Holiday Planning 101: How To Host a Friendsgiving Brunch

Why Friendsgiving? Perhaps you have friends so awesome that you need to invent a holiday to celebrate them. Maybe you need another excuse for a party. Or, like me, maybe you live three hours from your family and invariably have to travel for holidays, thus missing out on celebrating with friends in the town or city where you currently reside. Why brunch? Simple. Everyone’s sick of turkey and turkey-based leftovers. Also, everyone loves brunch. It’s cheap, easy, and can be dressed up to feel cozy and indulgent without too much work.

Space and decor: Cozy up your space by adding plenty of throw pillows and blankets. Brunch isn’t breakfast in bed, but make your guests feel like it’s the next best thing. Limited seating? The more spry among you can curl up on the floor and get comfy with some well-placed floor pillows. Brighten up the corners in your living room and kitchen with festive fall flowers. Or, if you’re short on cash or saving your pennies to buy holiday gifts, leaves and pinecones are both free and abundant this time of year.

Guest list: I’m probably not the only one who has separate circles of friends. Don’t be afraid to mix friend groups; all these people have at least you in common. They might leave your gathering having made an interesting connection or a new best friend. Friendsgiving is for celebrating all your friends, not just a few of them. Invite as many as will fit in your space. The more the merrier.

Menu: Baked oatmeal, egg casserole, frittata, breads and spreads, pumpkin pancakes — the list of possibilities is endless. Check out the recipes below to help get started with menu planning.

Pick up some bagels, and whip up this easy pumpkin cream cheese spread. Make it the day before your gathering, and let it chill overnight.

This baked oatmeal is quick and simple to make. I often make it for overnight guests or bring it to potluck brunches. People have even started requesting it! Add a few shakes of pumpkin pie spice, or a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves to make it even more delicious.

Dress up the ubiquitous egg breakfast casserole by instead preparing a Breakfast Wreath.

Baked apple chips are a healthy snack to munch on after days of eating too much pie.

I started making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies several years ago, and they are always a huge hit. I veer from the recipe and opt to maximize pumpkin flavor and cookie softness by using an entire can of pumpkin, rather than just a cup. Who says you can’t eat dessert in the morning? This isn’t breakfast; this is brunch. Dessert is totally allowed and encouraged.

Maple syrup takes the place of sugar in these Cardamom Surprise Cookies. They’re also gluten- and dairy-free, so guests with certain dietary restrictions still have something sweet to enjoy with their coffee and tea (or hot toddies and spiked cider).

Protips: Make as much of the food as you can in advance. Brunch is an easygoing meal; try not to ruin the relaxed vibe by having to rush around the morning of. Many delicious baked goods freeze really well, so you could make pumpkin bread or cookies days ahead of the event. Just remember to take them out of the freezer to thaw in time!

Also, some of your friends might have special fall recipes of their own that they’d like to contribute. If you know someone who makes killer Baked French Toast, don’t be afraid to ask him or her to make and bring it! If throwing yet another holiday party seems daunting, invite a close friend to co-host.

Here’s to starting new traditions, with friends old and new! Happy Friendsgiving!

Photos courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens, Delighted Momma & Microsoft.