Don’t let the most magical time of the year become the most stressful. With scratch-made catering from local restaurants and desserts baked with love, make hosting this year’s gathering easy as (pumpkin) pie. Check out our top picks for a hassle-free holiday in The Colony.
Bring Home the Turkey, Fully Cooked
The most tedious task of holiday entertaining is also the centerpiece of the dining table. Let the experts at Hard Eight BBQ take on the Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham, so all you have to do is pick it up before the big day. Additionally, the quintessential barbeque joint offers a complete take-home meal with green bean and sweet potato casseroles, dressing, turkey gravy and rolls. The catering experts over at Flat Iron Grill are also pro pitmasters. Aside from their mouthwatering charcuterie boards and in-house deli, Flat Iron is known for its roasted and smoked turkeys, as well as roast beef and prime rib. If you haven’t experienced Flatrock Smokehouse’s tender pit-fired meats, the holidays are the perfect time to order their succulent smoked turkey breasts and legs. Round out the meal with Flatrock’s signature brisket mac and cheese, but don’t forget to ask about the off-menu offerings, including options for vegan and halal diets. For an easy all-in-one, opt for Davio’s turkey dinner. Each guest will receive an oven-roasted free-range turkey with Yukon gold potatoes, seasonal veggies, challah stuffing, homemade gravy and cranberry-apple chutney.
If you’re a devout home cook, consider outsourcing some of your side dishes. Turn to local restaurants for fan-favorite dishes to feed a crowd of any size.
Order Desserts from Local Sweet Shops
Make grandma proud by serving up pies, cakes and cookies baked with love. Decadent treats from local bakeries taste just like homemade while avoiding a big mess when it comes time for entertaining. Get your orders in early with MeLisa the Pie Lady as reservations fill up quickly. It’s no surprise since her signature pies like bourbon pecan and cream cheese pumpkin are a hit with everyone. For a modern twist on classic holiday desserts, check out Ollio Patisserie’s seasonal menu of pumpkin, pecan and sweet potato tartlets. The single-serving tarts and pie-inspired macarons are perfect for sharing with guests after dinner, while Ollio’s croissant and breakfast pastry packages are ideal for those out-of-town, overnight guests. New this year is Down South Kitchen & Bakery. The southern restaurant bakes up classic treats like cookies, cakes, croissants and more daily, and also offer a heat-and-eat Thanksgiving special complete with your choice of pumpkin, pecan and apple pies, cheesecake or Kentucky butter cake.
Refresh Your Home with Ease
Freshen up your home and make guests feel welcome with on-trend holiday decor from local retailers. Rather than waiting for the delivery driver or, worse, having a package be delayed before the big day, shop local retailers for one-of-a-kind finds inside The Homestead at Grandscape. The collection of boutiques and artisans have an ever-changing selection of trendy home goods and candles. Each year SCHEELS’ home department transforms into a winter wonderland filled with wall hangings, pillows and table decor for unique place settings. Take a stroll around NFM, the Nation’s Largest Home Furnishing Store, and you’ll find everything from Kitchen Aid stand mixers to festive doormats to up your hosting game this year. While there, be sure to keep an eye out for the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Remember the Host Gifts
Even if you aren’t hosting this year’s celebration, you cannot show up empty-handed to the party. Stop by The Colony Wine Bar for the perfect bottle of red, white or sparkling wine. The bottle shop offers classic favorites as well as new, international labels ready to be discovered. Let the expert staff curate the perfect gift for your holiday host and be on the lookout for their seasonal bottle engraving events.
Book a Private Dining Room
Skip the holiday headache altogether and gather family, friends and colleagues around the dining tables of local restaurants. Upscale favorites like Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails and Twigs American Kitchen offer a truly unique experience with inviting hospitality and scratch-made meals. For a complete list of reservable dining spaces in The Colony, check out our meeting planner guide.
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