Thanksgiving invitation templates

Send them three to four weeks ahead. Many guests split the holiday between families or book travel early, so they need to know your plan before they commit elsewhere. For Friendsgiving, two to three weeks is enough. Ask for replies a week before, so you can size the turkey and the table.

Keep it relaxed: say it is Friendsgiving, give the date, time and place, and explain the food plan. Something like “We’ll do the turkey; bring a side, a dessert or a bottle” works well. Ask guests to say what they are bringing when they reply, and to mention any dietary needs.

Say what you are providing, then ask for help with the rest. You can assign courses, such as sides, salads and desserts, or ask guests to tell you their dish when they reply so you can fill gaps. Mention oven space if dishes need reheating, and any allergies at the table.

Canadian Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October, a statutory holiday in most provinces. Many families hold the big dinner on the Sunday or Monday of that long weekend, while others choose the Saturday. Put the exact day and time on your invitation so nobody guesses.