Eventful Erin’s Guide to Friendsgiving: how to throw a party to remember

By: Rivka Kosofsky

Meet Erin

Meet Erin Thumann, the creative force behind Eventful Erin, a virtual and in-person event planning company specializing in birthdays, bachelorettes, bridal celebrations, and her true passion for brand-based events. With a background in social media marketing and years of experience as an influencer, Erin blends strategy, creativity, and aesthetic flair to craft experiences that feel straight off a Pinterest board. What began as a postgrad passion for cocktails, charcuterie, and curating joyful moments quickly evolved into a thriving business she launched in 2022. Her dual perspective from both behind the camera and behind the scenes makes her uniquely aligned with the MUUZ audience: trend-driven, creative, community-oriented, and always looking for ways to elevate life's moments.

As Friendsgiving season approaches, we sat down with Erin to uncover her top tips, hosting secrets, and the creative touches that make a gathering unforgettable.

The MUUZ Girl Guide

If students are splurging on one versatile item for the Friendsgiving table, what should it be?

While hosting, it is smart to invest in a pitcher, so you are not playing bartender and host the whole night. I recommend making all drinks in bulk, so it is easy and efficient for your guests to pour.

If you would like to splurge on Friendsgiving hosting, I am obsessed with the William Sonoma Pumpkin punch bowl. Pitchers are also super versatile because they can be used for any events, used as vases, or even for a water/hydration station.

What are your go-to dishes that always impress without being too difficult? Do you have a recipe that should be the Friendsgiving holy grail?

Charcuterie is always easy to throw together and is affordable. If you are trying to host on a budget, I recommend hosting a “Cookbook Club style” Friendsgiving where everyone brings their favorite dish. You can also pick one cookbook, and everyone can choose a recipe from there. This helps spread the financial and hosting responsibility and makes hosting inclusive to all of the guests. This is a great way to introduce your guests to new dishes.

Fall Charcuterie List:

• Figs

• Smoked Gouda

• Pears

• Apple

• Pomegranate Seeds

• Prosciutto

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Fig or Date Jam

• Apple Butter

• Herbed Cream Cheese

What’s your playful go-to cocktail or mocktail?

Apple Cider Margaritas or Apple Cider Floats.

Apple Cider Margarita: single serving

• 2 oz tequila

• 1 oz triple sec

• 2 oz apple cider

• ¾ oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz simple syrup or maple syrup (for sweetness)

• Ice Garnish:

• Cinnamon sugar rim (mix cinnamon + sugar)

• Apple slice + cinnamon stick or star anise

Friendsgiving looks different for everyone: full Pinterest table vs. mismatched chairs and candles. How do you set the vibe? Where’s the line between effort and authenticity?

Authenticity comes from adapting to your space, “Reading the room but for hosting”. Sometimes, with hosting, less is more, but focusing on small touches can elevate the event. Small, thoughtful touches make the event elevated in an authentic way.

Ideas:

• Custom match books for your guests to take away

• Drink tags and garnishes

• Edible flowers in appetizers, drink and dessert

Comfort food is key — what dish makes or breaks the table? And what underrated side or snack do you always sneak in?

One of my favorite aesthetically pleasing appetizers is this cheese and olive appetizer. You can pick from different cheese options, which helps with variety. I love having pretty appetizers alongside my charcuterie boards when hosting. For fall dessert options at events, I recommend having a pie or caramel apples.

What are your best hacks for making Friendsgiving chic and affordable for students/early twenties? Any budget-friendly swaps that still feel elevated?

If you are trying to host on a budget I recommend hosting a “Cook Book Club style” Friendsgiving where everyone brings their favorite dish. You can also pick one cookbook, and everyone picks a recipe from there. This helps spread the financial and hosting responsibility and makes hosting inclusive to all of the guests. This is a great way to introduce your guests to new dishes. This is a great way to see your friends and become a monthly tradition. Each month can be a different theme or Cookbook!

What’s your table décor philosophy: DIY and thrifted or splurge on key pieces that last?

One of my favorite affordable hosting tips is using Tablescape. They are a rental hosting service where you can rent decor, tablecloths, plates, cups etc at a cost friendly rate. This also helps after the event with strong extra decor and renting new decor each time you host!

Every Friendsgiving has chaos — burnt dishes, spilled drinks, last-minute fixes. What’s your most iconic Friendsgiving disaster, and how did you keep the night fun?

I have found that chaos with events always involves rushing and running late. Always leave more time than you think you will need. My favorite thing to do with events is to be overly early and prepared so you can truly be in the moment at the event. Hosting can come off scary but if you prepare and plan right it can be very simple and easy.

Quick-Fire Survival Kit: If you had to give three essentials every Friendsgiving needs (vibe-setters, mood-keepers, must-haves), what are they?

1. Pitcher of drinks: easy for your guests to pour and this way you are not playing bartender the whole night.

2. Fall Candles: scent is one of the easiest ways to elevate an event.

3. Disposable Camera: this helps your guests capture the event in an authentic way while staying off of their phones.

4. Game on Hand: my favorite game to play with my friends during cook book club is Fish Bowl. Very minimal things are needed to play but it is a great way to keep everyone engaged and involved!

What are some fun and engaging activities that you like to include in your Friendsgiving celebrations?

Always have a game on hand! My favorite game to play with my friends during cook book club is Fish Bowl. Very minimal things are needed to play but it is a great way to keep everyone engaged and involved!

What’s the secret to creating a stress-free Friendsgiving to-do list that’s totally on point?

My best kept secret is your "day of the event" to-do list: add times so you know what has to be done. Especially with cooking, to make sure you know how long everything takes to cook, so it's ready in your preferred timing. This helps keep you on a schedule and recognize when you may be running behind.

What’s your favorite way to incorporate seasonal goodies like pumpkins and leaves into your decor?

I love any home decor that is a DIY project. One of my favorite affordable hacks is replacing all of your frames with fall prints from Pinterest. This is a great way to change up the decor for each season without having to buy new things each time!

What’s your go-to dress code for a Friendsgiving party, casual, dressy, or something in between?

Sweaters and comfy vibes, boots and anything you would wear to feast comfortably!

Some of Erin’s Favorite Friendsgiving Themes:

• Pumpkins & Prosecco

• Sweaters & Sips

• Chardonnay & Cardigans

• Pumpkins & Pinot

• Autumn & Aperitifs

• Denim & Desserts