As twenty-somethings, we quickly learn the art of making-do.

We make-do with hand-me-down furniture, and used cars. We make-do with tiny apartments and roommates.

And having not quite mastered the art of our mother’s mashed potatoes, our grandfather’s pecan pie, or our aunt’s sweet potatoes, we learn to make-do for Thanksgiving, as well.

So often, young adults, not quite settled into marriages or children, find themselves at a hodgepodge of holiday dinners, potlucks, and gatherings of merriment. Last year, for example, I was fortunate enough to visit my dear friend, Lindsay, and her now-fiancé on the other side of the country. Her friends, because most of them were not able to travel home for the holidays, decided to host their own Thanksgiving dinner.

But before images of Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving start racing through your mind, know that what resulted was one of the warmest holiday meals I’ve ever enjoyed. We may be young, flighty, addicted to smartphones, and every other criticism known about Generation Y, but we know how to have a good time.

So if you’re like we were: stretching dollars and resources, here are some hints for a successful Thanksgiving Day gathering you’re sure to enjoy, no matter how old you are!

Are You Feeling (Pot) Lucky?
Potluck dinners are, without a doubt, the way to go. Not only does this alleviate the pressure off of the host or hostess that has been gracious enough to lend his or her home; but what a better way to share a little piece of your own family with everyone else? Trust me, your mom will be proud when you call to tell her that your friends gobbled up her classic mac ‘n’ cheese bake!

Additionally, because each of us was from a different part of the country we had variations of recipes that we normally would have never had.

Game On!
Play games! When you’ve gathered a group of your friends, and a glass or two of wine, around the dinner, it’s always a great time to introduce a game to serve as an icebreaker, or add to your general merriment.

Sharing is Caring, or Something Like That.
It may sound silly, but one way to make you and your guests feel right at home is to go around the table and name ways that you’re thankful. Personally, I was thankful that my friend did most of the cooking, and I was merely responsible for a bottle of wine! (Okay, okay. I was thankful for the company and new friends, too.)

Wherever you wind up this holiday season, remember that even if you’re not at home, home is never very far when you’re surrounded by good food and good friends.

Happy Thanksgiving Day, y’all!