How to Throw an Amazing Friendsgiving Gathering

Friendsgiving has become a beautiful tradition, where we gather with friends or chosen family, celebrate gratitude, and share delicious food. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned Friendsgiving pro, creating a memorable event doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these tips, and you’ll throw a Friendsgiving to remember!

I will share some shopping ideas that include affiliate links which means I may make a small commission from your purchase at no cost to you.

1. Pick a Theme or Vibe

Having a theme can help tie together your decor, menu, and overall flow of the party. You can go with a cozy, autumnal look, or something more fun like a “Retro Friendsgiving” or “Pie and PJs.” Think about what will resonate with your group of friends! Here are some ideas:

• Color Coded: Each guest gets designated a color and they dress and/or bring a dish for their color

• Retro: 70s-inspired decor, vintage glassware.

• Simple and Elegant: Minimalist decor, white and neutral colors, candles.

Etsy has some super fun and unique decor to elevate your look here.

2. Create a Potluck-Style Menu

Friendsgiving is all about sharing, so why not make it a potluck? Ask each guest to bring a dish, but make sure to coordinate who’s bringing what so you have a good balance. Here are some popular categories to fill: This is a great time to let people introduce other’s to their favorite dishes.

• Appetizers: Cheese platter, deviled eggs, bruschetta.

• Main Dish: Roast turkey, ham, or a vegetarian centerpiece like stuffed squash.

• Sides: Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted veggies, stuffing.

• Dessert: Pies, cobbler, or pumpkin cheesecake.

Make sure to have options for everyone, whether they are gluten-free, vegan, or have any allergies!

3. Set a Gorgeous Table

The dining table is the heart of Friendsgiving, and setting it beautifully adds to the ambiance. You can mix and match what you already have to create an inviting tablescape. Here are a few tips:

• Layer your table: Start with a tablecloth or runner, then add placemats or chargers for each place setting.

• Centerpieces: Use natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, and candles. For a cozy touch, add mini pumpkins or sprigs of greenery at each plate.

• Mix and match plates: Don’t worry about having all matching dishes. Mix different styles for a relaxed, eclectic look.

4. Keep the Drinks Flowing

Having a signature drink or a simple cocktail bar is a great way to keep things festive. Consider creating a fall-inspired cocktail, like an apple cider mimosa or a spiced rum punch. You can also offer wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with seasonal fruit garnishes.

• Pro tip: Set up a self-serve drink station so guests can help themselves.

5. Plan Some Fun Activities

While the food will certainly be a highlight, adding a few activities will take your Friendsgiving to the next level.

• Gratitude Circle: Have everyone go around and share what they’re thankful for.

• Board Games or Card Games: After the meal, play a group game like “Cards Against Humanity,” “Codenames,” or classic favorites like “Uno.”

• Photo Booth: Set up a simple backdrop with fall-themed props. It’s a great way to capture memories, and everyone will have fun snapping pics.

6. Make a Playlist

Music sets the mood, so curate a playlist that suits your vibe. A mix of chill, indie, or folk tunes often works well for a Friendsgiving atmosphere. Or, make it more upbeat with pop hits or nostalgic throwbacks that will get everyone singing along.

Platforms like Spotify have pre-made fall playlists, or you can make your own!

7. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Make your space warm and inviting. Dim the lights, add lots of candles or fairy lights, and throw cozy blankets or pillows around the living room so guests can relax after the meal. Scents are also important – light a fall-scented candle or simmer cinnamon and oranges on the stove for a delicious aroma.

8. Have a Leftover Station

One of the best parts of Friendsgiving is enjoying the leftovers! Have takeout containers or mason jars ready for guests to take some food home. It’s a thoughtful touch, and no one has to cook the next day!

Target has these amazing containers for only $3.00 here.

9. Don’t Forget About Cleanup

Before the big day, think about how you’ll handle cleanup. Disposable or compostable plates and cutlery can make things easier. Or, enlist a few friends to help clean up afterward so you're not left doing it alone. Turn on some music and make it fun!

10. Enjoy the Moment

Most importantly, remember that Friendsgiving is about spending time with people you care about. Don’t stress too much about everything being perfect – focus on enjoying the moment, laughing, and making memories with your friends.

With these tips, your Friendsgiving is bound to be a hit! Whether you keep it simple or go all out, what really matters is the connection and gratitude shared with your friends. Have fun, and happy Friendsgiving!

Have you hosted a Friendsgiving before?

Easy Halloween Costumes for Introverts and Homebodies

Looking for Halloween costume ideas for introverts and homebodies. I got you covered!

All of these costumes cover the essentials for cozy home dwellers:

• Comfortable

• Easy

• Warm

• Ability to maintain your personal space…..

So you may have to go to the party but no one says you can’t be cozy and comfortable while eating cheese and avoiding small talk. And don’t worry I have these all linked in my LTK! (These are affiliate links which means I may make a small commission off of your purchase at no cost to you.)

1. Pig in a Blanket

Grab your favorite blanket and some pig ears and now you can walk around all night wrapped up and cozy.

Shop this costume here.

2. Painter (Specifically a home DIY painter)

Listen, cover yourself in some wet paint and everyone will steer clear. Perfect if you aren’t a hugger.

Shop this costume here.

3. Cat Nap

The key feature of this costume: if you fall asleep at the party you are still very much in costume.

Shop this costume here.

4. Shark-Cuterie

A personal favorite because let’s face it if you were to stay home that night you would likely be in a onesie eating copious amounts of cheese anyways!

You can shop this costume here.

5. Cow Girl

HOT-TO-MOO! Staring animal print (so you know super chic) and a big hat to keep people out of your orbit.

Shop this costume here.

So which costume are you wearing?

For more ideas make sure you are following me on Instagram!

10 Simple Home Hacks to Make Life Easier

10 Simple Home Hacks for Busy Homebodies to Make Life (at least a little) Easier

Let’s face it - it feels nearly impossible to create balance in your busy days, finding ways to simplify daily life can feel like a game-changer. If you’re juggling what feels like a bit of everything - career, social life, and maybe even a side hustle, these 10 easy home hacks will help streamline your day. And the best part? They all blend seamlessly into your day to day. From ordering meal delivery to maximizing your appliances, these tips will make your home life more manageable—and even a little more enjoyable.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the content I create, and I only recommend products I personally enjoy and believe will bring value to you. Thank you for your support!

1. Use Multipurpose Decor

Maximize your home’s style and functionality by choosing decor pieces that serve more than one purpose. Think storage ottomans, decorative baskets, or stylish wall hooks. These pieces not only elevate your home’s aesthetic but also help you stay organized.

I have shared some finds on my LTK here.

2. Order Meal Delivery on Busy Weeks

Let’s be real: meal prepping doesn’t always happen. Give yourself permission to order from a meal delivery service so that you can keep yourself fed and happy. It’s a great way to reclaim time by not having to shop, prep, cook and clean. Plus, many services offer healthy options, so it’s still a win for your wellness goals.

I personally love Feast & Fettle since everything comes fully prepared with tons of variety in the menu. Use code ALONDA to save $50 off your first order!

3. Run the Dishwasher, Even If It’s Not Full

One simple tip to avoid the pile-up of dirty dishes is to run the dishwasher even when it’s not completely full. Modern dishwashers are designed to be energy-efficient, and running a half-load saves you the headache of a cluttered kitchen and dirty countertops. Your clean, streamlined kitchen will thank you!

4. Create a Command Center

Transform a small area of your home—whether it's a stylish corkboard in the kitchen or a wall-mounted organizer near the door—into a command center. Use it for mail, keys, to-do lists, and schedules. It’ll become the go-to spot for staying on top of daily tasks while keeping clutter out of sight.

I’ve rounded up some options on my LTK (including an electronic version) here.

5. Set a 10-Minute Nightly Cleaning Timer

Instead of waiting for the weekend to clean up or trying to knock out everything at once, set a 10-minute timer each night to tidy up your space. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish in such a short time—whether it's putting away stray items, wiping down counters, or straightening up the living room. This daily routine helps keep your home consistently clean and prevents clutter from building up, all with much less overwhelm. Plus, it creates a calm, organized environment for when you wake up.

Try this magnetic kitchen timer from Amazon.

6. Set Up Auto-Delivery for Essentials

Why make regular trips to the store for household essentials like laundry detergent, paper towels, or pet food? Setting up auto-delivery for items you use frequently will save you time and ensure you’re never left without the things you need.

7. Make Lists for Everything

From grocery shopping to home projects, lists are the secret to staying organized. Use apps or sticky notes to jot down what needs to be done—your future self will appreciate it. Lists can help you avoid last-minute shopping trips and make you feel accomplished when checking things off.

8. Pre-sort Laundry with Stylish Hampers

Laundry day can feel like less of a chore when you streamline the process. Use hampers with compartments for whites, darks, and delicates OR dedicate a hamper per person in the home to ensure an organized rotation. This simple hack makes laundry faster and more efficient, plus there are so many cute laundry hampers that can complement your home’s decor.

You can find these hampers here.

9. Automate Your Lighting

Smart lighting can change the mood of your home and make life easier. Set up automatic timers or use voice commands to control your lights, so you can adjust the ambiance or make sure everything’s off without lifting a finger. It’s the ultimate blend of tech and comfort.

10. Invest in a Robot Vacuum

Sweeping and vacuuming can be time-consuming, especially if you have pets. A robot vacuum can be a total game-changer. It’s like having an extra set of hands cleaning for you, while you focus on more important things—like catching up on your favorite home decor accounts on Instagram.

Check out this popular Eufy robot vacuum on Amazon.

Or this Roomba vacuum and mop combo on Amazon.

Life as a busy human doesn’t have to feel as overwhelming. With these simple home hacks, you can streamline your daily tasks, leaving more time for what really matters—whether it’s enjoying a cozy night in or finding time to wander around Homegoods. Try a few of these tips, and you’ll be amazed at how small changes can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.

How I painted my laminate counter tops DIY Tutorial

As part of our No Demo Reno DIY kitchen update we needed to find a solution to our dated gray laminate kitchen counters. Replacing them was not in the budget just yet so we opted to try our hand at painting them instead. There are a variety of methods out there and I researched the kits but I ended up using bits and pieces from various blogs, videos and good ol’ fashioned winging it.

This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All thoughts shared are my own and honest opinions these are simply the products we chose to use for this project.

So let’s start by looking at the before…..

It wasn’t horrible but after all of the work we had done to the kitchen already it just didn’t flow. Click here if you want to read about the rest of the kitchen project!

The steps:

1. Wipe down the counters with a degreaser to get any build up removed. I used dawn, warm water and Scotch Brite scouring pad. Then did a final water wipe down.

2. Sand with a medium grit paper. We used 120 grit honestly because it’s what as had on hand but anything with in that range would be fine. I recommend this 3M block with a handle to make your life easier.

3. Wipe everything down again and let dry completely. Note: why wipe down with degreaser before sanding? So that any residue doesn’t gunk up your sandpaper. Don’t forget to tape off any spots you want to protect at this point.

4. Prime - do not skimp on this step. You want a really high quality primer that is made for glossy surfaces. We used Extreme Bond Primer from Sherwin Williams. We ended up needing 3 coats (plus a touch up coat) since we were going from darker gray to white using a high density foam roller. Let dry at least an hour and lightly sand using a fine grit (i.e. 800) in between each coat.

5. Paint - we used SuperPaint Satin from Sherwin Williams in the color Pure White. This also took 3 coats applied with a high density foam roller. Let dry for 4+ hours and lightly sand between coats. And just like the primer if you may end up doing an extra touch up coat here or there.

6. Seal - we used Varathane Water Based Polyurethane in Crystal Clear Satin. Now everything we read said to use a brush instead of a roller at this stage because a roller can cause bubbles that leave the surface rough but we found that the brush was capturing too much dust. Granted we were painting clear on top of white so this is inevitable but it was terribly noticeable. We swapped it out to the trusty high density foam roller and it was fine (we already had a bit of the orange peel texture anyways). This ended up being - you guessed it - 3 coats as well waiting 2 hours between them. We did not sand in between these coats because we found it would cause a texture variance with some smooth and some orange peel areas.

7. Let it cure. We waited 7 days before moving any appliance back on the counters but we were able to touch them within 24 hours so you could do basic things like put a cup down to fill it, wipe down if you accidentally splashed water, etc. We were still delicate with them for an extra week trying not to slide things along the surface or slam cutting boards down, etc.

I also got these silicone mats on Amazon as extra protection for high traffic areas.

Want a full list of the items we used? Click here.

So let’s see the AFTER!

What do you think?!?

A few notes:

We did add Floetrol paint additive to the SuperPaint to help smooth the surface from the orange peel finish. Honestly, we did not notice much of a difference so I would likely skip it next time.

I considered painting marble veining into the counter top but ultimately decided against it for a few reasons. The first was that it really stressed me out thinking about accidentally ruining the surface if I made a mistake. The second was that, while they do photograph well, I personally think they look a bit off in person.

What we have noticed:

The counters are more delicate than laminate which is not surprising. You don’t want to leave standing water on it because it can cause a bit of bubbling. As the bubbles dry out they flatten out again. We are hoping this will stop once fully cured which can take 30 days. I ended up getting silicone mats for high traffic areas which has helped immensely.

We get so many compliments! I thought they would “look” painted in person but they really don’t. While I can’t say they pass for marble or stone on close inspection they certainly don’t look like an arts and crafts project either.

Painting them was a calculated risk on our part. Eventually we plan on replacing the countertop but not right now so this was a solution that saved us thousands while still updating the whole look of the kitchen. If they deteriorate then we will either try something else or decide if it’s time to invest. But until then I’m truly happy with the results!

I will definitely keep you posted on how they hold up as time goes over on Instagram @absolutely.alonda.

Should you seal after you grout?

Should you seal your grout after installation?

This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, as a Lowe’s Partner I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All thoughts shared are my own and honest opinions.

Short answer: Yes
Longer Answer: Still yes but here is how and why.

Standard grout is a porous material making it easy to stain and much harder to clean so you want to provide a barrier after you grout. Now in lower traffic areas this isn’t going to be a huge issue but in spaces like kitchens, entryways and bathrooms it’s really a good idea. Especially if you are using a lighter grout color.

It’s an easy and affordable step. The bottle I bought was less than 10 dollars, has a built-in brush applicator and we barely used a quarter of it. Sealers come in a variety of colors so if you wanted to refresh your grout colors that’s an option but otherwise I would opt for clear.

To apply simply follow the grout lines and wipe away the drips or excess from the tiles. Because this product drips, make sure to protect any surrounding areas. You could use painters tape or what we did which was just pop a piece of paper towel under the area you’re working on.

Want to see how we applied it? Find that here.

You’ll want to refresh your seal approximately every 1-2 years. There are a few more steps involved there so let me know if you want a post with that information!

Shop for Miracle Sealants 6-fl oz Clear Grout Sealer at Lowe’s - here.