
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for families to spread across the country—or the world, making it challenging to gather with relatives for the holidays. As a result, many traditions take new forms, and Friendsgiving is the ideal opportunity for close pals to put a new twist on a classic Thanksgiving feast. After all, many of us have developed tight-knit groups of our own throughout the years, thanks to coming-of-age experiences like going through college or starting a career. Still, not everyone is familiar with this modern holiday celebration, so you may wonder, “What is Friendsgiving, what do I bring, and when is it?” But don’t worry! The concierge team at Bluefish Vacation Rentals is here to help with some suggestions!
Friendsgiving Ideas: Eat, Drink, and Make Memories
As much as we love our families, we don’t get to choose them, unlike friends. Here are some ways to reconnect with your best friends while planning an awesome Friendsgiving.
- Create a menu using a shared document. While the host may want to be responsible for the entree, most Friendsgiving gatherings are typically a potluck dinner party. You can get everyone’s ideas and preferences using a Google Doc or a similar application in an easy-to-access platform. Not only does it make planning the menu easier, but it also sets an inclusive tone for your get-together.
- Craft the ultimate playlist. You can use the same shared document you created for the menu to ensure everyone’s favorite songs and artists are in the holiday broadcast.
- Pick a theme. Although Friendsgiving is a spinoff of Thanksgiving, there’s no reason you have to stick to the typical decor and dishes. Your group’s favorite movies, shows, or sports could be a fun deviation from the norm. Another idea would be to choose a decade, like the ‘80s or ’90s, and have everyone go back in time with their attire and hairstyles.
- Make a gratitude board. It’s easy to take the best things in life for granted, but sharing what you are grateful for is a heartfelt way to connect with your friends. A whiteboard with a few color markers will do the trick. Afterward, you can take a picture of your gratitude board and send it in an email or group text to commemorate your bond.
Lake Michigan Holiday Getaways with Bluefish

Hosting a Friendsgiving party can be fun, but having a group of people at your home is sometimes stressful. A vacation rental makes perfect sense, especially if your place isn’t large enough to accommodate such a gathering. It’s no accident that several of our properties have large kitchens, ample bedrooms, spacious bathrooms, and superb amenities. And with locations in some of the best Lake Michigan beach towns, you’ll find the quaint yet lively atmosphere beyond inviting.
To learn more about how we can help you create new traditions, reach out online or call 269-469-0468 and start planning the ultimate Friendsgiving!