![\"Friendsgiving](\"https:\/\/blog.freshdirect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/friendsgiving-meal-toast.jpg\")
\nA traditional Thanksgiving dinner is usually not the time to get super creative with the menu\u2014you know a relative is going to raise a fuss if you don\u2019t use the family heirloom stuffing recipe that you have every. single. year. But Friendsgiving? That\u2019s where you can come as you are, and so too can your food.<\/p>\n
Friendsgiving is a time to create new rituals. It doesn\u2019t 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<\/a>\u2014you spend enough time with your workmates that they\u2019re like family, anyway. The only real rule is that Friendsgiving is best when it\u2019s a potluck, because real friends always share their food.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re throwing or going to a Friendsgiving, you\u2019ll want to make sure what the other guests are bringing first. A shared sign-up sheet is always a good idea, because you don\u2019t want to compete with someone else for the title of best Brussels sprouts. But beyond that, there\u2019s no obligation to stick to the traditional Thanksgiving menu\u2014you can get super creative if you want.<\/p>\n If you want to serve a traditional bird, by all means go for it\u2014we can help you out with that on FreshDirect<\/a>. But this is a great time to explore other meaty mains, especially ones that go off the beaten path and are easier to transport.<\/p>\n At FreshDirect, we\u2019re huge fans of our rotisserie<\/a> and pre-marinated chickens<\/a>, which are already seasoned flavorfully and just need to be heated or cooked in the\u00a0oven. Or you can try a roast or other meat that is made for sharing, like the ones in these recipes:<\/p>\n Lamb Loin Roast<\/a> If you don\u2019t have time to cook (or just can\u2019t cook, period\u2014it\u2019s cool), there is absolutely no shame in picking up something that\u2019s already made. Things like chips, frozen appetizers, and catering platters<\/a> are party staples because everyone loves them, after all.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re set on contributing to the main meal, we have a huge selection of heat-and-eat holiday sides on FreshDirect<\/a>, because why spend hours laboring over sweet potatoes when you can get a chef to make them for you?<\/p>\n If you want to look like you\u2019re 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<\/a>, or you can create your own<\/a>\u2014here are a couple guides to help you get started:<\/p>\n Build the Perfect Cheese Plate<\/a> When it\u2019s time for dessert at a Friendsgiving potluck, guests are usually somewhere between a state of possibly alcohol-influenced giddy indulgence and feeling like they\u2019ve 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<\/a>. So is ice cream: it\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n Picture-Perfect Pumpkin Pie<\/a> It\u2019s easy to carry and is always, always appreciated. Plus, you\u2019ll 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\u2019t get opened and your host has a nice souvenir to enjoy another night.<\/p>\n Pick up a pack of beer on FreshDirect<\/a> and you\u2019ll be all set. Or\u00a0shop recommended wines and spirits here to find the perfect bottle.<\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"Friendsgiving\"](\"https:\/\/blog.freshdirect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Untitled-design86.png\")
You Don\u2019t Have to Stick to Roast Turkey<\/h1>\n
\nBraised Lamb Shanks<\/a>
\nFive Spice Duck<\/a>
\nTurkey Meatballs<\/a>
\nSlow-Cooker Pulled Pork<\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"Friendsgiving](\"https:\/\/blog.freshdirect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/FreshDirect-Friendsiving-Sides.jpg\")
It\u2019s OK to Not<\/em> Cook<\/h1>\n
\n![\"Friendsgiving](\"https:\/\/blog.freshdirect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/FreshDirect-Friendsiving-.jpg\")
Cheese & Charcuterie: Low Effort, High Impact<\/h1>\n
\nNew Cheeses For Holiday Entertaining<\/a>
\nCreate an Authentic Italian Cheese Board<\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"Friendsgiving](\"https:\/\/blog.freshdirect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/FreshDirect-Friendsiving-Desserts.jpg\")
There\u2019s No Such Thing As a Bad Dessert<\/h1>\n
\n4-Ingredient Mini Apple Pies<\/a>
\nOreo Pie<\/a>
\nChocolate Pecan Pie<\/a>
\nCrunchy Oat Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole<\/a>
\nPumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting<\/a>
\nChocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread<\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"Friendsgiving](\"https:\/\/blog.freshdirect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Friendsgiving-wine-beer.jpg\")
When In Doubt, Bring Alcohol<\/h1>\n