There’s something magical about fall — the golden light, the crisp air, and the quiet hum of gratitude that lingers between friends. While traditional Thanksgiving centers around family dinners, Friendsgiving is all about sharing food, laughter, and stories with the people who feel like family.
And where better to celebrate than your own backyard? With the right setup — a gazebo softly lit with string lights, a fire pit crackling nearby, and cozy blankets draped over chairs — you can create a space that feels festive, inviting, and effortlessly memorable.
This season, transform your backyard into the perfect Friendsgiving retreat with thoughtful design, easy entertaining ideas, and SUNJOY’s outdoor living essentials.
1. Create the Setting: Design a Warm and Inviting Backyard
Every great gathering starts with the right atmosphere. Friendsgiving is not about perfection — it’s about warmth. Choose a spot that encourages togetherness, whether it’s beneath a gazebo, under a pergola, or around a fire pit.
The SUNJOY 12x20 Wooden Frame Hardtop Gazebo makes a beautiful centerpiece for outdoor celebrations. Its double roof design provides airflow while protecting guests from light rain, making it the perfect spot for a harvest-inspired dinner table.
Decorate with elements of the season: woven lanterns, autumn garlands, and a rustic dining setup with layered textures — think linen runners, amber glassware, and natural wood serving boards. Add plush cushions and throws to make guests feel instantly at home.
Lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood. String fairy lights along the gazebo beams or hang a few pendant lamps from the ceiling hook for an intimate glow that keeps the night cozy long after the sun sets.
2. Warmth Is the Heart of Fall Entertaining
Crisp air is part of fall’s charm, but your guests will love a little warmth. A fire pit is both functional and social — the natural centerpiece that draws people in.
The SUNJOY 40-Inch Outdoor Propane Fire Pit Table is perfect for gatherings that linger past sunset. It provides consistent heat, doubles as a coffee table, and adds a gentle golden light to your space.
To keep everyone comfortable, position a few patio heaters near the seating area and offer blankets from a woven basket. Encourage guests to cozy up with warm drinks — perhaps hot chocolate, mulled cider, or pumpkin-spiced lattes served in enamel mugs.
By combining soft textiles, glowing light, and warmth, your backyard transforms into an outdoor lounge that feels every bit as inviting as an indoor living room.
3. A Friendsgiving Table Worth Gathering Around
Your dining setup doesn’t need to be fancy — it just needs to feel personal. Friendsgiving is the time to bring rustic elegance to life.
Start with a large table, ideally under your gazebo for shade and shelter. Dress it in a neutral tablecloth or runner, and use natural décor: pinecones, dried flowers, or pumpkins in varying sizes. Mix textures by layering wood chargers, ceramic dishes, and linen napkins.
The SUNJOY 8x12 Wood Frame Grill Gazebo with Shelves and Outlets adds function to your feast — allowing you to plug in a slow cooker or warming tray for sides that stay hot all evening. Its built-in shelves can serve as a convenient buffet or beverage station.
Consider a family-style meal where guests help themselves. The casual setup invites laughter, storytelling, and connection — the true spirit of Friendsgiving.
4. Comfort Food, Made Simple
No Friendsgiving is complete without a delicious menu, but you don’t need to spend the whole day in the kitchen. Go for hearty dishes that can be prepped ahead of time and shared easily.
Menu Inspiration:
- Appetizers: roasted butternut squash soup in small cups, charcuterie platters with nuts and seasonal fruit
- Mains: maple-glazed turkey breast, grilled salmon, or a vegetarian lasagna
- Sides: baked mac and cheese, roasted carrots with honey glaze, cranberry salad
- Dessert: apple crumble, pumpkin mousse, or chocolate fondue around the fire pit
If you’re using a grill gazebo, take advantage of the built-in electrical outlets for easy cooking outdoors. The scent of roasting food under twinkling lights adds an irresistible charm to the evening.
Pair your meal with local wine or craft cider, and let your outdoor bar area double as a conversation corner.
5. Zones that Invite Connection
A successful backyard party flows naturally from one space to another. Instead of one central setup, design your backyard with zones that serve different moods.
- The Dining Zone: Place your table under the gazebo to give guests a comfortable spot for the main meal.
-
The Lounge Zone: Set up outdoor sofas or chairs around the fire pit, using the SUNJOY 57-Inch Chiminea Fire Pit & Grill for a touch of old-world charm. Add pillows and blankets to keep it cozy.
- The Activity Zone: Create a corner for games like cornhole or ring toss. For younger guests, set up a small craft table for decorating mini pumpkins or writing gratitude notes.
Each area should have its own personality while staying cohesive through matching lanterns, string lights, or consistent color tones.
6. Let the Light Do the Talking
Lighting can completely transform your backyard once night falls. Layer your illumination to balance functionality and atmosphere.
Use spotlights to highlight trees or pergola beams, while string lights add sparkle overhead. Scatter lanterns or candles across the dining table for a romantic touch.
For smart flexibility, the Spotlight allows you to adjust brightness and positioning, perfect for highlighting a specific feature — like the dessert bar or the gazebo roofline.
Warm-toned light (around 2700K) complements the fall color palette beautifully, making your outdoor setting glow like a harvest postcard.
7. Add Personal Touches That Tell a Story
Friendsgiving is about connection — not presentation. So include personal details that reflect your group’s shared memories.
Hang a “gratitude garland” where guests can clip small paper leaves with notes of appreciation. Display photos from past gatherings or travel adventures.
Add baskets of extra blankets or hand warmers near seating areas — small gestures that make guests feel cared for.
If your gazebo has a ceiling hook, hang a small chandelier, or seasonal décor like a wreath made of dried wheat. These thoughtful details make your outdoor space feel both intimate and intentional.
8. Capture the Magic
Your backyard will look stunning — don’t forget to document it! Create a photo nook with a fall backdrop using dried corn stalks, hay bales, or a wall of twinkling lights.
Position it near a light source, like your fire pit or gazebo, so the photos have a natural, warm glow.
Encourage guests to take candid shots throughout the evening. The combination of flickering firelight, laughter, and cozy fall fashion will make every picture frame-worthy.
9. Sustainable and Mindful Entertaining
As you celebrate gratitude, extend that mindset to the planet. Use reusable dishware, cloth napkins, and biodegradable decorations. Compost your food scraps or donate leftovers to a local shelter if possible.
SUNJOY’s commitment to sustainability — through the use of eco-treated wood and recyclable metal — makes it easy to host beautifully while caring for the environment. A mindful approach ensures your Friendsgiving feels good in every sense.
10. End with Firelight and Gratitude
The best moments often happen after the plates are cleared — when the fire crackles softly, the night quiets, and stories unfold naturally.
Gather your guests under the gazebo or around the fire pit, pour one last drink, and let the evening slow down. These are the memories that stay — warm hands, glowing faces, and laughter rising into the night air.
Friendsgiving isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. And with a thoughtfully designed backyard, it becomes an experience you’ll want to repeat every year.
