If you can’t make it home for Thanksgiving, a Friendsgiving can be just as memorable, but it isn’t something you should just throw together at the last minute. Planning such a big meal for friends can be stressful, so you need to go into it with a game plan.

1. Friendsgiving should be a potluck

24304 Betty Crocker's Guide to Your First Thanksgiving

No matter who’s hosting, who’s bringing what needs to be planned in advance. It’s way too much work for the host to be responsible for an entire meal.

2. The host cooks the turkey

Unless you’re ordering one, the turkey is the responsibility of the host. It’s just not a good idea to have to transport the most important part of Thanksgiving dinner after it’s cooked, so the host gets to do the honors.

3. More than one person can sign up for mashed potatoes

Because really, you can never have enough.

4. Cranberry sauce should be made from scratch

It’s not that hard! You can find a quick and easy recipe right here.

5. A variety of desserts is essential.

friendsgiving-3

At the very least, there should be the big three: pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cobbler.

6. Don’t forget the drinks

Pinot Noirs and Rieslings are popular go-tos for Thanksgiving pairings.