Fall is here, and that means the holiday season is just around the corner. As preparations and planning ramp up in anticipation of Thanksgiving, excitement is mounting. However, there’s also a new celebration that’s fast becoming a fixture of the holiday season: Friendsgiving. But what exactly is Friendsgiving, and how did it start? Join RiceSelect® as we delve into the origins of this unique celebration and look at how you can host your own Friendsgiving celebration.
Friendsgiving Origins
In 2020, the word “Friendsgiving” was officially added to the Merriam Webster Dictionary. Although the precise origins of the celebration are up for debate, the concept arose out of the need for a celebration that catered to people who, for one reason or another, couldn’t spend Thanksgiving with family. Since then, the concept has evolved to become so much more than merely a Thanksgiving dinner with friends. Friendsgiving is now widely-recognized as a seasonal celebration of friendship, not to mention an opportunity to experiment with non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes. Suffice to say, Friendsgiving is here to stay!
What to Bring to Friendsgiving
Whether you're planning on hosting your own Friendsgiving dinner, or simply attending one and looking for ideas for potluck, RiceSelect® has got a whole host of recipes to help get your creative juices flowing.
Enticing Appetizer
Setting the tone for the Friendsgiving feast to come is essential, and that’s where appetizers come in. Good appetizers don’t just whet the appetite, they set the standard. If you’re looking to make your Friendsgiving meal stand out from the get-go, then try your hand at this Crispy Rice Spicy Salmon recipe. Made with sushi-grade salmon, spicy Sriracha sauce, and restaurant-quality RiceSelect® Sushi Rice, it’s the kind of opening dish that will have guests intrigued about what’s to come.
Show-Stealing Salad Recipe
Salads sure have a lot of upside. They’re both easy to make and easy to put your own spin on. You can serve them as a side dish to be passed around the table or put them in containers and take them with you as your potluck offering. If you’d like to treat your friends to a unique salad experience, try this Orzo Salad with Sausage, Apple and Onion. Sweet and savory, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to share the recipe on the spot!
Potluck Perfection
Finding the right dish to bring to a Friendsgiving potluck feast can be tricky. It’s always best to ask ahead of time what others plan to bring. However, if you’re eager to steal the show with your culinary skills, then we’ve got just the recipes for you. This One Pot Beef and Rice Moussaka is a mouthwatering variation on a classic Greek recipe. What’s more, it’s perfect for sharing at holiday season gatherings.
Similarly, this Mushroom Risotto is a tried and true potluck favorite. Perhaps what makes this dish stand out from other risotto recipes is the addition of Gruyère cheese and dry white wine for a rich and flavorful finish.
Seasonal Chicken Recipe
With all the turkey consumed over the holiday season, Friendsgiving provides us with the opportunity to go off script. This Couscous with Grilled Chicken and Apple satisfies in much the same way as a classic turkey recipe, while also bringing seasonal flavors to the table.
Easy Holiday Stuffing
No holiday season celebration would be complete without a serving of stuffing, and Friendsgiving is no exception. This Royal Pecan Rice Stuffing is both seasonal and scrumptious. Made with RiceSelect® Royal Blend, it’s a fragrant dish that’s bursting with flavor. Interested in expanding your repertoire of stuffing recipes? Check out our guide to the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes.
Fun and Festive Desserts
Finally, to put the cherry on top of your Friendsgiving celebration, how about a festive dessert? Our Festive Rice Nog Pudding is always a hit around the holiday period. Then, if you’re looking to show off your chef skills, try this Toasted Pecan Rice Cream. Cool, creamy, and comforting, top it off with a dash of caramel sauce and you’ve got a homemade ice cream recipe that’s guaranteed to wow your friends.
Friendsgiving Games
Now that you’ve got plenty of inspiration for food ideas, let’s look at some activities that will make your Friendsgiving party unforgettable. Party games are a terrific way to pass the evening once the meal is over. Not sure what to play? How about some of the following:
Charades: Always a hit, guests act out movies, TV shows, and other concepts with hilarious results.
Trivia Games: Have a post-meal quiz where you divide everyone into teams and come up with questions. Organize a prize for the winning team to ramp up the excitement.
Karaoke: A karaoke competition where guests vote on the best performance by secret ballot is a great way for you and your friends to let your hair down.
Pictionary: Another parlor classic, pictionary will put everyone’s artistic skills to the test.
However you choose to celebrate Friendsgiving, one thing is for sure: time spent in the company of friends is time spent wisely. For more culinary inspiration and expert cooking tips, drop by the RiceSelect® blog.