Giving Thanks

In a moment of holiday nostalgia (or insanity), you’ve invited your family, in-laws and a few of your dearest single friends over for Thanksgiving dinner. Now that the date is fast approaching, the idea of preparing such a grand feast for your loved ones has you up at night. No need to lose sleep, the Lazy Hostess has two words of comfort for you: Whole Foods.

Whole Foods, the upscale, natural food retailer, can prepare an entirely Organic Thanksgiving Dinner complete with all the trimmings and sides for 12 guests if you order before noon on November 20th (which is in 8 days). For $169.99, the dinner includes: one organic brined and fully cooked turkey from Diestel Ranch in California (which comes in a roasting pan for easy reheating), mashed potatoes, New England stuffing, cranberry orange relish, rich turkey gravy, green beans with almonds and 1 dozen soft white or whole wheat dinner rolls.

Other sides worth ordering a la carte include the maple-laced sweet potatoes with candied pecans, spinach sauteed with garlic and pumpkin bread. And, for those with dietary restrictions, they even have a vegan option for $19.99 per person that includes a vegan holiday roast with wild rice and dried cranberries, green beens, French lentil soup and a mini vegan pecan tart. View the entire holiday catering menu here.

While Whole Foods does have a decent assortment of pies and cakes, I prefer the delectable desserts from Billy’s Bakery (184 Ninth Avenue, 212-647-9956). Order their amazing, just-like-grandma’s apple pie ($25) or perfectly sweetened pecan pie ($24) by November 16th. Billy’s is closed on Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving weekend so pick-up your pre-ordered pies on Wednesday. They are open late.

Now all you need is a sharp carving knife, carving board and a couple bottles of a great red Burgundy or Pinot Noir. If the thought of ordering in food for the biggest holiday of the season seems like the easy way out, let me tell you something…it is. But, we feel that anything that can lower your stress level at this time of year, is something to be truly thankful for.

Whole Foods are located all across the country including locations in New York:

250 Seventh Avenue, 212-924-5969

The Shops at Columbus Circle, 212-823-9600

4 Union Square South, 212-673-5388

95 Houston Street, 212-420-1320

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of William Sonoma and Billy’s Bakery

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