Thanksgiving with family is sweet, but Friendsgiving is my favorite night of the whole season. No pressure, no seating chart, just my favorite people crammed around a table in my apartment eating way too much. I’ve hosted it for a few years now, so here’s exactly how I do it, from the menu to the outfit. — Cami Del Toro
Pick the date early
Everyone is busy in November, so I send a save-the-date to the group chat about three weeks out. I like the Saturday before Thanksgiving, because people are still in town and nobody is traveling yet. I keep the guest list to about ten so everyone actually fits and we can all talk to each other. If you’re in LA and need a plan for the rest of the month, everything I’m doing this season is in my holiday season hub.
My easy potluck menu
The secret to a calm Friendsgiving is that the host does not cook everything. I make the main dish and one side, and I split the rest in the group chat so we don’t end up with five bowls of mac and cheese. Here’s the menu I’m planning this year:
- The main: a roasted turkey breast or a whole roast chicken. A full turkey is a lot for an apartment oven, and nobody has ever complained.
- Sides from friends: mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted veggies, stuffing and a big green salad so there’s something fresh.
- Bread: warm rolls from a local bakery. Not everything has to be homemade.
- Desserts: pumpkin pie, an apple crumble and one wild card dessert from whoever loves to bake.
- Drinks: sparkling cider, a pitcher of something festive, and plenty of water on the table.
I always ask about allergies and dietary needs when I send the invite, so there’s at least one main-style dish everyone can eat.
A cozy table on a small budget
I don’t own a giant dining table, so some years we eat at my table pushed up against a folding one. A long tablecloth hides the gap, and nobody can tell. For decor I keep it simple and warm:
- A runner of eucalyptus and a few small pumpkins down the middle.
- Lots of candles, all different heights. Candlelight makes any room feel special.
- Mismatched plates are fine. I actually think they look cuter.
- Little name cards where everyone writes one thing they’re grateful for.
- Warm string lights instead of the big overhead light.
It’s the same feeling I go for on a quiet evening at home, which I wrote about in my cozy night-in guide.
What I wear to Friendsgiving
I want to look put together but still be able to eat a second plate of mashed potatoes. My formula is cozy on top, easy on the bottom:
- A soft knit sweater in cream, camel or chocolate brown.
- Straight-leg jeans or a satin slip skirt, depending on the mood.
- Gold hoops and a delicate necklace.
- Ankle boots or ballet flats, because I’m on my feet all night as the host.
- A red or berry lip and a soft, glowy face.
If you want more outfit options for the whole week, I put together a full list in my Thanksgiving outfit ideas, and my go-to glam is in my holiday makeup look.
The playlist
Music sets the vibe before anyone even sits down. I start with mellow acoustic songs while people arrive, move into old favorites everyone can sing along to during dinner, and save the upbeat stuff for dessert and dishes. My current rotation is on my playlist page.
Little traditions that make it special
- The gratitude round. Before we eat, everyone shares one good thing from the year. It always gets a little emotional in the best way.
- A group photo. I set my phone on a stack of books with the timer. Same spot every year, so it’s fun to compare.
- Leftover containers. I buy a pack of to-go boxes so everyone takes something home.
- A walk after dinner. If the night is mild, we take a slow loop around the block before pie.
My stress-free hosting tips
- Clean the day before. On the day of, I only tidy the kitchen and set the table.
- Make a timeline. I write down when the main goes in the oven and work backward from dinner time.
- Clear the fridge. Friends will bring dishes that need space, so I make room early.
- Accept help. When someone asks what they can do, I give them a real job.
- Get your workout in that morning. A quick session helps me feel good all day. My busy-season routine is in my holiday fitness plan.
Friendsgiving isn’t about a perfect table. It’s about everyone feeling welcome and leaving full and happy. Follow along on Instagram @Camiibby3 to see how mine turns out this year.
FAQ
How does Cami Del Toro host Friendsgiving?
I host a potluck-style Friendsgiving in my LA apartment. I make the main dish, split the sides and desserts in the group chat, set a simple candlelit table and keep the night relaxed.
What does Cami Del Toro wear to Friendsgiving?
Something cozy but cute: a soft knit sweater with straight-leg jeans or a slip skirt, gold jewelry, a red lip and comfortable flats or boots.