Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and the city is already getting its glow on. Twinkle lights are going up, shop windows are getting their holiday makeovers, and there’s a little extra sparkle in the air. It’s one of our favorite times of year here!
But we also know the holidays can hit differently when you’re far from home. Maybe this is your first Thanksgiving away from your family. Maybe your internship or class schedule means you can’t make the trip. Maybe your best friends are scattered across three time zones. Whatever the reason, feeling a little homesick is completely normal.
Here’s the good news: you can build your own table. Meet Friendsgiving.
Start with a potluck
A potluck takes the pressure off everyone. Nobody has to cook a 20-pound turkey (please don’t). Just make a group chat and let people claim a category: something savory, something sweet, something to drink, something carby. Carbs are always a good idea.
Low-effort dishes anyone can bring
You don’t need to be a chef. Some of our favorite no-stress contributions:
- A bakery pumpkin or apple pie – Zero shame with maximum applause.
- Dinner rolls with a fancy butter or honey.
- A bagged salad dressed up with dried cranberries and candied pecans.
- Boxed mac and cheese with extra cheese – You know what you’re doing.
- A snack board with cheese, crackers, grapes, and chocolate.
- Hot apple cider or a big bottle of sparkling something.
Hosting in a small space
If you have a tiny space, lean into it. Some of the best Friendsgivings happen on the floor with a blanket and a pile of cushions. Skip the formal table and go full picnic. Use disposable plates and cups so cleanup is basically one trash bag. Keep the guest list small and cozy, set up a playlist, and string up some fairy lights if you have them. Have a few board games handy to keep the party going.
Finding your people at Webster
If you’re new here, we promise the community is closer than you think. Say hi to the women down the hall. Ask who’s staying in the city for the holiday. Start a sign-up sheet or a group chat and invite everyone to the community lounge. Chances are, someone else is hoping a person will do exactly that. Lots of our residents are away from home for the first time, and a simple “want to do dinner together?” can turn neighbors into lifelong friends.
Prefer to go out?
Downtown Brooklyn has plenty of spots worth gathering at. Here are a few ideas:
DeKalb Market Hall is a food hall packed with options, so everyone can pick what they’re craving. It’s great for a group with different tastes, and it has A Taste of Katz and Pierogi Boys.
Junior’s has been a Brooklyn classic since 1950, and it’s famous for its cheesecake. Dessert counts as a Thanksgiving tradition, right?
Xi’an Famous Foods started as a tiny stall in a Queens food court and grew into one of the city’s best inexpensive eats. Order a few dishes, pass them around the table, and enjoy big flavors without a big bill. Not exactly a turkey dinner, but Friendsgiving is all about making it your own.
Make it yours!
There’s no rulebook for Friendsgiving. It can be eight people and a table full of food, or three friends sharing a pie. What matters is who’s there, not how perfect it looks.
You don’t have to go home to feel at home. This season, take a chance, send the invite, and build a little family right here in the city. We think you’ll be glad you did.
Happy Friendsgiving from all of us at the Webster Apartments!
