Friendsgiving! A Holiday Menu for a Meal with Friends

What to Drink

Holiday Punch

I’m all for holiday punch bowls. They remind me bygone era of white gloves and finger-wave hairstyles. Plus who doesn’t like carrying around an etched glass filled with boozy drinks? Not to worry: this recipe, rich with cinnamon and citrus (my favorite flavor combination) has a zero-proof option as well. One recipe, two drinks. It’s your first Friendsgiving win!

Hot Mulled Cider

Your guest might arrive chilled to the bone. Help them warm up and relax with this hot mulled cider. It’s sweet and spiced with earthy cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. This recipe is zero-proof. Make some for your guests enjoy on its own, or place a bottle of good whiskey or spiced rum next to the pot with a note and personal spiking recommendations.

How to Get the Party Started

Mini Salmon Quiches

Mini Salmon Quiche are tasty bite-sized wonders filled with a hint of tang from cream cheese and smoke from the fish. They can be made ahead of time, frozen and reheated for the Friendsgiving Day!

Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

Boursin is a seasoned soft cheese available in most supermarkets. If you can’t find it, substitute plain cream cheese and add your favorite herbs. You only need 15 minutes to pull these together.

Cranberry Glazed Meatballs

Nothing says "holiday celebration" like meatballs. They go great with toothpicks. These bright red, sweet and spicy balls will go great in your belly!

Swiss Chard Tzatziki (Yogurt Dip)

This twist on a traditional Greek yogurt sauce just needs crudités, toast points, or crackers. Or all three.

What to Eat for Dinner

Prime Rib

Sometimes is nice to take a break from the bird — try this prime rib for the carnivore friends among you. Prime Rib can cost upwards of $100 for a roast — it’s a great splurge worth every penny! If money is tight this year, get everyone to chip in a few bucks.

Vegan Stuffed Squash with Brown Rice and Mushrooms

Vegan friends need not miss out on holiday deliciousness. Welcome them — and all veggie lovers — with this robust and filling stuffed acorn squash. This recipe is one of my personal favorites.

What to Serve on the Side

Sweet Potato and Yukon Gold Bake

Purple, orange and yellow potatoes are layered together on bed of sweet caramelized onions to build this show-stopper side.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate-Balsamic Glaze

Add a little green to balance out all of that color with this roasted Brussels sprouts dish. The sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze is sure to please everyone at the table.

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Ahhh, the lovely potato. Who doesn’t love a bowl of pillowy, creamy mashed potatoes? You have a lot going on for Friendsgiving so let your slow cooker do a little heavy lifting. Cut the potatoes into small cubes and go all out with heavy cream for this slow cooker version of everyone’s favorite dinner-time side.

What to Serve for Dessert

Chocolate Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Raspberries

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert with a marshmallowy inside and a crisp exterior. They are great for the holidays because you can make the whipped cream 24 hours and the meringue base up to 72 hours in advance and assemble them just before serving. Plus, who doesn’t love chocolate and raspberries?

How to Make Classic Tiramisu

The boozy, coffee flavors and creamy texture of Italian Tiramisu will take any Friendsgiving to unforgettable status. It’s the perfect dessert because it combines both your after-dinner coffee, and dessert into one! Make everything ahead of time and dust it with cocoa powder and dish it up right before serving.