Friendsgiving Is The Perfect Holiday To Celebrate Outside: Here's Why

One of the best unofficial holidays to add to our annual calendars is some version of a Friendsgiving—a meal shared with friends who are like a chosen family, usually celebrated a week or so ahead of the day (aka, this week).

Sure, you could really argue that any day is the perfect day for an outdoor celebration—if you've got the right weather—but Lopez feels (and we agree) that Friendsgiving offers an extra perfect time to head outside.

"It combines the joy and comfort of experiencing a meal with your friends, and the natural beauty that the great outdoors has to offer," she told mindbodygreen. "Thanksgiving, to me, has always been a time to reflect on what I am most grateful for throughout the year. And this year, it has to be the beauty of the great outdoors and the love of friends and family."

Feel a bit intimidated by the idea of trying to take what's often a complex, multipart meal and make it alfresco-friendly? We were a bit too, so we asked Lopez for a little insight into just how to bring the food part of the holiday outdoors, too.

If you're wondering how we got to this point in a Friendsgiving article without really giving food advice, it's because you should take it as a chance to just cook whatever you want! But if you decide to bring the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving with you, be it on a hike or to a picnic, there are a few ways to make it easier to transport.

"Nothing will ever beat a Thanksgiving sandwich," says Lopez. "I recommend you use high-quality bread like sourdough or a fresh-made French roll from a bakery you trust. Layer the sandwich with cranberry sauce, and mash potatoes like you would mayo and mustard. Then top with a few slices of smoked Turkey breast and stuffing. Finish off the sandwich with a light drizzle of gravy or good-quality olive oil. For those who love spice, add a few canned pickled jalapeños."

Not a sandwich person? Lopez recommends making some simple chargrilled veggies with a fun sauce, serving a few snacking-style dips with fresh veggies and healthy crackers, and noshing on sweet potato chips and spiced energy bars along the way.