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Friendsgiving isn't just for younger crowds — plenty of active adults use it as a low-pressure way to gather friends, neighbors, and visiting family before the holidays get busy. Hosting one at Liv+ Union Peak doesn't have to mean squeezing everyone into a single room. With a little planning, and the right amenities, it can feel like a real event.
Make It a Potluck, Not a One-Person Job
The easiest way to host a stress-free Friendsgiving is to not cook the entire meal yourself. Assign dishes by category — one person handles the main dish, others bring sides, drinks, and dessert — and you'll free up your oven, your fridge, and your afternoon for everything else that needs doing.Reserve The Hub for a Bigger Gathering
If your guest list is larger than a typical apartment living room can comfortably hold, Liv+ Union Peak's resident lounge, The Hub, is worth reserving. With its catering kitchen and lounge seating, it's built for exactly this kind of gathering — enough room for family, friends, and neighbors without anyone standing the whole time.Plan Seating Before You Plan the Menu
Figure out how many people can actually sit down before you finalize a headcount. Whether you're hosting in your own home or in The Hub, decide on your seating plan early so it doesn't become a last-minute scramble the day of.Keep the Menu Realistic for Your Kitchen
A studio or one-bedroom oven can usually only handle one large dish at a time, so plan cook times accordingly. Dishes that can be made ahead and reheated — mashed potatoes, casseroles, most desserts — are your best friends on the day of, freeing up oven space for whatever needs to come out hot.Decorate Without Overspending or Overcrowding
A few candles (battery-operated if outlets are tight), a simple centerpiece, and cloth napkins go a long way toward making a space feel festive. If you're hosting in The Hub, a few personal touches — photos, a favorite tablecloth — make a shared space feel like your own for the day.Take Advantage of Mild North Phoenix Weather
One advantage of hosting Friendsgiving here: November evenings are usually mild enough to spread guests out onto a patio or courtyard space. A few string lights and a portable heater can turn an outdoor spot into comfortable overflow seating without anyone needing a jacket.Make It Easy for Guests Who Are Traveling
If your Friendsgiving includes adult children or grandchildren flying in for the visit, a shared gathering space like The Hub also solves the logistics problem of a small apartment suddenly hosting overnight guests as well as a dinner party. It gives everyone room to spread out during the day, even if sleeping arrangements are cozier than usual.A Friendsgiving Day-Of Checklist
- Confirm who's bringing what at least two days ahead — no surprises on serving dishes or dietary needs.
- If using The Hub, reserve it early — shared amenity spaces can book up fast around the holidays.
- Chill drinks and set the table the night before to free up time on the day itself.
- Ask a guest to bring extra chairs or serving dishes if your own supply is limited.
- Have a plan for leftovers — extra containers or foil save the awkward end-of-night scramble.
Ready to make the move? Liv+ Union Peak is located at 25400 N. 21st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85085. Schedule a personal tour, check current availability, and ask about our floor plans today.