When you are not hosting Thanksgiving dinner, it’s tempting to skirt responsibility and to free fall into a turkey and wine filled haze. But remember, Thanksgiving dinner is not a spectator sport! Your host/hostess is always in need of support. Even (and especially) if your host refuses help. But not to worry, there are ways around even the most stubborn help refusers. In addition to offering to lend a hand with the usual things like setting the table and filling water glasses, you should also bring a useful gift. Not only does this show gratitude, but it also shows that you see yourself as part of the team – not a mere spectator. Here is a collection of locally sourced items that I find just as fun to give as receive.
For the Table:
- Bring this tomato preserve from Meyer Provisions or pimento cheese dip from the Commissary.on your own platter with crackers and guests will be satiated until dinner.Â
- Where guests congregate can be unpredictable at larger gatherings. Bringing this portable mini light from Judy ensures that even impromptu seating areas will be well lit. Â Â
- Extra wine is never a bad idea. The folks at Martin’s recommend Jean Marc Brocard Chablis Cru, and  Laxas Alberino to enhance the flavors of your Thanksgiving feast! Â
For the Powder Room:
- It’s hard to maintain a finely scented powder room – especially when there is high turnover. Chouette has this decadent candle, or opt for an aromatic soap like this one from Pied Nu or this room spray from Vibrant Market . Â
For the Kitchen:
- If you’re attending a more formal dinner, Aux Belles Choses has beautiful antique serving pieces and flatware. Gifting a beautiful cake knife or vintage glass butter dish will not only help serve while you’re there but help with any future parties. Â
- Fresh herbs can be used for so many things. Bringing your host a rosemary tree or just bunches of fresh dill, thyme or basil can be so useful. Throw them into a cocktail, salad or loop them into a floral arrangement.Â
- Everyone needs an extra tea towel. Especially a cute, seasonal one like this from Hazelnut. Â
The Living Room:
- Odds are your host has the dinner table already set the way they like it. So, bringing a fall toned arrangement of flowers from Kim Starr Wise’s Flower Shop will help brighten up the (perhaps forgotten but well trafficked) living room. Â
Clockwise From Left:Â
Kim Starr Wise’s arrangement, Flower Shop
Turkey Tea Towel, Hazelnut.
Offa Kari Room Spray, Vibrant Market
Potted Rosemary, Liquid Soap, Pied Nu
Strawberry Basil Tomato Jam, Meyer Provisions
Portable Light, Judy Â
Sale & Event Picks:
All Month: Save $75 on toxin, Pure Dermatology
All Month: 20% off sitewide, Alexa Pulitzer (code: JUST4U)
Today (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.): Rebecca Bourke Jewelry Trunk show, The Rink Â
Nov. 29: Locals Only Black Friday Sale, Porter LyonsÂ
Begins Dec. 1: Designer Estate Sale (Villa Vici owners)- By appointment- email Vikki@villavici.comÂ
Dec. 7: Holiday Pop Up, Ellen Macomber StudioÂ
Dec. 7 (6-9 p.m.): Gulf Coast Bank Champagne Stroll, Magazine Street Â
