November is a time of year for gathering. But for a lot of us, gathering is going to look a little bit different this year. Instead of heading back to your hometown, going out to the local bar on Thanksgiving Eve to see everyone you went to high school with then heading to Aunt Sue’s on Turkey Day for good food and family time, the majority of us are staying local to our cities and celebrating Thanksgiving with the friends in our bubbles. While we’re going to really miss out on the much-needed family time, we’re happy to take a year off in order to keep everyone safe and prevent further spread of COVID-19. If you’re planning on staying in your city, you might be wondering how to host Friendsgiving when the world has transformed the way we gather. Well, thankfully, we’ve got you covered.
Considering how much has changed in 2020, hosting your first Friendsgiving surpasses how overwhelming it can be when it comes to food and preparation. Now, stress has essentially quadrupled because you need to make sure everyone attending your Friendsgiving is safe to be around. Nobody wants to get sick because you decided to have dinner with friends. The whole reason you’re not heading home for Thanksgiving to begin with is to stop the spread, so it’s important that when hosting Friendsgiving this year, you and your pals are extra, extra careful.
There are so many things you need for a casual Friendsgiving in 2020 that you never needed in the past. To help you prepare, we’ve created a list of the most important things you need to host and celebrate this year from more traditional items to 2020 necessities.
Related Stories
1. No-Contact Forehead Thermometer
Have you been out to a restaurant or bar as of late? If so, you’ve probably had one of these aimed near your forehead. These thermometers are the gadget to have in 2020 if you’re hosting a holiday party of any kind. This thermometer accurately reads body temperature in just one second and there is absolutely no contact needed. Accurately read someone’s temperature with just a press of a button. It’s even FDA-cleared, so you know this baby truly works. Whenever a guest comes in, simply scan their forehead and give them the boot if needed. It’s that easy.
2. Dressy Disposable Dishware
Thanksgiving is a time where people normally bring out their fancy china dishware. If you are having a large group of friends over and the alcohol is flowing, an expensive plate or two is bound to break. It’s safer to use aesthetically pleasing dishware that’s also shatter-proof. Best of all, these plates can be thrown away once used, which means fewer dishes for you do at the end of the night.
3. Lots of Wine
What’s a feast without wine? No matter how many people you have coming, you’re going to need more than just a few bottles so you all can drown the hellish year we’ve had a bit. No need to break the bank, though — Splash Wines offers cases of 15 bottles for wildly affordable prices. From full packs of reds, whites, rosés or mixes all coming in at near the $100 mark, you’re going to want to give Splash all your money.
4. Festive Table Runner
A festive table runner and nicely set table will make you look like you are winning at adulting and will fool all your friends into thinking hosting this year was a piece of cake for you to put together. It will also make all the pictures your friends take of all of the food look aesthetic AF.
5. Disposable Face Masks
Disposable face masks should be an obvious choice. Your friends should already be entering your home with them on, but we suggest wearing them indoors and outdoors whenever you get the chance. If you’re solely celebrating Friendsgiving with your bubble, there’s a good chance that you’ll most likely be fine, but if you’re inviting someone you don’t see as frequently, keep these on for the majority of the time even if they live in the same neighborhood. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
6. Turkey Platter
When you are at the store buying ingredients for four different recipes it can be hard to remember all of the things you will need. A turkey platter is a must. Turkey platters are significantly bigger than most platters you might own so it’s important to make sure you have a durable, dishwasher- and oven-safe turkey platter that is big enough for a big bird.
7. Sweet Treats from Senza Gluten
Running out of time to bake a dessert? No worries. This year, our favorite gluten-free bakery in NYC is offering nationwide shipping on all of their delicious treats. Fool your friends with a gluten-free alternative to your favorite desserts, like cookies, muffins, cakes, scrumptious pumpkin pies and more. Each of their desserts is completely fair-priced and will be delivered just in time for Friendsgiving.
8. Beverage Dispenser
Making a festive cocktail that all your friends can drink and pour for themselves will save you time and money. Having a large beverage dispenser will also allow for people to easily get up and access the drink whenever they need it, without having to ask someone to pass it all the way down the table. Looking to get creative with your drinks? We suggest you make an apple cider cocktail with lots and lots of rum. Right now, we’re loving the Philippines’ favorite rum, Tanduay, for its fall-centric flavor.
9. Drink Labels
Drink labels are something that will come of great use. If your coworker Jessica is just getting over a cold, and your brother John is also there and he has a big interview next week, it’s important drinks don’t get mixed up. These drink labels are a fun way to have people mark which drink is theirs without ruining the cup or without making you use plastic cups. 
10. To-Go Boxes
You will most definitely have leftovers after the big bash, and you won’t want two weeks of turkey and stuffing all to yourself. Your friends will want some leftovers, but you don’t want them to take all of your nice Tupperware you use for meal prepping. Disposable to-go boxes are the way to go in this case. These particular to-go boxes are easy to open and close and are a great size, allowing for a decent amount of leftovers to fit. Plus, they’re 100% compostable.
11. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
A portable speaker will allow you to put the tunes right next to the table. Depending on the design of your place, the TV isn’t always near the dining room table. This Bluetooth speaker from TRELAB will make it easy for any of your friends to connect their devices if people want to take turns being the DJ. It has an immense base so you and your pals can jam out to any songs you want and if one of your pals gets a little too liquored up, the TRELAB HD77 is totally waterproof and safe from accidental drops and spills.
12. Card Game
Games are an essential part of throwing a fun Friendsgiving celebration. Cards Against Humanity is a classic card game that will have your friends laughing till their bellies ache. This card game will get people opening up and talking to one another.
13. Insta-worthy Photo Props
Photo props will add an extra element to your Friendsgiving that people will love. These photo props will make all your photos of the night memorable and adorable. This particular set of props comes with a total of five props that are durable and won’t rip or break after just a couple of pictures.
14. Turkey Cooking Kit
Other than a turkey platter, (and obviously a turkey) a turkey cooking kit is a Friendsgiving essential that will make your life easier. When reading a turkey recipe, you’ll notice several of them will tell you to measure the inside temperature of the turkey, and to baste the turkey. This turkey kit comes with a thermometer, baster, flavor injector, and oven bags.