Who I Am
I’m Iris Miller, the creator of Friendsgiving Food Ideas. I’m a registered dietitian based in the beautiful state of Colorado, and my passion is to bring people together through food—especially during festive times. I’ve been working as a dietitian for over a decade, helping people find joy and nourishment in their meals. Growing up in a family that treasured holidays, I always loved the traditions, flavors, and the sense of community around food.
I’m a firm believer that food isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about celebration, love, and connection. In Colorado, I enjoy a vibrant food scene, the freshness of locally sourced ingredients, and a mix of cultures that influence my cooking. Over the years, I’ve realized that one of the most rewarding parts of any holiday or gathering is seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they taste something truly delicious. This blog is my way of sharing that love with all of you.
What Is This Blog About
Friendsgiving Food Ideas is a food blog dedicated to providing you with creative, fun, and accessible recipes for all kinds of festive gatherings, especially Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner for a few close friends or putting together a big potluck-style feast, this blog has everything you need to make your celebration memorable.
My goal is to offer recipes that cater to everyone’s tastes and dietary needs, without making things too complicated. From easy appetizers to mouth-watering desserts, I want this blog to be your go-to source for holiday and festive recipes. I also focus on making the recipes budget-friendly and adaptable for different preferences, whether you’re feeding a group of vegetarians, gluten-free friends, or people with specific dietary restrictions.
Mission
The mission of Friendsgiving Food Ideas is to inspire people to create meaningful, delicious meals that bring joy and connection to their holiday tables. I want to take the stress out of holiday cooking by offering simple, flavorful recipes that anyone can make.
I’m all about making the kitchen an inclusive space where both seasoned home cooks and kitchen novices can come together to create something special. Food is a universal language, and with every recipe, I aim to bring people closer, making every gathering a celebration of friendship, love, and, of course, good food!
Vision
My vision for Friendsgiving Food Ideas is to build a community of food lovers who cherish festive moments. I want to create a space where readers feel excited about cooking, confident about trying new recipes, and inspired to gather with friends and family to celebrate the little and big things in life.
I see this blog evolving into a hub where not only recipes are shared but stories, tips, and memories of festive meals. A place where food traditions are created, passed down, and cherished for years to come.
My long-term goal is to expand Friendsgiving Food Ideas beyond just holiday-specific content. I hope to develop a broader scope, including guides on hosting, meal planning for special occasions, and resources that help foster creativity in the kitchen no matter the season.
Recipe Development
The recipes on Friendsgiving Food Ideas come from a place of experimentation, tradition, and love. Each recipe is developed with a focus on flavor, simplicity, and adaptability. I spend a lot of time thinking about how a recipe will fit into a festive occasion, ensuring that it’s something that brings joy but doesn’t require you to be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
- Inspiration: My recipes are inspired by both traditional festive foods and new trends. I’m constantly looking at what’s happening in the food world, attending food festivals, reading cookbooks, and even drawing inspiration from family recipes passed down over generations. Friendsgiving is one of my favorite events, where people come together and share dishes they love, so this is often the starting point for my ideas. You’ll find recipes that feel familiar but with a fresh, modern twist—like adding unexpected flavors or ingredients to classics.
- Simplicity: I know holidays can be stressful, and the last thing anyone needs is to follow a complex recipe when hosting a gathering. That’s why I prioritize easy-to-follow instructions with minimal steps. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make great food. My recipes often use ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store, and I provide tips for prep ahead of time, so your festive meal comes together smoothly.
- Health and Balance: As a registered dietitian, I always aim to make sure that the food on the table isn’t just tasty but also nourishing. I believe that you can indulge during festive times without compromising on health. You’ll notice that many of my recipes include healthier alternatives, like using whole grains, adding plenty of vegetables, or swapping in more nutritious ingredients, but without losing the delicious flavors that make festive food special. For those who are more health-conscious or have dietary needs, I also make sure to develop options that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and more.
- Versatility: One thing I love about festive meals is how flexible they can be. A dish might serve as a main course in one setting but be a side in another. That’s why I always try to include variations and substitutes in my recipes. For example, you’ll often see suggestions for making a dish vegetarian, or how to adapt it for a larger group if you’re hosting a big party.
- Taste Testing: Every recipe goes through a rigorous taste-testing process before it ends up on the blog. I don’t just test the recipes myself—I invite friends, family, and even neighbors to try them out and give feedback. Festive food is about sharing, so it only makes sense that the recipes are tested and enjoyed in a communal setting. This ensures that the recipes are crowd-pleasers and ready to shine at your gathering.
The Story Behind Friendsgiving Food Ideas
I started this blog with the idea of celebrating Friendsgiving because it’s one of my favorite traditions. Friendsgiving, a variation of Thanksgiving, is all about gathering friends (who may be like family) to enjoy good food and great company. It’s often more laid-back and flexible, giving room for creativity and non-traditional dishes. While I love Thanksgiving, I found that Friendsgiving gave me more freedom to experiment in the kitchen, and it’s been a favorite event among my circle of friends for years.
As the years went on, I realized that these festive moments were too special not to share. People kept asking me for my recipes, especially for festive gatherings, so I decided to create a space where everyone could find easy, delicious, and festive recipes in one place. That’s when Friendsgiving Food Ideas was born.
What You’ll Find Here
- Festive Recipes for All Occasions: While Friendsgiving is the heart of this blog, you’ll find recipes for all kinds of holidays and gatherings, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter, and more. Each recipe is crafted with the celebration in mind, so whether you need an impressive centerpiece dish or easy appetizers, I’ve got you covered.
- Tips for Hosting: From setting the table to organizing a potluck, hosting doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. I’ll share my best tips for making sure your gathering goes off without a hitch, including time-saving techniques, décor ideas, and how to keep your guests entertained and happy.
- Budget-Friendly Ideas: I know that feeding a group can sometimes get expensive, especially during the holidays. Many of my recipes are designed to be budget-friendly, so you don’t have to break the bank to put together an impressive spread. I’ll also share tips on how to save money while still serving a beautiful and delicious meal.
- Dietary Considerations: Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or have friends with allergies, I’m dedicated to offering recipes and tips that make everyone feel included at the table. I provide alternatives and adjustments for many dietary needs to ensure that no one misses out on the feast.
- Personal Stories: Food is deeply personal, and many of the recipes I share come with stories of my own celebrations, from holidays spent with family in Colorado to the Friendsgiving parties I’ve hosted over the years. You’ll get a glimpse into my world and how food has shaped my relationships and gatherings.
Join the Community
At the heart of Friendsgiving Food Ideas is the idea of community. I want this blog to feel like a gathering place where we can all share our experiences, ideas, and of course, recipes. I love hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, or even your own recipe ideas!
You can join our community by following along on social media, subscribing to our newsletter, and leaving comments on the blog. Whether you’re looking for new recipes to try, tips on how to host a stress-free gathering, or just want some inspiration for your next festive meal, I hope Friendsgiving Food Ideas will become your go-to resource.
Thank you for being here, and I can’t wait to share many more delicious and festive recipes with you!