Friendsgiving has become one of the best excuses of the fall calendar to gather everyone together before the holidays get busy — and hosting one in an apartment doesn't have to mean a cramped, stressful evening. With a little planning, Sol38 by Liv residents can pull off a Friendsgiving that feels just as festive as a house party, without the extra square footage.
Make It a Potluck, Not a One-Person Job
The easiest way to host a stress-free Friendsgiving in an apartment-sized kitchen is to not cook the entire meal yourself. Assign dishes by category — one person handles the turkey or 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 outgrows a typical apartment living room, Sol38 by Liv's community lounge, The Hub, is worth reserving. With its social and coworking layout and coffee bar, it gives you far more room than a one- or two-bedroom apartment can offer — enough space for a genuinely large group without anyone standing the whole night.Plan Seating Before You Plan the Menu
Figure out how many people can actually sit down before you finalize a headcount. A folding table extension, a mix of dining chairs and borrowed stools, or a buffet-style spread with seating scattered around the room can all work — just decide on your seating plan early so it doesn't become a last-minute scramble.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.Take Advantage of Mild November Weather
One real advantage of hosting Friendsgiving in Laveen: November evenings are usually mild enough to open up a patio as extra living space. A few string lights and a portable heater can turn an outdoor spot into comfortable overflow seating without anyone needing more than a light jacket.Decorate Without Overspending or Overcrowding
A few candles (battery-operated if your space is tight on outlets), a simple centerpiece, and cloth napkins go a long way toward making a small space feel festive without cluttering it further. Skip anything that takes up floor space you'll need for extra chairs or a buffet table.Borrow What You Don't Own
Not every apartment has a full set of serving dishes, extra chairs, or a slow cooker sitting in storage — and that's fine. Ask a guest or two to bring a folding chair or a serving bowl along with their dish. Most people are happy to help fill in the gaps, and it saves you from buying one-time-use items you won't need again until next year.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? Sol38 by Liv is located at 3875 W Dobbins Rd, Laveen, AZ 85339. Schedule a personal tour, check current availability, and ask about our floor plans today.
Phone: (623) 254-1001
Website / Schedule a Tour: sol38byliv.com
Address: 3875 W Dobbins Rd, Laveen, AZ 85339