Friendsgiving Done Right

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Thanksgiving is typically a family holiday. The whole extended family crammed into one house to eat dinner, watch the parade and watch the football game, it could get a little cramped. You might not make time for your friends for the holiday. This year, start a new tradition and host a Friendsgiving party! Pick a weekend evening and gather your closest pals for a night of bonding and feasting.

Plan Ahead. Don’t try to wing it at the last minute. Take the pressure off of the host/hostess and make it a potluck. Designate dishes to every guest so that the host isn’t stuck cooking everything. A good rule to go by is that the host is in charge of the turkey and the gravy. Everyone else should handle everything else. But don’t leave it to the last moment. Make a spreadsheet and share it around so everyone can pick their dish.

Take the Party Outside. Instead of cramming all of your friends into your apartment, why not take them out instead? There won’t be many restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day but if you’re Friendsgiving feast isn’t on the holiday, you’re safe. Since Friendsgiving is a non-traditional holiday, it’s only fitting that you should have a non-traditional dinner. Why not feast at Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse? Try some delicious sushi and hibachi with all of your friends. Make sure to get the green tea flavored ice cream for dessert. The Little Missouri Grille is a great place to find everything from burgers and steaks to omelettes and breakfast burritos. Outlaws Bar & Grille is also a great place to find tons of different dishes. Get the best of both worlds with Surf and Turf or try something a little different with a gemelli pasta. They have tons of great dishes that definitely won’t disappoint.

Drinks. Friends coming together usually means having some drinks. Make it easier by taking everyone out to the bar. City Bar is a perfect option with great cocktails and drink specials. Take out two birds with one stone and head to Outlaws Bar & Grille for dinner and drinks. You won’t be disappointed by the dinner or the drinks! You’ll be able to manage your rowdy friends a little better with a few drinks yourself. Maybe. Don’t quote us on that.

Do you host a Friendsgiving dinner for your pals? What are your tips and tricks for making it the most fun? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.

Alternative Thanksgiving Activities

Image courtesy of Satya Murthy - Flickr

Halloween might be over but Thanksgiving is coming up at the end of the month. The holiday is great for bringing friends and family together for a huge meal. Everyone talks and laughs and reminisces about old memories; it’s a great bonding experience! However, not all of us have family in the area that we can join up with for a big meal. Also, not everyone has the ability to cook up a big meal, whether it be from lack of cooking skills, or lack of funds. There are plenty of other things you can do besides stuff your face with turkey and cranberry sauce.

Take A Hike. Now that it’s the fall season, the trees are transforming and blooming with colors. The North Dakota scenery is a sight to behold. Taking a walk is a great way to let off some steam while getting a little exercise. Taking a walk is basically the opposite of eating a big Thanksgiving dinner! A great way to find walking and biking trails is through Map My Ride. You can find trails designed by other people who frequent the trails whether on foot or on two wheels. Theodore Roosevelt National Park has some beautiful trails and scenery to take in. Patterson Lake also has the most beautiful views. You won’t regret heading out to these scenic locales on Thanksgiving.

Go Catch a Movie. A lot of great movies come out during the holidays and specifically on Thanksgiving. It can be a lot of fun to head out instead of staying in and watching football or the parade. Luckily, Six Shooters has what you need and it’s nearby. This year on Thanksgiving, Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur will be in theaters. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring the kids and get the whole family together for an outing to the movie theater. Popcorn is your turkey and the butter is your gravy! You’ll enjoy the holiday together without the stress of preparing a meal.

Say Thank You. You don’t have to go all out for the holiday. Sometimes the best things are the simplest things. Remember the reason for the holiday: being thankful. Say it! Think of the people in your life that you are thankful for and tell them. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. All you need to do is say thank you even if that’s the only thing you do on Thanksgiving.


Do you have any unique Thanksgiving traditions? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!