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Thanksgiving is two weeks out, and the guests always show up hungry long before the turkey is carved. Whether you're hosting Friendsgiving this weekend or just want something to put out while the big bird rests, a good snack table is what keeps everyone happy (and out from underfoot). These six starters are mostly make-ahead, completely crowd-pleasing, and leave your oven free for the main event.

Holiday Kitchen Kickoff: Free, November 13th

This year, skip the bakery line. I'm showing you how to make a Nothing Bundt Cakes red velvet cake, a Tortuga rum cake, and Cinnabon cinnamon rolls at home, all ahead of time, and I'll be live in the chat to take your requests. June from Practically Homemade is turning cake mix into Christmas cookies, and Susannah from Feast + West is bringing the batch cocktails. One free day, 10+ food pros, and Holiday BINGO with prizes. Save your free spot here.​

🧀 The Centerpiece

​French Onion Cheese Ball with Bacon and Dried Beef — This is the cheese ball that gets scraped down to the last crumb. Cream cheese, French onion flavor, crispy bacon, and salty dried beef come together in a savory, tangy ball you can roll in nuts a day ahead. Set it out with sturdy crackers and watch it vanish.

🥬 The Dip That Always Wins

​Applebee's Spinach Artichoke Dip — Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling at the edges, this restaurant favorite has just enough artichoke tang to keep you coming back for another chip. Assemble it in the morning, bake it right as guests arrive, and serve it warm.

🍄 The Bite-Sized Crowd-Pleaser

​Easy Stuffed Mushrooms with Ritz Crackers — Buttery Ritz crumbs, garlic, and a rich, savory filling spooned into tender mushroom caps. They're a classic party bite that bakes up golden in minutes, and they're easy to prep ahead and pop in the oven when the doorbell rings.

🫕 Community Time: Help Me Pick the Next Copycat

Here's where I need you: the CopyKat Community is where I ask which restaurant recipe to crack next, and your votes decide it. Is it a holiday appetizer from your favorite chain, or a side dish you've never found a good version of? Pop into the CopyKat Community, cast your vote, and tell me what's on your Friendsgiving wish list.

🧈 The Fun One

​Melting Pot Cheddar Cheese Fondue — Silky, sharp cheddar fondue that turns a plain cube of bread into an event. Set it up in a slow cooker on warm, surround it with apples, pretzels, and roasted veggies, and everyone will hover around the bowl. It's cozy, a little retro, and perfect for November.

🥨 The Grazing Bowl

​Original Chex Mix — A big bowl of crunchy, buttery, Worcestershire-spiked snack mix is the best way to keep hungry guests busy. Bake a batch a few days ahead, store it airtight, and you've got a no-fuss munchie that's been a holiday tradition for decades.

🍅 The Fresh Counterpoint

​Spaghetti Warehouse Caprese Bruschetta — After all that rich, cheesy goodness, you'll want something bright. Toasted bread piled with tomato, basil, and melty mozzarella brings a fresh note to the table, and it comes together fast.

🛒 In the Kitchen: Gear for Hosting a Crowd

Friendsgiving is half cooking and half logistics, so here are three things that make a snack table (and the trip to someone else's) easier:

🧳 Insulated Carrier — If you're bringing your dip to a potluck, this keeps it warm all the way from your oven to their table. No more lukewarm spinach artichoke dip arriving in the back seat.

🥣 Punch Bowl Set — It isn't just for punch. It's a handy way to serve Chex Mix or hold a big batch of spiced cider for the crowd, and it frees up your regular bowls.

🍯 Beeswax Bowl Covers — Prep your cheese ball and dips a day ahead and cover them without plastic wrap.

🦃 Make It a Good One

Between the cheese ball, the dips, and the fondue, you've got a snack table that's ready long before the turkey comes out of the oven. Do as much as you can the day before, then enjoy the company. Wishing you a full table, a calm kitchen, and plenty of leftovers.