Thanksgiving is about following tradition; Friendsgiving is about making new ones. This is a holiday where all the old rules are meant to be rewritten, so take the opportunity to put a fresh spin on your favorite classics.

No one will mind if Grandma's famous mushroom-soup casserole isn't on the table. These new-school recipes are not only showstoppers, but they’re perfect for a potluck celebration where everyone can pitch in to create a festive dinner to remember.

Photography by Renee Comet

Everyone has a soft spot in his or her heart for canned cranberry sauce. Why not find more than one way to enjoy it? These bite-sized appetizers are a great way to give this unsung hero a chance to shine.

Swap out the pasta in macaroni and cheese for golden roasted cauliflower and you'll be able to justify having seconds (and thirds).

Stuffing is stuffy. Replace it for Friendsgiving with a savory bread pudding that incorporates the flavor of old-fashioned green bean casserole.

Friendsgiving means your mom won't yell at you for eating potato chips for dinner. These creamy mashed potatoes are loaded with sour cream and caramelized onions, then covered in potato chips for plenty of crunch. For even creamier potatoes, whip them with a hand or stand mixer, then serve with even more whole potato chips for dipping.

Roasting a whole bird is a chore, and Friendsgiving should be a fun, stress-free affair. Cut down on the turkey drama by roasting a pan of legs instead. Besides, everyone knows dark meat is the best part anyway. No more fighting over who gets the legs!

For a fun play on bubble tea, cut some jellied cranberry sauce into "caviar," then put a spoonful into this seasonal mocktail. The carbonation from the Italian soda will give it a lava lamp effect.