Live music brings people together unlike anything else. As live music lovers, by now, you probably have some friends who feel like your actual family. With Thanksgiving around the corner, we thought this would be a good time to gather your tribe around the table and host a music-themed Friendsgiving!

1. Plan ahead and prepare

Start a Facebook event group and invite your closest crew. Ask each of your friends to submit their answers to the following questions. Use their answers as inspiration and motivation for when you start planning. a) favorite album b) favorite lyric c) favorite song

2. Spice up your place settings with album covers

Instead of placing name cards at each seat, use the cover of your guest’s favorite album. Not only will your friends love it, but you’ll learn more about each other and maybe even discover new music while you do.

3. Electrify your potluck by making it music-themed!

This Friendsgiving, tell each of your friends to bring a music-themed side dish based on a favorite album, band, song, or lyric. It can be as simple as making “Moe.-shed Potatoes,” "Joe Russo-asted Brussels Sprouts,” or “Phil Lesh’s Box of Raisin Bread Pudding."

4. Host a vinyl gift swap

Everything sounds better on vinyl! In the spirit of crate digging and vinyl hunting, ask your friends to bring a vinyl for a gift swap (one they can probably live without). This is a simple and easy way to share the wealth and discover new music!

5. Propose making a collaborate ‘Friendsgiving’ playlist before the event

Your friends may have similar tastes in music, but maybe they don’t. Let this music-themed Friendsgiving be an opportunity to broaden your horizons. Ask each friend to submit one song to be included in this soul-warming experience.

6. Customize your table cloth

All you need for this cheap and easy idea are sharpies or fabric markers. Once your guests sit down to feast, tell them to write their favorite lyrics or songs and doodle as they please. You’ll have a souvenir from the evening and musical wisdom for many years to come!

7. Make a musical center piece

Instead of stuffing a cornucopia with fruits and veggies, fill it with an abundance of music memorabilia! This can be anything from old ticket stubs, pins from Shakedown Street, or anything you can think of. Make it a centerpiece for your table or place it near your door for your guests to instantly enjoy upon entering your home.

8. Host a jam session

Tell your friends to bring their instruments for a post-meal jam session! If you don’t have any musicians in your crew, go out and buy a few inexpensive bongos or tambourines. You can even make your own instruments such as a rain stick with a paper towel roll and some items from your kitchen.

9. Share your favorite live music memory

In proper Thanksgiving fashion, it is likely that you and your friends will spend a portion of the evening saying what you’re thankful for. On top of that, ask your friends to share their favorite live music memory.

10. Set a rock 'n' roll dress code

No need to get fancy this Friendsgiving. Ask your friends to wear their favorite concert tee, represent their favorite venue, or dress as their favorite rock star. Your photos from the night are guaranteed to be awesome.