Friendsgiving has grown into one of the most meaningful parts of the fall semester. It is a night that gives everyone a break from deadlines, a chance to reset, and a moment to be around the people who have been there through the highs and lows of it all. Planning one does not have to be complicated! The best Friendsgivings usually come from simple ideas that make your space feel warm, inviting, and personal.

Create a Cozy, Simple Atmosphere

Friendsgiving works best when the space feels warm and inviting without trying too hard. The goal is to create comfort with whatever you already have. Adding soft lighting, a clean table, and a few blankets on the couch can transform the room into a relaxed fall setting for your guests. You do not need matching plates or themed decor, although it would add to the ambience of fall. Even placing snacks on a wooden cutting board or adding a couple of candles instantly sets a mood. The point is to make the environment feel easy, welcoming, and perfect for long conversations with the people who made your semester feel steady.

Make It a Team Effort

Friendsgiving should feel like a group moment, not a chore for one person. A potluck style dinner is the easiest way to keep things fun and stress free! Have each friend bring something simple they feel confident about. Someone brings a main dish, another person handles dessert, and others fill in with sides, drinks, or store bought items that save time. A potluck creates a table that feels full and personal, and it also gives everyone a small role in the night. Even if the dishes do not match or someone forgets utensils, the shared effort is what makes the meal memorable.

Add a Shared Activity

A simple shared moment can make Friendsgiving stand out from a normal dinner. You can play a short game of Thanksgiving bingo or get everyone to say what they’re thankful for. A great game to play around the holidays is White Elephant, a game of strategy that is bound to get the party going. These activities take only a few minutes, but they add warmth and create memories that feel special when you look back on them during finals week.

A Little Love for After the Holiday

As the night winds down and everyone moves into the rest of November, comfort becomes the theme of the season. Students are heading into colder weather, longer study sessions, and the final stretch of the semester. This is also when people start looking for soft layers and everyday basics they can live in during the busy weeks ahead. Kelley Outfitters will be releasing a new collection very soon, and it is built around warm hoodies, relaxed tees, and cozy essentials that fit perfectly into this time of year. These pieces are designed for late nights at Wells, group projects, winter walks across campus, and everything in between. If you want fresh IU branded staples for the season, keep an eye out for the launch on our website.