Joy Wilson Shows Us How She Hosts Friendsgiving

What Is Friendsgiving?

I always thought Friendsgiving was forced. It felt like an ill-conceived potluck meal on a day meant to gather all of the joys and dramas of family around a big baked bird served once a year on Grandmother's good china. Friendsgiving seemed more like a hashtag than a tradition, and I didn't know what to do with it.

And then I moved. Four years ago, I packed up my car and relocated with my cat from California to New Orleans for change, for adventure, and simply because it's a magical place that called to me.

But leaving family is never easy, especially when the holiday season rolls around. It's also not always feasible to hop on a plane for Thanksgiving. So, after a few years of calling the Crescent City home, I knew it was time to create my own version of Turkey Day.

New Orleans is a place with deep traditions that involve bringing the community together, and for thousands of us in the city, the holiday starts out at the racetrack. Instead of fretting over turkey-basting all morning, we dress up in our finest fall outfits (fancy hats included) and head to the track to watch the horses, sip Classic Bloody Marys, and reconnect with friends we may not have seen since the summer.

Embrace New Traditions

Now I understand it. Friendsgiving is all about the people sitting around the table, the friends you've chosen to become your family, and celebrating those new bonds with fresh holiday traditions—and, of course, plenty of Pumpkin Layer Cake with Caramel-Cream Cheese Frosting.

A Make-Ahead Game Plan

Prep the meal in stages so you can enjoy the party too!

One Week Ahead:
Assemble the pot pie recipe that you have selected, and wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store (unbaked) in the freezer. Bake from frozen, and remember, a pot pie that is baked from frozen may need an extra 10 minutes in the oven.

Three Days Ahead:
Cook the pancetta that you will use as a baked potato topping; refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat before serving. Make the layer cake, and store it (covered) in the refrigerator.

Two Days Ahead:
Prepare your favorite mashed potatoes recipe; refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat before serving. This is one of those options to make-ahead that will serve you so well, you'll do it outside of the holiday season.

The Day Before:
Your Waldorf salad effort won't go to waste. Everyone loves the classic flavors in this crowd pleasing standby. Slice the apple and celery for the salad, and place in a bowl filled with lemon water; refrigerate.

Keep It Simple With An Approachable Appetizer

You can't go wrong with classic cocktail meatballs, and with this version, you are closer to the spirit of the holiday with one simple ingredient. Cranberry sauce will lure your palate in with its tang, and the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy will be your new Thanksgiving addiction. The little bits of fresh jalapeño that top the glazed meatballs add some great color contrast and a touch of raw heat to the meatballs. 

Don't Forget The Fun Punch

Everyone loves a party with a signature cocktail. Let's face it though, you are no mixologist. When you're hosting a crowd, crafting a delightful batch of punch is a great way to keep things simple and let guests serve themselves.

Top It Your Way

It is so easy to set up a Mashed Potato Bar when you're throwing a casual Thanksgiving dinner. Put out some classic toppings like sour cream, Cheddar cheese, chives, and bacon and let your guests pick their favorite toppings for creamy mashed potatoes.

Enjoy Crowd Pleasing Pot Pies

Instead of making a traditional roast turkey, Wilson likes to surprise everyone with single-serving (but filling!) turkey pot pies topped with dressing. A 6-inch cast-iron skillet is just the right size and also helps the crust bake up nice and crisp. If your Friendsgiving celebration falls after Thanksgiving, pot pies are a great way to use up leftover turkey, vegetables, and herbs from the big holiday meal.

Bake A Perfect Ending

You don't necessarily need a layer cake to make an impact on Friendsgiving. In keeping with making the traditional a little non-traditional, jump into the fray with this outside-of-the-box take on pumpkin pie. A pumpkin chiffon pie presents a fluffy texture that is irresistible, and the gingersnap base adds a spicy flavor that stands out.