Classic Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving is on. Join us at Nina’s on Saturday, November 21 for dinner at 5. I’ll do the turkey; pick a dish from the list when you reply so we get a bit of everything. Please reply by November 14.
Friendsgiving invitations, with a dish sign-up
One page with the date, the address and the plan, and a Thanksgiving sign-up list already filled in: turkey, stuffing, sides, pies and drinks. Guests reply and claim a dish in the same step, and you see who brings what.
Free to make and publish. Guests never need an account.
An example invitation
Nina’s Friendsgiving in Brooklyn: she does the turkey, and guests pick a dish from the list when they reply.
What your Friendsgiving page does
- A Thanksgiving list, sized for you
- Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, greens, rolls, pies, drinks, plates and containers for leftovers, with how many of each for your guest count.
- Guests claim a dish as they reply
- Each item shows how many are still needed. A guest picks one, says what they’re making, and it’s taken.
- You see who brings what
- The host page lists every dish with the guest bringing it, so you know what to buy and who to nudge.
- Allergies with every reply
- Guests note food allergies when they reply, so the person making the stuffing knows about the nut allergy.
- Change the list any time
- Rename items, add a vegetarian main, set how many of each, or take the turkey off if someone else is roasting it.
- One link, a QR code, or email
- Send the link in a group chat, print its QR code on a card, or email it to the guests on your list. Pick your own address, like thedetails.page/e/maya-grad.
How it works
Date, time and place
The date, when dinner is served, and the address. Friendsgiving is usually the weekend before or after Thanksgiving.
Check the dish list
It starts with the Thanksgiving list for your guest count. Keep the turkey for yourself, or put it on the list too.
Send the link
Guests reply and pick a dish from their phone. You watch the gaps fill.
Friendsgiving: what to include and when to send it
Friendsgiving works when the dishes add up to a meal. The invitation does most of that work.
When to send it
Two to three weeks before, so people can plan around family Thanksgiving. Close replies about five days before, so there is time to fill any gaps on the list.
What to include
The date, the time dinner is served (not only when doors open), the address, whether partners and children are welcome, and how the dishes work.
Split the meal fairly
The host usually does the turkey and the table. Ask for one dish per guest or couple, and leave drinks, ice and plates for the people who don’t cook.
Plan for dietary needs
Ask about allergies in the reply, and add a vegetarian main and a gluten-free dessert to the list if anyone needs them.
Friendsgiving invitation wording
Copy one and change the details. The sign-up list on your page does the rest.
Potluck style
Bring a dish, bring a friend, and come hungry. Friendsgiving potluck at our place on Sunday, November 22 from 3 pm. Sign up for a dish when you reply.
Small dinner
We’re keeping it small this year: Friendsgiving dinner for eight at our place on Friday, November 27 at 7. We’re cooking, so just bring a bottle and your appetite.
At work
Team Friendsgiving lunch on Wednesday, November 25 at noon in the kitchen. The office is buying the turkey. Sign up for a side or a dessert when you reply.
What it costs
Free
$0
- Your invitation, published, for as long as you need it
- Replies and the guest list, with no limit on guests
- 8 designs, each in several colour schemes
- Your own address, a password, a QR code and up to 60 photos
Site pass, optional
$9.99 USDonce, for one site
The sign-up list is free. The pass adds a photo wall for the table photos, your own colours, a full-photo cover and reply reminders.
No subscription. Try every extra on your draft first. Everything the pass includes
Questions
Is it free, sign-up list included?
Yes. The page, the replies and the dish sign-up list are free, with no limit on guests. An optional site pass adds extras such as your own colours and a photo wall, for one payment.
When should I send a Friendsgiving invitation?
Two to three weeks before. Most Friendsgivings are the weekend before Thanksgiving, so send the invitation in late October or early November.
How does the dish sign-up work?
Your page starts with a Thanksgiving list sized for your guest count. Guests who reply yes pick an item and say what they’re making, and it shows as taken once enough people have it. Rename, add or remove items any time.
How many dishes do I need for Friendsgiving?
A rough guide: each classic side (stuffing, potatoes, greens) for every 10 guests, a pie of each kind for every 8, and gravy and cranberry sauce for every 15. For 14 guests that is two of most sides, two pumpkin pies and one gravy.
What if some guests don’t cook?
Keep drinks, ice, rolls, plates and containers for leftovers on the list. Everyone can bring something.
Do guests need an app or an account?
No. They open the link in any browser, on any phone, and reply in under a minute.
Free tools and ideas
- Potluck sign-up sheetWhat to bring for your guest count, to print or put online.
- Party drink calculatorHow much beer, wine and liquor to buy, with ice and mixers.
- Party invitationsOne page for any party, with replies and a sign-up for what to bring.
- Christmas party invitationsWording to copy and a page for the party, with replies and the gift swap.
Ready when you are
A few questions, a minute or two, and your invitation is ready to share.