Nine Hats Friendsgiving Guide

Friendsgiving is basically Thanksgiving's fun younger sibling: less pressure, more sweatpants, and way better music. No matter if you're hosting or just bringing wine (the real MVP), we've got tips and bottle picks to make your celebration deliciously stress-free.

The perfect Friendsgiving wine.

Here's the thing about Nine Hats wines: they play well with others. Grazing board? Check. Turkey? Absolutely. Your friend's questionable pumpkin pie? Surprisingly, yes. These bottles are your secret weapon whether you're the host with the most or the guest who wants to make a stellar impression.

Check out our full selection of wines here: ninehatswines.com/wines

While we encourage you to select your favorites, you'll really look like a wine connoisseur if you have a progression of wines from bubbly, to white, to red.

Here’s our perfect 6-bottle mix (adjust for groups larger than 8):

• 1 bottle - Nine Hats Brut Rosé - perfect to welcome your guests
• 2 bottles - Nine Hats Chardonnay - serve with appetizers
• 3 bottles - Nine Hats Red Wine - distribute on the table for the main course and dessert

The perfect “Why did I offer to host?” wine.

So you volunteered to host in a moment of overconfidence (wine may have been involved). Now it's real, and you're Googling "how many pounds of turkey per person" at 2am. Deep breath. We've got your back with some actually useful tips to pull this off like a hero.

Wine Advice

• Serve sparkling, rosé, or white wines to greet your guests and pair with appetizers.
• Open your red wines an hour or so in advance of pouring them. If you don’t have a decanter, pour a half-glass out of each bottle (feel free to drink it, we won’t tell!), so that some air gets in.
• Designate a section of your counter for wine and wine glasses. This way, guests can help themselves when you’re busy.
• Put your red wines on the table before the main course so people can freely pour when they sit down.

Planning Timeline

3 Weeks Out:

• Buy your Nine Hats wines and high five the person next to you. You just took care of the wine!

2 Weeks Out:

• Create a dish sign-up sheet (Google Sheet or PerfectPotluck app).
• Claim your slots first (after all, you’re hosting), then share with your friends.
• Include a note with it like, “Please sign up to bring a dish. I’ve got the wine covered…a nice selection from Nine Hats in Seattle.”

1 Week Out:

• Inventory tables, chairs, plates, glasses, serving dishes.
• If you’re missing anything, ask your friends to help out.
• Consider ordering sides from Gourmondo or Twelve Baskets Catering to save time.

Day Of:

• Chill your Nine Hats sparkling and white wines.
• Set your table and put out your glassware.
• Greet your guests with a pour of Nine Hats Brut Rosé or Sparkling Blanc de Blancs
• Enjoy!

The perfect “What do I bring?” wine.

Sparkling wine is one of those rare things that makes almost everyone smile. Arrive with a bottle of Nine Hats Blanc de Blancs and a bouquet of flowers and you've effectively won Friendsgiving.

If you really want to go the extra mile, you could also get a thoughtful gift from a local Seattle shop like Made In Washington (local chocolates, salmon, artisanal goods) or Watson Kennedy (upscale boutique gifts).

If you signed up to bring a dish, here are some easy options that will impress and not take all day to make:

• Grazing Board: Three cheeses, fig jam, crackers, charcuterie.
  • Pairs with Nine Hats Pinot Gris or Brut Rosé.
• Simple Italian Salad: Greens, cherry tomatoes, gorgonzola, balsamic.
  • Paris with Nine Hats Sangiovese.
• Store-bought sides: Stuffing, mashed potatoes, or Brussels sprouts save time.
  • Pairs with Nine Hats Chardonnay.
• Flourless Chocolate Cake: Gluten/dairy free. Recipe here.
  • Pairs with Nine Hats Malbec.

Our Seattle Recommendations

Look, we're all for homemade everything, but let's be real: nobody needs to prove anything at Friendsgiving. Picking up some pre-made dishes from local spots means more time with your friends, less time stress-sweating over a stovetop, and you're supporting Seattle businesses. It's basically a public service.

Just remember, a lot of caterers have a deadline for ordering. Get yours early and give yourself a gold star.

Sides & Catering

• Gourmondo Café & Catering - Gourmet platters (order early)
• Twelve Baskets Catering - Fresh, locally sourced sides
• Pike Place Market - Flowers, produce, cheese

Host/Hostess Gifts

• Made In Washington - Local chocolates, salmon, artisanal goods
• Watson Kennedy - Upscale boutique gifts

Quick Checklist

✅ Buy Nine Hats wines (4-6 bottles)

✅ Create dish sign-up sheet

✅ Order catering sides (optional)

✅ Shop Pike Place for fresh ingredients

✅ Pick up host gift if attending

✅ Chill wines day-of

✅ Pour, enjoy, and give thanks!

It’s Your Day, Do it Your Way

The whole point of Friendsgiving is doing things your way. No judgment, no stress, no great-aunt asking when you're getting married. Just you, your people, and whatever food situation you've cobbled together. Toss a Nine Hats bottle into the mix, and suddenly your casual hangout feels like an actual celebration, which, let's be honest, it already was.