Thanksgiving is all about gathering: family around the table, friends crowded into a small apartment for Friendsgiving, and far too much pie. Whether you're hosting the traditional Thursday feast or a Friendsgiving potluck the weekend before, a clear invitation helps everything run smoothly, from who's bringing the green beans to who can't eat gluten. Here's invitation wording, potluck planning, timing, and dietary tips.
Key dates
In the United States, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2026, that's Thursday, November 26. Friendsgiving is often held the weekend before Thanksgiving, or the Friday or Saturday after. (Canada celebrates on the second Monday in October; Britannica's Thanksgiving summary covers the history of both.)
When to send invitations
- Family Thanksgiving: 3–4 weeks before, earlier if relatives need to book travel.
- Friendsgiving: 2–3 weeks before.
- RSVP deadline: about 10 days before, so you know how big a turkey to buy and have time to thaw it.
What to include
- Host names
- Date, arrival time, and dinner time (they're often different)
- Address and parking
- Whether it's a potluck, and how to sign up for a dish
- Dietary question (allergies, vegetarian, gluten-free)
- Whether kids and pets are welcome
- Any traditions ("We'll watch the game at 4" or "Bring something you're thankful for")
Thanksgiving invitation wording
Family dinner
Join us around the table this Thanksgiving. Thursday, November 26, 2026. Arrive at 2 PM, dinner at 3 PM. 48 Oak Hollow Drive, Columbus, Ohio. Please RSVP by November 16.
Grateful
We're thankful for you! Please join us for Thanksgiving dinner and a day of good food, family, and football.
Traditional
The Martinez family invites you to share in our Thanksgiving feast.
Friendsgiving invitation wording
Potluck
Friendsgiving is back! Saturday, November 21, at 6 PM. We've got the turkey; you bring a side, a dessert, or something to drink. Let us know what you're bringing when you RSVP.
Playful
Eat, drink, and be thankful! Join us for Friendsgiving: stretchy pants encouraged.
Cozy
Good friends, good food, and a long table. Come celebrate Friendsgiving with us.
Bilingual
¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! Join us for dinner / Acompáñanos a cenar.
Potluck planning that actually works
The classic potluck problem: seven bags of rolls and no vegetables. Avoid it with a little structure:
- Host the main. Usually the turkey (or main dish) plus one or two sides.
- Assign categories: sides, salads, desserts, drinks, bread.
- Ask guests to share their dish when they RSVP, and keep a list so others can see what's covered.
- Plan oven and fridge space: ask guests to bring dishes ready to serve, or to say if they'll need the oven.
- Have to-go containers for leftovers.
Asking about dietary needs
A simple question on the RSVP ("Any allergies or dietary needs we should know about?") goes a long way. Common needs include vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, and religious dietary practices. Label dishes on the table so guests can choose with confidence.
A warm harvest invitation
Our Harvest Table Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving invitation is designed in cream, rust, and olive: a hand-drawn wheat sheaf with a little pumpkin, a garland of autumn leaves, and more leaves drifting down the screen once guests open the envelope. An original, gentle acoustic-style melody plays in the browser, and guests can mute it.
The Signature version is a private link with the envelope opening, falling leaves, music, a live countdown, schedule, map and directions, add-to-calendar, an English/Spanish switch (or another language), and online RSVP with a note field so guests can tell you which dish they're bringing. The Essential version is a print-ready 5×7 PDF and phone-ready PNG (a still image). After checkout, you send details through our event details form, and a designer personalizes it and emails you a proof. For Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026, order by November 9 to send invitations with time to spare. See pricing.
Related designs
- Joy & Snowfall, a Christmas party invitation.
- Home Sweet Nest, a housewarming invitation.
- Evergreen Soirée, a holiday party invitation.
Browse all holiday party invitations.
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving in 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026, the fourth Thursday of November.
How do I organize a Friendsgiving potluck?
Provide the main dish, assign categories, and ask guests to share what they're bringing when they RSVP.
Can guests tell me what dish they're bringing?
Yes. Harvest Table's RSVP includes a note field for dishes.
Can I preview Harvest Table?
Yes. Open the Harvest Table live demo on your phone.
Gather around the table
Thanksgiving is about the people you share it with. View the Harvest Table demo and explore the design.