It’s time to give thanks. Time to celebrate the people around you and the fact that you’ve (almost) survived the fall semester. Thanksgiving is mostly a time to return to family, but when busy schedules and out-of-staters get in the way of tradition, it could be time to start your own.
No matter if you’re celebrating with family or friends who have become your family, it’s important to consider the entertainment. Here are some activities you and your Thanksgiving crowd can have fun with, whether you’re the host or just a party guest with great ideas.
BEFORE THE FEAST:
Express your gratitude. One way to give thanks to the wonderful friends around you is to go around the table introduction style and share a few thoughtful sentences about the faces around you.
To make this a little more interesting and interactive, supply your guests with an empty mason jar, slips of paper and pens upon entrance to the gathering. Then have each person anonymously write what they are thankful for and drop their slip of paper into the jar.
Pass the jar around at dinner and draw a slip of paper. If you can guess correctly who wrote the note you’re reading, you get the first slice of pie at dessert. Yum.
Have a cocktail competition. If you and your guests are of age, you can make an event out of crafting the best fall cocktails to keep you cozy and happy for the rest of the evening. Challenge your friends and their bartending skills to see who can create the most delicious Thanksgiving drink.
Not of age? Have a mocktail competition instead, and sub the alcoholic ingredients for yummy alternatives like juice. It’s the perfect way to kill the time while waiting for the final foods to be prepared.
We recommend: Anything pumpkin flavored
AFTER THE FEAST:
Host a movie marathon. Whether you’re making your way through every Wes Anderson film to date or have just revisited the first episode of Grey’s Anatomy, provide your guests with some flicks to snuggle up with. After your bellies are full of great food and delicious drinks, you’ll need something to wind down to.
We recommend: "A Christmas Story", "Fantastic Mr. Fox", "Friends"
Revisit your childhood with classic board games. Too stuffed to leave the table? Keep a stack of board games close by for some after dinner fun. It’s a great activity with dessert and a chance to have some competitive fun.
We recommend: Mad Gab, Cards Against Humanity, Scrabble and Life.
