to a Frenchgiving party theme that will have your guests wanting more. Build a French inspired menu with dishes like French onion soup, baguettes, pastries, and macarons. To take it up a notch, decorate your space to look like a cute little Parisian café.

7. Friendsgiving Paint and Sip

Whether you’re painting blank canvases, pumpkins, or even tote bags, a paint and sip style Friendsgiving puts the focus on a relaxing and creative activity. It’s super chill and lets everyone unwind while doing something fun and artsy together.

If a blank canvas feels a little intimidating, you can always use paint-by-number kits or pre-drawn canvases so it’s even easier for your guests to jump in and enjoy.

CHECK OUT: Level Up Your Friendsgiving With These Fantastic Party Games

8. Friendsgiving en Blanc

Get ready for a chic and monochromatic party with a Dinner en Blanc theme. Have everyone show up in all white and decorate your space entirely in white as well. To give it a seasonal touch, you can also incorporate a few subtle fall colored accents while still keeping that classic Dinner en Blanc vibe.

9. Friendsgiving Slumber Party

You’re never too old for a slumber party! With cheesy rom-coms, cozy pajamas, and plenty of snacks, this theme is the ultimate girls’ night in. (Especially during the hectic holiday season).

10. Friendsgiving Brunch

Whether you prefer waffles over pancakes. Or, bacon over sausage, a Friendsgiving brunch is a delicious twist on traditional Thanksgiving dinner. It’s also perfect if you want to celebrate earlier in the day instead of the evening.

Beyond classic breakfast and brunch dishes, you can add a fall twist to make your brunch feel extra special. Try menu items like apple cider mimosas, cinnamon roll pancakes, or a fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits, to set it apart from a regular brunch.

Friendsgiving Party Ideas

11. Friendsgiving Picnic

If you live in a warmer climate and want to take your Friendsgiving outdoors, consider hosting a Friendsgiving picnic. 

You can set it up in a park, by a lake, in your backyard, or even at the beach. All you need is a large picnic blanket, a cooler to pack your food and drinks, and friends ready to enjoy an intimate and cozy fall picnic.

12. Friendsgiving Bake Off

From baking cookies and cupcakes to mini pies, a bake-off is a fun and engaging Friendsgiving theme that’ll bring out everyone’s competitive side.

You can prep for the bake-off in a way that’s convenient for you and your guests. For example, if you’re doing a cookie decorating contest, bake the cookies ahead of time and let everyone focus on decorating.

If it’s a pie bake-off, you can use store bought pie crusts and provide a variety of ingredients like pumpkins, berries, sweet potatoes, and spices for guests to create their own masterpieces.

13. A Friendsgiving Potluck

One of my favorite Friendsgiving themes, and a true classic year after year, is a Thanksgiving potluck. To me, it perfectly captures the spirit of Thanksgiving. In coming together and sharing love and gratitude through food.

You can stick with a traditional potluck where everyone brings a dish to share, or get creative with a themed potluck. 

Some fun ideas I’ve seen recently include: bringing a dish that starts with the first letter of your name, sharing your favorite food, or picking a color and bringing a dish (and wearing an outfit) that matches that color.

14. Friendsgiving Costume Party

If you ask me, a costume party works for any time of year. It instantly adds an extra layer of fun and creativity to a simple hangout. Plus it’s the perfect excuse to dress up and play around with outfits, and Friendsgiving is no exception.

Whether you team up with a friend as an iconic duo; dress up in your favorite decade’s style; or even recreate a funny meme; there are endless costume themes you can try for your Friendsgiving party.

15. Friendsgiving Dinner Party

I couldn’t write about Friendsgiving themes without mentioning the classic Friendsgiving dinner party. There’s something truly special about gathering around a table with good food, great friends and casual vibes.

Friendsgiving Theme Ideas

16. Friendsgiving Pie Making Party

Similar to a Friendsgiving paint-and-sip party, a pie making party is another fun theme centered around an activity.

You and your friends can head into the kitchen, bake pies from scratch, and enjoy the process of cooking together. And of course, the even better part… eating the fresh pies!

17. Charcuterie Feast

For a charcuterie feast party theme, there are two fun ways you can host it. The first option is a charcuterie board potluck, where each guest brings their own themed board.

For example, someone might bring a chicken wing board, a classic cheese and crackers board, a fruit board, or even a dessert board. The only rule is that whatever dish you bring has to be served on a charcuterie board.

The second option is to handle the menu yourself as the host and set up a large grazing table. This is basically a charcuterie board on a much bigger scale. Fill a table with fruits, crackers, meats, cheeses, and more for everyone to enjoy communal style.

18. Sparkles & Sides

If you’re looking for a Friendsgiving theme with a fancy aesthetic, try a “sparkles and sides” party. Decorate with glittery decorations. Encourage your guests to wear sparkly outfits. And make side dishes the stars of the menu.

You can either prepare a variety of side dishes yourself, or make it a potluck where everyone brings their favorite side. Of course, you don’t have to skip the turkey, chicken, or ham. But for this theme, the sides are the real showstoppers.

19. Bring Your Own Pumpkin (BYOP) Friendsgiving Party

For a Bring Your Own Pumpkin themed party, think of it like a potluck where everyone brings a pumpkin inspired dish. Some fun ideas include:

• Pumpkin iced lattes
• Pumpkin bread
• Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
• Pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin sugar cookies
• Pumpkin soup

20. Soups and Sweaters 

Continuing on with the food themed party ideas, is a Soup & Sweaters party. True to the name, this theme is all about enjoying a variety of soups while everyone wears sweaters. 

You can either provide a selection of soups yourself or make it potluck style, where each guest brings a soup.

Friendsgiving Ideas 2025

21. Friendsgiving Volunteer

In the spirit of gratitude and Thanksgiving, a meaningful Friendsgiving idea is volunteering together. You and your friends can give back in many ways. 

For example, you can help out at local food banks, homeless shelters, and animal shelters. Or, you can even organize your own volunteer day, like a beach or neighborhood cleanup. 

22. Friendsgiving Trip

If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional party or want something a little different this year, consider a Friendsgiving trip. It can be as simple as a weekend getaway or as elaborate as a week-long celebration.

One thing that I can say about this, is that if you’re thinking about this idea; make sure to check with your friends in advance to see if they’re interested. (especially since they may have travel plans during the thanksgiving season)