Your Guide To Thanksgiving

Attention North Shore Turkeys

Here’s Your Insider’s Guide To Thanksgiving

The temperatures have dropped, the leaves are bright and fall is in its glory. To celebrate with family and friends we’ve got the comprehensive guide to make the big day memorable, easy on you and fun for everyone – even the host(ess)

 

Weeks to Go :

Order Your Bird
Don’t let the idea of cooking the main event wait. Order you big, plump and juicy bird

 

Foodstuffs

Orders must be placed by Thursday, November 20 – a North Shore Chicago institution, Foodstuffs carries a full Thanksgiving catering menu.

In Evanston
2106 Central
847.328.7704 

In Glencoe
338 Park Ave
847.835.5105

In Lake Forest
255 Westminster
847.234.6600

 

Harrison Poultry

Orders must be placed by Friday, November 21

Hands down one of North Shore Chicago’s favorite places to buy a bird. They’ve been in business more than 100 years and specialize in hormone-free meats and poultry.

Glenview
1201 Waukegan Rd
847.724.0132

 

Sunset Foods

Orders must be placed by Monday, November 24

A full menu is available for pick-up.
And if you’re looking for a unique twist to the table, sign up for their “Turducken Roulade” demo/class on November 15! Call 847.989.1519 to make a reservation.

Highland Park
1812 Green Bay Road
847.432.5500

Lake Forest
825 S. Waukegan Road
847.234.8380

Northbrook
1127 Church Street, Northbrook
847.272.7700

 

Weeks to Go:

Freshen up your table!

Notice: Accessories For Living
2057 Green Bay Road
Highland Park
847.432.1212

www.notice-this.com

Ambiance Gallery
1450 Park Avenue West
Highland Park
Phone: 847.681.1963

Or, hit up your local Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware or even Smith & Hawkins for that holiday-inspired kitsch -- place cards, themed hand towels, a few new placemats, candles and such!

 

One Week to Go:

What About The Wine -- If you need help, visit one of North Shore Chicago’s experts in wine for a fresh idea to serve with the bird!

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar:
1820 Tower Drive, Glen Town Center Glenview
847.729.WINE

WineStyles (three locations):
1741 Sherman Ave.
Evanston
847.328.4400

1517 Waukegan Rd.
Glenview
847.486.8900

1348 Shermer Rd.
Northbrook
847.498.WINE

Also for great prices and staff recommendations make sure to check out Wine DiscountCenter in Highland Park, and of course Sunset Foods or Whole Foods. For the ultimate value – its hard to beat Trader Joe’s

 

One Day to Go:

Write Out The Placecards

The Thanksgiving table and where people sit is a big part of the holiday. Make every guest feel thankful and take a little extra time to make something uniquely creative or super simple.

The Paper Source
2100 Central
Evanston

Or

490 Central
Highland Park

Target also has a wonderful selection of place cards and all the art supplies to add your own touches.

Brine the bird -- Here’s a great way to cook the bird without the trouble of finding a recipe and tracking down 20 different ingredients – just stop at The Spice House in Evanston!

They’ve got a holiday turkey-brining blend all set to go in 8oz ($5.79) and 16oz ($10.99) versions. Their blend contains French sea salt, sugar, dehydrated orange peel, French style peppercorns, toasted sliced onion, chopped garlic, basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, savory, rubbed sage and cracked bay leaves. Yummy!

The Spice House
1941 Central St., Evanston
847.328.3711

Set the table -- Get the fine china out of storage, wash and dry, and then create your formal place settings. Want to really wow the guests?

Keep your kids busy folding Thanksgiving turkey napkins. There are a number of web sites out there that’ll show you how, but this one looked by far the easiest to follow!

 

The Big Day

Eat guilt-free -- Here’s a few ways:

Lake Forest Thanksgiving Day Run
8 a.m. start
Waukegan and Everett Rds.
Lake Forest

Tall Trees 5K Turkey Trot (benefits Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook)
1421 Sequoia, Glenview
8:15 a.m. start
Sign up at www.signmeup.com

Turkey Day Skate
Winnetka Ice Arena
490 Hibbard Rd.
10:30 a.m.

No matter what, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and enjoy the family and friends that especially in today’s climate we can all be grateful for!

Have a great one!