The holiday season always arrives with a sense of magic – twinkling lights, long sunny afternoons, and an unspoken invitation to gather. And while December is usually claimed by family plans, there’s something special about carving out a moment for the people who’ve become your chosen family.
Enter friendsmas: a joyful excuse to celebrate, spoil one another, and enjoy a table full of good food without the pressure of tradition.
Here’s how to host a friendsmas that feels warm, thoughtful, and wonderfully you.
Read more: 2025 Christmas tablescaping trends to try this year
Set the scene
Every great gathering begins with a place to land. If someone in the group has a bit more space – a garden, patio, or splash-worthy pool – that’s usually your best bet. If you’re hosting, embrace the role. Keep the vibe light, make space for everyone, and let people help you tidy up at the end. Good friends don’t vanish when the dishes appear.
Prefer a little fresh air? A picnic Friendsmas is dreamy in summer. Think sun hats, chilled drinks, shared blankets, and an easygoing menu. Choose a local spot you all love, pack a cooler, and let the scenery do the decorating for you.
Plan a feast without the fuss
Friendsmas is about abundance, not stress. A bring-and-share layout works beautifully – as long as you plan it properly. Create a quick list and assign each person a “category”, so you don’t end up with five salads and no centrepiece dish. Give everyone freedom to make something they love. That variety becomes part of the celebration.
Mix things up with:
- A standout side (crispy potatoes, a punchy slaw, or a fresh grain salad)
- A festive roast or veggie hero
- Something sweet – even store-bought treats have their charm during the holidays
- A signature drink to pour into a big jug or punch bowl
If your group loves a braai, go for it. There’s something about a fire that gets people talking. Just start with plant-based items before moving to meat, and keep snacks near the grid to prevent any “I’ll just try one” moments from getting out of hand.
Keep the drinks easy (and bottomless enough)
Choose one crowd-pleasing cocktail or mocktail and make a big batch before everyone arrives. Light, citrusy drinks work beautifully in the heat. Pair it with plenty of ice, water jugs, and whatever your friends reach for most. Friendsmas isn’t the time for complicated bar service – you want to enjoy the day as much as everyone else.
Add the little touches
Thoughtful details turn a gathering into a memory.
- Gifting: Secret Santa remains undefeated. Keep the budget small and the ideas fun. Homemade bakes, tiny indulgences, or something that sparks a laugh always land well. If your group loves a bit of chaos, try a shared stocking swap, where everyone brings something small for everyone else.
- Dress code: Themes make photos better – it’s science. Whether you choose “tinsel and linen”, “red and radiant”, or simply “holiday glam”, set a tone that gets everyone excited.
- Décor: Keep things unfussy. A few candles, some greenery, a string of fairy lights, and you’re done. Friendsmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about warmth.
Make space for joy
Once the table is set and everyone’s settled, let the day unfold slowly. Play music, take photos, share a round of toasts, swim after dessert, or wander the neighbourhood to admire festive lights. These small, unhurried moments often become the ones you hold onto.
Friendsmas is a reminder that celebration doesn’t need to look any particular way – it just needs the people who make you feel at home. This season, gather your favourites, fill a table, and create your own holiday tradition.
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