We all have friends in our lives that we consider to be almost family. To celebrate those friendships, my husband and I are throwing a Friendsgiving gathering this year. So in true hostess form, I made the most festive DIY décor as well as a few quick and delicious recipes that I’m sure my friends won’t taste at any other party. Let me walk you through some of these feasible ideas for your feast with 3 tips for throwing a Friendsgiving Gathering!

Now before we get started, my overall theme for these 3 tips is cranberries!

They are one of my favorite fruits for fall and if you love them as much as I do, there’s a chance you could win $4,000! More to come on that shortly. There is no other fruit out there that will allow me to make such beautiful décor as well as such delicious recipes... they’re just that versatile. They’re available as dried, sauce, juice, frozen and fresh. What I love about fresh cranberries - and they happen to be in season right now - is that you can use them fresh like I’ve done or freeze a few bags for later. They can last for up to one year in the freezer! Plus, they’re good for you, so grab some of America’s Original Superfruit and follow along....

#1. Let’s start with the tablescape. I made this gorgeous fresh cranberry garland by stringing the red pearls with thin twine and you can drape it however you’d like...maybe on a mantle, a banister or along a table like I’ve done here.

And the kids will love to help you! Now let me show you how I made the floral arrangement - rather simple, really. Fresh cranberries naturally float in water and they really brighten up when submerged, so fill any ol’ vase you have with em, add some water and your favorite festive flowers.

#2. The food! Let me show you how simple and delicious these recipes are. This is the Cranberry Cilantro Salsa (get recipe here), made with fresh cranberries, which I serve with crispy chips. Your friends are gonna love this tart and sweet change up to traditional salsa.

And speaking of sweet, I made these Seven Layer Cranberry Bars (get recipe here) as a dessert.

They are the perfect addition to your Friendsgiving, my friends and family love them! Both these recipes use other delicious ingredients you have in your pantry and you can find the recipes at USCranberries.com. You may also stumble onto this...a Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail (get recipe here) using cranberry juice cocktail. Very refreshing!

#3. Make those memories last! Because if you don't share it on social media, did it really happen?! Snap lots of photos throughout the party…glamour shots of your meal & décor and of course, a few candid or group selfies.

Then, be sure to upload them on CranberryFriendsgiving.com and post them using #FriendsgivingCranberryContest. All your hard work may just pay off because you can win up to $4,000 in prizes just for throwing a party! For additional details, go to CranberryFriendsgiving.com. Good luck and Happy Friendsgiving everyone!

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