10 tips for hosting Friendsgiving

Image via Better Home & Gardens

Hi everyone! I am so excited for my first post on LOLO Mag. Today I'm sharing 10 bits of advice to consider when hosting Friendsgiving. My boyfriend & I are hosting a Friendsgiving gathering at his farm this coming Sunday for about 35 people. The below tips are all things that I have tried to consider when planning the party, plus bits of wisdom that I am determined to keep in mind as the day gets closer. -Melissa1. Get it on the calendar. This time of year is very hectic, so picking a date ahead of time is so important. It might seem crazy, but planning it in September is really not that unrealistic. Pick a day and mark it on the calendar!2. The more the merrier. Now it's time to make the guest list. If you think there is someone you want to invite, do it! Don't worry about the number, because some people won't be able to come. Also, this time of the year is all about bringing people together and enjoying one another.3. Make the e-vite & send. Paperless post is the way to go! The site makes it so easy to design the cutest card + send it to your guests via email. Then your guests can easily RSVP yes or no. The event page is also a great place for people to post on the comment wall.4. Group effort. For our upcoming Friendsgiving, I asked everyone to bring a dish to share and I am so happy that I did! It is so fun for everyone to bring their favorite dish, and it saves the host so much time, energy, and stress. It is way too much for one person or even two people to make everything. Ask for help and welcome it with open arms.5. Keep it casual... Keeping it casual will make it a stress-free gathering. From food to the seating situation, keep it simple, easy, and laid-back. 6. ..but cozy! Just because it is casual doesn't mean you can't make it cozy. Thanksgiving is the time to feel warm and welcomed, so don't hesitate to make your home seem comfortable and very 'fall'. I'm not encouraging going overboard with the decorating, but fall blooms, candles, table runners, and wreaths can really set the tone.7. Buy ahead. Being prepared & ready-to-go will make the day-of go smoothly and allow you to enjoy yourself more. Make a list of things you need and buy it a few weeks before. Then a few days before and the morning of, allow plenty of time for set-up.8. Disposable plates + glasses. When you are having a lot of guests over your home and it is a casual party, having disposable plates, glasses, utensils, and napkins is essential. No one wants to be doing dishes for hours at the end of the night! For our upcoming party, I ordered products from Posh Party- the plates and everything look great, and now clean-up will be pretty simple. 9. Imperfection is the best. This is quite possibly the most important thing on this list! Do not worry about everything being perfect. In fact, don't even hope that everything is perfect. It is an unrealistic goal, but more importantly imperfection at a house party is one of the things that makes it real, genuine, and home-y. If something is overcooked, who cares! If someone spills wine, it can be cleaned up. And if someone comes in with dirty shoes, well that's life. Enjoy the imperfections, and go with the flow.10. Enjoy. The guests aren't the only ones that are supposed to have fun- the hosts are too! Once the party starts, let the fun begin- be welcoming, enjoy the together time, and have fun!