Her Nail Lounge | Ideal Salon In Des Peres, MO 63131

Friendsgiving has become one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season. This informal take on Thanksgiving is all about gathering with friends, indulging in great food, and creating lasting memories. Unlike traditional family Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is about shared dishes, relaxed vibes, and celebrating the friends who feel like family.

Whether you're hosting for the first time or a seasoned Friendsgiving pro, here’s everything you need to make your Friendsgiving unforgettable, along with tips on bringing a little extra fall flair with seasonal nail designs to complete your holiday look.

1. Plan the Perfect Friendsgiving Menu

Friendsgiving is often a potluck-style event, which means you don’t have to do it all yourself! Here are a few tips to make sure the menu is both delicious and manageable.

• Divide and Conquer: Assign everyone a category (appetizers, side dishes, mains, desserts, or drinks). This ensures that every part of the meal is covered and avoids duplications.
• Classic Mains with a Twist: Turkey is optional! Some Friendsgiving gatherings go with classics like roast chicken, or even a cozy lasagna or pasta bake. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a “Friendsgiving Feast Board” with charcuterie, cheeses, fruits, and seasonal veggies for a fun, shareable main dish.
• Friendsgiving Sides: Bring on the mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies, and green bean casserole! Adding twists like truffle mashed potatoes or bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts can make the sides feel special.
• Delectable Desserts: You can’t go wrong with pie. Try classics like pumpkin, apple, or pecan, or add something unique, like mini cheesecakes or a dessert charcuterie board with chocolates, fruits, and marshmallows.

2. Create a Cozy, Festive Ambiance

Setting the scene can take your Friendsgiving from a simple meal to an unforgettable experience.

• Seasonal Decor: Fall leaves, small pumpkins, and warm-toned table settings add a cozy, seasonal feel. Use fairy lights or candles to create a soft, inviting glow.
• Personal Touches: Handwritten name cards or personalized notes of gratitude can make everyone feel appreciated. A few special touches like mini pumpkin placeholders or napkin rings can make the setting feel festive.
• Fun and Relaxed Vibes: Friendsgiving is about comfort and connection, so keep things laid-back. Soft music in the background can help set the mood and add to the cozy atmosphere.

3. The Ultimate Friendsgiving Activity Ideas

Besides the food, activities make Friendsgiving truly memorable. Here are some fun ideas to entertain everyone throughout the evening.

• Gratitude Sharing Circle: Take a few moments for everyone to share something they’re grateful for this year. It’s a simple, meaningful way to bring everyone closer and make the holiday feel special.
• Board Games & Card Games: Bring out the party games! Games like Cards Against Humanity, Pictionary, or even classic board games add laughter and friendly competition to the mix.
• Photo Booth Corner: Create a small photo booth with props and a fall-themed backdrop. This way, friends can capture memories from the evening—and you’ll all have fun photos to look back on.
• Recipe Swap: Have everyone bring a written recipe for their dish, so others can recreate it later. It’s a fun way to share culinary secrets and add a sentimental touch to the event.

4. Friendsgiving Drinks & Cocktails

Celebrate with some fall-inspired cocktails (or mocktails). Here are a few crowd-pleasers:

• Apple Cider Mimosas: Mix apple cider with a splash of champagne for a light, refreshing drink.
• Pumpkin Spice White Russian: Add a fall twist to this classic cocktail by adding a dash of pumpkin spice to the mix.
• Cranberry Moscow Mule: Add a handful of fresh cranberries and a splash of cranberry juice to your Moscow Mule for a seasonal spin.
• Hot Toddy Bar: Set up a Hot Toddy station with whiskey, honey, lemon, and fall spices, and let guests mix their own comforting concoction.

5. Seasonal Friendsgiving Nail Designs

Autumn Leaf Art

Nothing says fall quite like the changing leaves. Nail art inspired by autumn foliage can bring those warm, earthy colors to your fingertips.

• Design Ideas: Try delicate leaf patterns in hues of burnt orange, mustard yellow, and earthy browns. Maple and oak leaf designs can be accentuated with touches of gold foil to add a luxurious shimmer.
• Base Colors: A neutral, matte beige or creamy brown as a base can make the leaf designs pop, while still keeping the look soft and subtle.

Sweater Weather Textures

Textured nail art, inspired by cozy fall sweaters, is trending and looks perfect for a warm and stylish Friendsgiving look.

• Design Ideas: Go for raised cable-knit textures on one or two accent nails, giving them a 3D look. Soft colors like gray, nude, or pastel mauve enhance the cozy vibe. This texture can be achieved with gel polish, which creates a slightly raised effect.
• Base Colors: Keep it simple with a matte finish in shades of gray, navy, or cream. This design looks particularly stunning when paired with fall attire like cozy sweaters or plaid scarves.

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

Nothing says fall more than pumpkins! For a fun and playful vibe, pumpkin-inspired nail designs add a touch of seasonal cheer.

• Design Ideas: Small pumpkin accents or adorable pumpkin icons on accent nails can add charm. Add subtle, delicate lines for dimension, or tiny gold flecks for a little extra glamour.
• Base Colors: A warm, orange base works beautifully, or go for a mix of orange, cream, and even deep greens for a more dynamic look. Matte finishes look amazing with pumpkin designs, keeping it modern and chic.

Plaid Patterns

Plaid nails are a timeless autumn staple. They’re versatile and come in countless color options, perfect for any fall event.

• Design Ideas: Opt for classic plaid patterns in shades like deep burgundy, forest green, and mustard. You can also go monochrome with different shades of brown or gray for a sophisticated twist. To keep it chic, add plaid to just one or two nails per hand as accents.
• Base Colors: Deep, muted tones work well as bases, such as navy blue or olive green. Plaid designs look crisp and clean when paired with a matte topcoat.

Metallic Accents & Foils

If you’re after a bit of glam for Friendsgiving, metallic accents add a sophisticated sparkle that fits perfectly with the holiday mood.

• Design Ideas: Try metallic gold or bronze foil on a single accent nail, or go for metallic tips for a modern, fall-inspired French manicure. You can also use metallic foils to create leaf or line designs, which look especially elegant on a neutral base.
• Base Colors: Rich burgundy, chocolate brown, or deep green bases look luxurious with metallic accents. Metallics on a matte black base can also make a striking, sophisticated statement.

Ombre and Gradient Designs

An ombre effect in warm, fall-inspired hues is an elegant and eye-catching choice. This design is perfect if you want something simple yet beautiful.

• Design Ideas: Go for a gradient that transitions from dark maroon at the base to soft orange or even dusty pink at the tip. Autumn-inspired colors like copper, rust, and wine blend seamlessly in ombre designs.
• Base Colors: Earthy tones, as well as reds and oranges, work well for this look. For a unique twist, try adding a metallic topcoat on a single accent nail to create a focal point.

Muted Florals

Florals aren’t just for spring! Fall florals in muted colors add a soft, romantic touch that complements any autumn outfit.

• Design Ideas: Go for mini floral patterns in neutral tones—think creamy whites, dusty roses, and muted browns. Floral accents on just one or two nails give a hint of elegance without overwhelming the look. For added charm, pair the florals with tiny polka dots or soft, subtle line work.
• Base Colors: Beige, taupe, and soft, pastel pinks are beautiful backdrops for fall florals. A matte topcoat can help keep the look understated yet stylish.

Friendsgiving French Tips

A twist on the classic French manicure can add a trendy yet timeless vibe to your Friendsgiving look. Instead of the traditional white tips, go for a pop of fall color!

• Design Ideas: Experiment with rich shades like burgundy, olive green, or mustard yellow for your French tips. You could also add a metallic line just below the tip for added flair. For something subtle, try an autumn ombre French tip, blending from a warm brown into a soft nude.
• Base Colors: Soft beige or warm nude tones make the perfect base, allowing your autumn-inspired tips to stand out.

Glamorous Glitter & Jewel Accents

For those who want a bit more sparkle, glitter and jewel accents bring a festive feel to your nails, perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Design Ideas: Go for a gradient glitter effect starting from the base of the nail or add a jewel accent near the cuticle. Use small, subtle jewels or glitter in gold, copper, or rose gold to keep the look sophisticated.
• Base Colors: Deep reds, dark greens, or navy bases make glitter and jewel accents pop without feeling overdone. Matte or shiny topcoats work well with glitter, but a high-gloss topcoat adds extra sparkle.

Read more: Autumn 2024 Nail Trends: Embrace the Season with Stunning Designs

Friendsgiving Special – Celebrate with Friends!

This season is all about spending time with loved ones, and what better way to celebrate than with a Friendsgiving nail outing? Bring a friend to your appointment and enjoy 10% OFF for each person!

Whether you're planning matching autumn nail designs or simply want to share the fun of getting creative together, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourselves to some self-care and style.

Friendsgiving Special: 10% OFF each person when you bring a friend.
Valid until November 26, 2024.

6. End the Night with a Sweet Send-Off

A little takeaway can be a sweet end to the evening, letting everyone leave with a smile. Here are a few Friendsgiving favor ideas:

• Mini Pumpkin Pies or Cookies: Bake small treats as parting gifts.
• Personalized Candles or Soaps: A warm, autumn-scented candle or soap is a thoughtful gift that guests will appreciate.
• Thank-You Notes: Write a short, heartfelt note for each friend, sharing why you’re grateful for them. It’s a small but meaningful gesture.

Friendsgiving is the perfect time to celebrate your chosen family and all the little moments you’ve shared throughout the year. With a delicious spread, a cozy atmosphere, and heartfelt memories, you’ll create a gathering everyone will remember fondly.