11 Fun and Inexpensive Friendsgiving Theme Ideas
Friendsgiving Theme Ideas that will not only make your party fun, but also PINTEREST WORTHY!
Let’s get to creating a pinterest worthy friendsgiving party that will be both memorable AND inexpensive :).
You can honestly find most of these decor at home, target, amazon or at any store. These friendsgiving theme ideas are inexpensive and simple to set up for. Being a host for parties can be A TON of work, but these really don’t require too much labor. Which, in my opinion, are the best kind of themes next to being cheap LOL.
LET'S GET TO IT, HERE ARE 11 FUN & INEXPENSIVE FRIENDSGIVING THEME IDEAS!
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INEXPENSIVE, PINTEREST WORTHY FRIENDSGIVING THEME IDEAS!
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #1: Classic Harvest Feast
CLASSIC HARVEST FEAST
Classic Harvest Feast theme gives off traditional fall colors, pumpkins, and cozy vibes! Rustic table settings, plaid tablecloths, fall candles, autumn leaves, pumpkins and yellow/orange fairy lights are your go-to decorations for this fall theme.
As for food, classic thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pie and whatever other dishes that are common for fall!
Be prepared for a lively fall friendsgiving gathering 😊
- Table Setting: Plaid or burlap tablecloths, fall-themed plates, and napkins.
- Centerpieces: Pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaves, and rustic candles.
- Lighting: Warm string lights or lanterns to enhance the cozy atmosphere.
- Place Cards: Mini pumpkins or pinecones with handwritten guest names.
- Extra Touches: Wooden serving platters, mason jars for drinks, and harvest-themed wreaths on doors or windows.
- Tartan Plaid Tablecloth from Target, + from Amazon
- Fall Paper Plates from Target, + from Amazon
- Pumpkin Centerpieces from Target, + from Amazon
- Autumn Leaves Centerpieces from Target, + from Amazon
- Fall Candles from Target, + from Amazon
- Pinecone Wreath from Target, + from Amazon
- Wooden Serving Tray from Target, + from Amazon
- Mason Jars from Target, + from Amazon
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #2: Friendsgiving Brunch
Friendsgiving Brunch
Who doesn’t love brunch?! With the addition of friends makes it even better! Friendsgiving Brunch is definitely a go to theme that radiates fun and cozy all in one.
The perfect decorations and food for this theme would be light, airy colors, fresh flowers, breakfast food like pancakes, waffles, bacon, eggs and the best part, a coffee + tea station!
- Table Setting: Light, airy tablecloths with pastel or neutral-colored napkins and plates.
- Centerpieces: Fresh flowers in mason jars or vases, along with bowls of seasonal fruit.
- Drink Station: A coffee or mimosa bar with cute signage and a variety of mugs or champagne flutes.
- Place Cards: Small, elegant name tags attached to napkins with twine or ribbon.
- Extra Touches: Cake stands for displaying brunch items, vintage-style teapots, and tiered trays for pastries.
- Tan Colored Tablecloth from Target , + from Amazon
- Plaid Paper Plates from Target, + from Amazon
- Mason Jars from Target, + from Amazon
- Fresh Flowers
- Fruit Baskets
- Amazon Coffee Station
- Amazon Elegant Name Place Cards
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #3: Gratitude Party
Gratitude Party
As you can tell by the name, this friendsgiving theme revolves around gratitude! If we were to display “gratitude” through fall decor, the best picks would be warm, earthy tones with gratitude notes placed everywhere. A gratitude tree would fit perfectly as well, where guests can hang notes about what they’re grateful for.
Homestyle comfort foods and favorite homemade dishes will fit well with the vibe of this fall theme.
- Gratitude Tree: A tree branch centerpiece where guests can hang notes of gratitude.
- Table Setting: Earthy, rustic tablecloths with simple, natural decor like leaves and twine-tied napkins.
- Place Cards: Blank cards for each guest to write what they’re thankful for, which can also serve as place cards.
- Centerpieces: Candles and greenery, like eucalyptus or wheat, in simple vases.
- Extra Touches: A gratitude wall or board where guests can stick notes, string lights to create a soft glow, and a chalkboard with a “Thankful For” sign.
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #4: Potluck Feast
Potluck Feast
Potlucks are amazing because you don’t have to do all the cooking by yourself. All of your guests will contribute to this friendsgiving feast! Potlucks are specifically collaborative and community-driven.
Minimalistic decorations, handwritten menus, simple centerpieces would be ideal for this theme. Especially since friends and guests will be bringing their own diverse dish.
- Table Setting: Mismatched plates and napkins for a fun, eclectic look.
- Food Labels: Handwritten or printed labels for each dish so guests know what they’re eating.
- Centerpieces: Simple, seasonal flowers or small potted plants.
- Serving Table: Long buffet-style table with large serving dishes and casual, homey decor like checkered tablecloths or runners.
- Extra Touches: Banners or signs that say “Friendsgiving” or “Potluck Feast,” casual mason jars for drinks, and chalkboards for menu details.
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #5: Friendly Bake Off
Friendly Bake Off
Friendsgiving baking theme is an all time favorite! You and friends can show case your own baking skills and also share the food as a form of gratitude. This friendsgiving theme is very interactive, fun, cozy and ideal for friends who want a day of laughter.
Decorations are quite simple: aprons, mixing bowls, baking pans, flour, everything baking related! And food? Cookies, pie, bread, all of the above that you can whip up from the oven.
- Baking-Themed Decor: Display rolling pins, cookie cutters, and mixing bowls as part of the decor.
- Table Setting: Flour-dusted tablecloths (for the baking vibe) or simple white linens with rustic napkins.
- Centerpieces: Freshly baked goods in baskets or on cake stands as edible decor.
- Baking Station: Create a dedicated area for baking with bowls of ingredients, measuring cups, and aprons hanging on a rack.
- Extra Touches: Wooden spoons and whisks as decorative items, and place settings with mini bags of flour or baking spices as party favors.
Affordable Yet Sentimental Friendsgiving Gift Ideas
These friendsgiving gift ideas are perfect for any kind of friend. Also, if you have a large friend group, these will save you a TON of money!
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #6: Cozy Pajama Party
Cozy Pajama Party
The most comfiest friendsgiving theme there is, a pajama party! Super casual, fun and relaxed. The perfect theme for friends that just want to lay back and enjoy one anothers company without being extravagant.
Cozy blankets, throw pillows, fairy lights, maybe even a homemade bedsheet tent as decorations would make the pajama party all the more fun. Comfort foods fit perfectly with this theme: casseroles, finger foods like pizza or chicken wings, hot chocolate or cider.
- Table Setting: Cozy, casual blankets and pillows on the floor for a relaxed atmosphere.
- Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting with string lights or battery-operated tea lights.
- Place Cards: Handwritten tags on comfy pillows for seating assignments.
- Decorations: Fluffy throws, oversized floor cushions, and fairy lights draped around the room.
- Extra Touches: Set up a chocolate and sweets station with treats like marshmallows, strawberries, blueberries.
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #7: Sweets & Treats
Sweets & Treats
Lover of sweets, this is the best friendsgiving theme for you! Sweet and simple with a focus on satisfying sweet tooths will make any gathering a delight. Celebrate friendsgiving with a variety of savory and sweet pies, cereal & candy bar, and much more!
- Decor: Use warm tones like caramel and burnt orange, and decorate with dessert-shaped garlands, balloons, and plaid table linens for a cozy vibe.
- Centerpieces: Display mini desserts on tiered stands, add mason jar candles with cinnamon sticks, and use candy-filled jars as edible centerpieces.
- Table Setting: Use sweets-themed plates and napkins, gold/copper flatware, and mini pie plates for individual dessert servings.
- Labels: Handwrite dessert name cards, create a chalkboard dessert menu, and personalize place cards with pie or cupcake motifs.
- Extra Touches: Set up a DIY sweets bar, offer mini pie or caramel sauce favors, and serve fall-inspired drinks like caramel apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes.
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #8: Friendsgiving BBQ
Friendsgiving BBQ
Casual outdoor gathering for friendsgiving, if weather permits of course, will be one to remember. Who can say no to BBQ? Grilled meats, coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, smores! What is there not to like? If anyone is not a meat person, they can always grill veggies too. Grilled asparagus is yummy fyi.
I think BBQ for friendsgiving would be cost-effective because you don’t need to go all out in decorations. Nature itself is the decoration! But some beautiful additions are string lights, aesthetic picnic tables and plaid napkins 🙂
- Outdoor Decor: String lights or aesthetic lanterns hung around the yard or patio.
- Table Setting: Picnic-style tablecloths (checkered or plaid) with mason jars as drink holders.
- Centerpieces: BBQ-themed items like small buckets filled with flowers, herbs, or condiments.
- Serving Table: Set up a grill station or buffet table with BBQ sauces, condiments, and food labels.
- Extra Touches: Rustic serving trays, mini chalkboards with menu items, and outdoor games like cornhole or horseshoes.
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #9: Friendsgiving Movie Night
Friendsgiving Movie Night
Movie night is definitely a friendsgiving gathering favorite! Its the perfect theme to watch halloween related movies OR jump ahead and watch christmas romances. There will never be awkard silence because everyone will be watching a movie.
We all know the best food to eat during movies are finger food! Popcorn is a MUST, burgers, pizza, chicken wings, soft drinks and candy 😋
- Seating: Large blankets, pillows, and floor cushions for comfy seating.
- Projector Setup: Create a cozy movie area with a projector or large TV.
- Snack Station: Set up a popcorn bar with different toppings, and candy displayed in glass jars.
- Decor: Movie-themed decorations like film reels, clapperboards, and marquee lights spelling out “Movie Night.”
- Extra Touches: Reusable popcorn buckets, string lights for a cozy glow, and drink stations with soda and hot beverages.
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #10: DIY Taco Bar
DIY Taco Bar
Fiesta inspired friendsgiving gathering will be filled with fun and yummy food. This casual, interactive and colorful thanksgiving theme is a great pick if you are a lover of tacos! Plus, it is very easy to set up for.
All you need are flowers, a fun table setup, and bowls/plates filled with the various taco fillings! Ground turkey, beef, grilled chicken, veggies, salsa, guacomole, and chips.
- Table Setting: Colorful, fiesta-inspired tablecloths and napkins.
- Taco Bar Setup: A long table with taco bar supplies, DIY taco ingredients, labeled with decorative signs.
- Centerpieces: Small cactus plants, succulents, or mini piñatas for a fun touch.
- Lighting: Bright string lights, paper lanterns, or vibrant banners.
- Extra Touches: Fiesta-themed banners, sombreros, or maracas as playful decor items, and bright tableware like multi-colored plates and napkins.
Friendsgiving Theme Idea #11: Friendsgiving Picnic
Friendsgiving Picnic
Picnics are beautiful during fall. The colorful leaves, beautiful scenery, and an all natural “fall theme” decoration from nature. This laid back and fresh theme is a go-to for a small and intimate gathering. It is also very aesthetic and cute.
Friendsgiving picnic decor is also easy: picnic blankets, mini wooden tables or rustic wooden crates for tables, leaves, pinecones, pumpkins and plaid! Sandwiches, salads, charcuterie board, and warm drinks are the perfect food picks for a picnic.
- Picnic Blankets: Soft, cozy outdoor blankets spread across the floor or lawn, with cushions or pillows for seating.
- Low Tables or Crates: Use wooden crates or low tables to create picnic-style eating areas.
- Centerpieces: Mason jars filled with wildflowers, candles in jars, or cute small pumpkins.
- Table Setting: Simple, natural napkins and picnic baskets for holding bread or utensils.
- Extra Touches: Aesthetic lanterns or fairy lights for a magical evening picnic, wicker baskets for food, and mini chalkboards for labeling dishes.
That's the entire list of Friendsgiving Theme Ideas!
Get to creating the best friendsgiving party your friends could ever ask for. Also, pat yourself on the back for wanting to be the host of a memorable thanksgiving gathering with friends! It is definitely a lot of work, but I hope this list of themes has lifted some weight off your shoulders and made your job a bit easier.
We would love to see what you put together! Send us a pic of your hard work blog@lovejasjoy.com and we can celebrate the win together 🙂