Most of us are planning smaller Thanksgiving gatherings this year, with guest lists of two to eight, rather than 20 to 30. 

But fewer people at the table also means fewer hands in the kitchen. We might want a traditional holiday meal, but just the thought of all that cooking and cleaning is exhausting. Luckily several area food establishments can help relieve some of that stress.  

The folks at kō•än have put together chef-prepared dinner kits for an easy, delicious turkey day. Or you can pick out side dishes to add to your own dinner. Choices include Chef Drew Smith’s smoked potato puree and pies from pastry chef Francisco Almaguer. All items are heat-and-serve; pre-ordering runs through Friday, Nov. 20. 

Chef’s Palette will be whipping up their traditional holiday menu, but for curbside pickup instead. Favorite items include honey-glazed ham, oven-roasted turkey breast, sage and sausage stuffing, Boursin mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole and orange cranberry relish. To order, call the restaurant at (919) 267-6011 before Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The Fresh Market has expanded their range of ready-to-heat holiday meals to accommodate smaller gatherings. Five traditional meal options can be ordered online or in-store through Saturday, Nov. 21. 

When you order your ham or turkey from The Butcher’s Market, you can also pick up heat-and-serve side dishes, and dessert from Slice Pie or the Carrot Cake Lady.

Even if you have the turkey and green bean casserole covered, whipping up that perfect dessert might be something else entirely. These local shops can supply the pies, but it’s best to reserve one (or two) ahead of time. 

La Farm Bakery is offering delicious seasonal tarts like traditional pumpkin, roasted pecan, and apple and almond cream. The full-size desserts can be ordered now, and will be made fresh for your holiday table. Can’t wait for your sugar fix? Individual-sized versions of the tarts are available all month in the cafe. 

Order a pie from A Place at the Table, and you’ll help the nonprofit feed the hungry all winter. Dessert offerings include pumpkin, apple, pecan, coconut creme, and chocolate creme pies. Reserve your pie online before Sunday, Nov. 22.

Dementia Capable Cary is also selling apple, pumpkin and pecan pies, at $12 each, as a fundraiser for Dementia Alliance NC.  To order, contact English Edwards at (919) 961-8415 before Friday, Nov. 20.

For every cream pie sold through Dec. 1, the Fresh Market will donate $1 to Feeding America. The 9-inch pies come in French Chocolate Silk, Chocolate Silk Peanut Butter, and Bananas Foster. Every dollar raised helps provide at least 10 meals, and 90% of the funds raised stays in the local community.