A traditional Thanksgiving dinner is usually not the time to get super creative with the menu—you know a relative is going to raise a fuss if you don’t use the family heirloom stuffing recipe that you have every. single. year. But Friendsgiving? That’s where you can come as you are, and so too can your food.

Friendsgiving is a time to create new rituals. It doesn’t even have to be on the fourth Thursday in November. You can have it earlier in the month and use it as a test run for the actual holiday. Or why not have one at the office—you spend enough time with your workmates that they’re like family, anyway. The only real rule is that Friendsgiving is best when it’s a potluck, because real friends always share their food.

If you’re throwing or going to a Friendsgiving, you’ll want to make sure what the other guests are bringing first. A shared sign-up sheet is always a good idea, because you don’t want to compete with someone else for the title of best Brussels sprouts. But beyond that, there’s no obligation to stick to the traditional Thanksgiving menu—you can get super creative if you want.

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You Don’t Have to Stick to Roast Turkey

If you want to serve a traditional bird, by all means go for it—we can help you out with that on FreshDirect. But this is a great time to explore other meaty mains, especially ones that go off the beaten path and are easier to transport.

At FreshDirect, we’re huge fans of our rotisserie and pre-marinated chickens, which are already seasoned flavorfully and just need to be heated or cooked in the oven. Or you can try a roast or other meat that is made for sharing, like the ones in these recipes:

Lamb Loin Roast
Braised Lamb Shanks
Five Spice Duck
Turkey Meatballs
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

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It’s OK to Not Cook

If you don’t have time to cook (or just can’t cook, period—it’s cool), there is absolutely no shame in picking up something that’s already made. Things like chips, frozen appetizers, and catering platters are party staples because everyone loves them, after all.

If you’re set on contributing to the main meal, we have a huge selection of heat-and-eat holiday sides on FreshDirect, because why spend hours laboring over sweet potatoes when you can get a chef to make them for you?

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Cheese & Charcuterie: Low Effort, High Impact

If you want to look like you’re a gourmet without spending too much time in the kitchen, a cheese and charcuterie board is the perfect choice. Simply pick out a variety of artisan cheeses, meats, and crackers, set them out, and watch them get vacuumed up. We offer prepared cheese boards on FreshDirect, or you can create your own—here are a couple guides to help you get started:

Build the Perfect Cheese Plate
New Cheeses For Holiday Entertaining
Create an Authentic Italian Cheese Board

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There’s No Such Thing As a Bad Dessert

When it’s time for dessert at a Friendsgiving potluck, guests are usually somewhere between a state of possibly alcohol-influenced giddy indulgence and feeling like they’ve got a second wind coming on after gorging on the main meal. If you bring something sweet, it will get eaten. Going with a delicious pie or some cookies from our bakery is always a good choice. So is ice cream: it’s bound to taste great with one of the other desserts (or straight from the carton).You could also try your hand at one of these festive dessert recipes:

Picture-Perfect Pumpkin Pie
4-Ingredient Mini Apple Pies
Oreo Pie
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Crunchy Oat Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

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When In Doubt, Bring Alcohol

It’s easy to carry and is always, always appreciated. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to prevent one of the biggest party buzzkills: running out of drinks. The worst that can happen is that your bottle doesn’t get opened and your host has a nice souvenir to enjoy another night.

Pick up a pack of beer on FreshDirect and you’ll be all set. Or shop recommended wines and spirits here to find the perfect bottle.

Shop all of our Friendsgiving picks on FreshDirect.