Photos by Micah Lambert
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what you’re most thankful for in life and what new blessings the year has brought. Most students head home for the holiday to spend time with family, but what about your friends here at school? For those students staying on campus for Thanksgiving this year, or simply looking to celebrate the friendships they’ve found at Pepperdine, why not try throwing a Friendsgiving party?
Below are tips and tricks for pulling off a killer party on a college budget.
Locations
Alumni Park: Grab a blanket and have a picnic with your friends while watching the sunset. It is sure to be a night you won’t forget!
Beach: Sure, anyone can celebrate Friendsgiving, but can anyone celebrate it on a gorgeous beach in Malibu? Try Point Dume or El Matador Beach for a unique experience.
Heroes Garden: This tranquil, secluded garden on Drescher with panoramic views of the ocean is a great option for a fun time with friends.
Your Home: Of course you don’t need anything fancy as long as you have friendship! Wherever you live can be transformed into a great space for hosting company.
Easy Eats
Turkey Sandwich: Why slave away for hours over an oven-cooked turkey when you could make easy, delicious turkey sandwiches? Grab some bread, cold turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese and whatever else looks appetizing from the grocery store and call it a day.
Apple Cider: Nothing says “I’m thankful for your friendship” like a cup of warm apple cider!
Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Say goodbye to time-consuming, ingredient-heavy pumpkin pies and say hello to the beloved PSL from any Starbucks near you.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Quick, classic and affordable, try whipping up a batch of mac ‘n cheese. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Fruit Salad: Salads don’t have to be fancy. Chop up some of your favorite fruit, toss it together in a bowl and enjoy (guilt free!).
Crescent Rolls: A roll of Pillsbury crescent rolls from Ralphs can work wonders for any menu. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try adding Nutella or jam in the middle.
Baked Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a staple for many Thanksgiving meals, but baked potatoes are equally delicious and require almost no preparation!
Decorations
Candles: Candles, or fake candles if you live on campus, can add ambiance to any space.
Table Runner: Adding a festive table runner can make even the blandest of tables look chic. If you don’t have fabric, try using kraft paper. You can even have your guests draw on it while they wait.
Candy in a Vase: Got left over Halloween candy? Throw it in a vase for a colorful, tasty centerpiece your guests can munch on before the big meal.
Activities
Fish Bowl: This charades/taboo-type game is a sure-fire hit. Encourage people to write down Thanksgiving-themed terms like “gravy” or “stuffing” for an added challenge.
Two-Hand Touch Football: This classic American game can be fun for anyone, even those who are not sports aficionados. Plus, it helps work off all the calories.
“Friends” Marathon: Why not binge watch “Friends” with your own group? Or if you’re in the mood for a movie, try “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”
“What are you thankful for?”: Before you are allowed to eat, everyone must go around the circle and say one thing they’re thankful for this year.
Celebrating the season doesn’t have to break your bank this year. With just a little bit of effort, you can throw your friends a party they’ll never forget and send them off to their respective homes on the right note.
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