Friendsgiving in the City

by Kate Thrane

photography courtesy of Thuy-An Nguyen

Boston in the fall is beautiful. The leaves are changing colors, the weather is getting chillier and Pumpkin Spice Lattés are finally available at Starbucks. The descent into fall also means Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means Friendsgiving is even closer! Continue reading to find all the best places to gather all the necessities for your Friendsgiving feast.

First, you must plan your menu. Incorporate some Boston classics into your menu with Cannoli’s from Mike’s Pastry, lobster mac and cheese and Parker House rolls. Or, take advantage of all the cranberry bogs just outside the city and make your own cranberry sauce. Popular cranberry bogs include Flax Pond Farms in Carver, MA and Mayflower Cranberries in Plympton, MA. Bonus: both of these cranberry bogs offer tours and the chance to walk into the bogs!

Secondly, gather your dishes. You’ll need an array of casserole dishes, large and small trays, bowls of different sizes, silverware, stemware, plates and serving utensils. Visit a second-hand shop in Boston to find unique pieces for cheap! Try looking at the Goodwill on Commonwealth Avenue. They have a large and cheap selection of unique items ranging from glass punch bowls to new sets of champagne glasses. After searching there, finish off your checklist at HomeGoods in Allston. It’s not a second-hand store, but they have a huge selection of tableware for discounted prices.

Decorations are next. Farmers markets are always your best bet for getting cheap, fresh flowers for table decorations. On Tuesdays starting at 11 a.m., there is a farmers market in Copley Square close to the Prudential Center. If Tuesdays don’t work, visit SoWa Open Market at 460 Harrison Avenue on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Not only does SoWa Open Market have beautiful flowers for decoration, but they also have a beer garden and art galleries to explore.

Finally, head to the grocery store. Boston has so many options. There’s the Whole Foods at 1028 Beacon Street that offers organic and fresh produce, gluten-free options and meat substitutes (tofurky, anyone?). Or, if you’re throwing a super fancy Friendsgiving, Savenor’s Market at 160 Charles Street offers high end meat and cheese options. For a more college student friendly budget, the Star Market on Commonwealth Avenue has all the necessities for a fantastic Friendsgiving.

Conversely, there are many places in Boston that offer whole Thanksgiving meals for purchase. If you’re either too busy to cook or don’t consider yourself a chef, you’re in luck! Whole Foods offers full Thanksgiving meals that are fully customizable as long as you order ahead here. If you’re attending a Friendsgiving and need to bring a side, Whole Foods offers Thanksgiving sides in the store and it’s not necessary to order those ahead of time. The Butcher Shop, on Tremont Street, also offers full Thanksgiving meals that include a turkey, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, sauces and even a charcuterie board. To place your order, click here.