If you haven’t heard of Friendsgiving, think of it as a casual, choose-your-own-adventure version of the Thanksgiving holiday that centers around gratitude, good food, and the people you’ve chosen as family.
It’s potluck-style, can be hosted before or after the official holiday, and the menu may include a lot of traditional holiday foods and maybe even some twists on holiday favorites.
Because it’s so flexible, Friendsgiving is also the perfect time to make your table more inclusive. Many of us share meals with friends who eat in different ways — vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, or omnivore — and that can sometimes lead to awkward moments.
With a few thoughtful Friendsgiving ideas and a focus on compassion over perfection, you can host a celebration that makes everyone feel welcome.
At Vegetarian Zen, we believe food should bring people together, not divide them (it’s the reason for the zen in our name!). So today, we’re sharing simple, judgment-free ways to create an inclusive Friendsgiving filled with connection, gratitude, and really good eats.
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What Friendsgiving Is Really About
Friendsgiving is more than a meal; it’s a mindset. It’s about carving out time during the busy holiday season to gather the people who make your life richer and share the load (and the leftovers).
Unlike Thanksgiving, which can come with long-held family traditions and expectations, Friendsgiving lets you write your own rules. Want to swap the turkey for a big pot of vegetarian chili? Go for it. Feel like serving your grandmother’s chicken pot pie next to a vegan charcuterie board? Perfect. The heart of a Friendsgiving celebration is connection, not conformity.
When you focus on gratitude instead of “getting it right,” the table naturally becomes more welcoming — and that’s what makes Friendsgiving such a special part of the holiday season.
Inclusive Menu Ideas for a Mixed Crowd
One of the best parts of Friendsgiving is that the menu is totally up to you. There’s no rulebook saying you have to roast a turkey or bake three pies from scratch (unless you want to, of course). The most memorable Friendsgivings are the ones where everyone contributes a little something and no one leaves the table hungry — or feeling left out.
Here are a few Friendsgiving ideas to help you create a menu that brings everyone together, no matter what their plate looks like.
Make It Potluck-Style
If your guest list includes a mix of omnivores and plant-based folks, a potluck dinner is your best bet. Ask guests to bring one dish they love and include a small label card — something simple like “vegan,” “vegetarian,” or “contains dairy.” This tiny touch avoids confusion and helps everyone feel comfortable trying new foods.
Pro tip: Create a shared Google spreadsheet or Paperless Post sign-up so you don’t end up with five versions of mac & cheese (although… would that really be a bad thing?).
Offer Veg-Forward Mains Everyone Will Enjoy
You don’t need to make a separate “vegan section.” Instead, plan a few flavorful dishes that everyone can dig into:
- Stuffed Acorn Squash Beautiful, hearty, and naturally plant-based.
- Maple Balsamic Roasted Veggies Sweet, savory, and perfect beside anything.
- Vegetarian Gravy Great over russet potatoes and green bean casserole.
- Creamy Mac & Cheese Try a cashew-based sauce or make it classic; both work beautifully.
If your friends are bringing traditional mains like turkey or chicken pot pie, these sides still work. No one feels like they’re missing out; they’re just enjoying different versions of comfort.
Check out some of our favorite plant-based Thanksgiving recipes here.
Build a Vegan-Friendly Charcuterie Board
A big grazing board works for every type of eater. Include vegan cheeses, fruits,
You can find great vegan cheese and snacks at Thrive Market.
Your favorite organic & non-GMO brands, plus guaranteed savings—delivered to your door
Don’t Forget Dessert
Dessert is where everyone can meet in the middle. A few cozy ideas:
- Classic Pumpkin Pie or Bourbon Pumpkin Pie
- Gingersnap Pumpkin Tart with coconut whipped cream
- Caramel Pear Hand Pies
You can check out our full list of veg Fall favorite desserts here.
Hosting Without the Awkwardness
For many people, holidays are filled with traditions, memories, and “the way things have always been done.” Add in different eating styles, and suddenly your cozy Friendsgiving celebration can start to feel a little…tense.
But it doesn’t have to. With a bit of empathy and a few communication tweaks, you can keep the conversation flowing and everyone’s plates (and hearts) full.
Lead With Curiosity, Not Judgment
If someone brings a dish you’ve never tried before — like a vegan charcuterie board or a new spin on green bean casserole — show interest! Ask about their recipe or what inspired it. People love talking about the food they’ve made, especially when it’s received with curiosity rather than criticism.
And if you’re the one bringing the plant-based dish, resist the urge to over-explain. A simple “I thought this would be fun to try!” feels lighter than “I made this so the vegans have something to eat.”
Avoid the “Food Police” Moment
It happens to all of us at one point. Someone asks, “So…why don’t you eat meat?” right in the middle of dinner. While it may come from genuine curiosity, it can make guests feel singled out.
As the host, you can gently steer the conversation toward gratitude or shared memories. Try something like:
“Right now, I just want to hear everyone’s favorite holiday memory. I’ll start.”
That keeps things friendly and refocuses the table on connection, not debate.
A Little Gratitude Goes a Long Way
Start the meal with something simple and inclusive, like a gratitude toast or a quick “what are you thankful for?” moment. It’s a great way to bring warmth to the table — and shift attention from what’s on the table to who’s around it.
Remember: It’s About Togetherness
At the end of the day, your Friendsgiving doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to feel kind. When guests know they can show up as themselves (dietary choices and all), the energy around the table completely changes.
It’s that no-bully, no-judgment spirit we celebrate every day in our Peas and Carrots Society Facebook group, and Friendsgiving is the perfect time to bring it to life.
Activities and Decor That Bring People Together
The best Friendsgiving ideas go beyond food — they’re the small moments that make everyone feel connected. From a simple gratitude game to twinkle lights and homemade décor, little touches that turn dinner into a real celebration.
Fun Friendsgiving Activities
You don’t need elaborate party games to spark joy. Try one or two activities that help people laugh and relax between bites:
- Gratitude Circle Have everyone share one thing they’re thankful for this year (a great dessert activity).
- Friendsgiving Photo Booth Create a festive fall-themed backdrop for fun photos.
- Board Games or Karaoke Corner Perfect for entertainment or friendly competition after dinner.
- Thank-You Notes Station Set out cute cards or small pieces of orange paper and let guests write messages to one another.
If you’re feeling creative, you can even design printable cards or conversation starters.
Cozy and Compassionate Decor Ideas
Keep the table relaxed, warm, and personal. Who cares about matching napkin rings? Friendsgiving is a time to make people feel at home.
- Candlelight + Natural Touches Use simple candles, mini pumpkins, or sprigs of herbs instead of expensive centerpieces.
- Use Sustainable Materials Placemats or napkin holders made from natural
cork fabric (one of our favorite eco-friendly options) add texture without waste. - Fall-Themed Decor Warm tones, soft lighting, and a few handmade touches like a leaf garland or holiday wreath.
You can also repurpose items you already have — an old baking dish makes a lovely centerpiece when filled with pinecones, acorns, or cinnamon sticks.
Make It Personal
Friendsgiving is all about community, so don’t be afraid to bring your personality into the space. Display a few printed photos of past gatherings or create a small “memory wall” where guests can hang thank-you notes or Polaroids from the night (yes, they still make Polaroid cameras!).
These thoughtful details remind everyone that they’re part of something special — and that’s what this Friendsgiving celebration is really about.
Looking to make more awesome friends? Why not join our closed Facebook group, The Peas and Carrots Society? Here you’ll find a group of like-minded non-judgy folks just like you. We pride ourselves on being a no-bully zone. Just good friends, good food, and good fun!
