Another holiday season is about to begin in Ridgefield! Its official kick-off is none other than Thanksgiving when many of us will surround a bountiful table to give thanks. We can just imagine the turkey sizzling in the oven, glasses clinking, and joyful sounds of laughter among family and friends. So much of the spirit of the season is food, and we’ve rounded up our favorite spots in town to gather pies and other provisions, tableware, and some festive spots for holiday dining and entertaining.
Cooking is so much a part of holiday festivity, and we are lucky to have so many boutique food purveyors in town. Head to our local butcher, Ridgefield Prime, to pick up fresh cuts of meat, roasts, and wild-caught seafood; they also offer a robust catering menu and will help you craft the perfect holiday gathering.
You can always count on Nature’s Temptations to provide the freshest organic produce and delicious prepared foods to fill in your side dishes. And they also provide a catering menu which includes rare finds like gluten-free gravy and stuffing—perfect for guests with a dietary needs.
What’s a holiday meal without special hors d’oeuvres and apps in the living room? 109 Cheese & Wine has your grazing board covered with their selection of fine cheeses and charcuterie, crackers, and gourmet jams! Be sure to pair it with a bottle of wine or two while you’re there.
If spending time in the kitchen is not on your agenda, have your entire gathering or holiday party planned and designed by Sweet Bean Events. A full-service event planning company, they can craft anything from your Thanksgiving table to a fun kids’ holiday party.
When the holiday frenzy takes over (or you’re simply looking to avoid cooking, clean-up, or both), enjoy dining out whether it be on Thanksgiving Day or a cold December night.
Ridgefield icons, Bernard’s and Sarah’s Wine Bar will be celebrating their last holiday season this year. Indulge in their Thanksgiving menu in-house with offerings for children and the vegetarian guest, or choose dishes to take out from their lengthy menu! They’ll also be serving Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners before they bid farewell.
When the leftovers are gone and the twinkle lights are on, enjoy a festive brunch or night out with friends at some of our cozy local restaurants. Stop in to Main Street’s staple, The Lantern, and if you’re lucky enough to get a street-side booth you’ll be treated to quite the view of our quaint town dressed up for the holidays! Take a little drive to Milestone in Georgetown and feel like you’re at a neighborhood spot – live music and jazz brunches will put you right in the holiday mood.
If you’re looking for something cozy but quick and easy, pop into Southwest Café to add a little flair to the holiday palette, bite into a juicy burger at Prime Burger, or grab a pint under the twinkle lights at the family-friendly Ancient Mariner. TerraSole is always an in-town go-to for upscale dining, inventive cocktails, and plenty of creative twists on holiday flavors!
Purveyors of sweet treats abound in town and our tastebuds couldn’t be happier about it! Be sure to place all your baked goods orders soon though, as many close the window a week or more before Thanksgiving. Ross Bread Shoppe bakes fresh bread and dinner rolls daily, and will be taking pre-orders for cornbread, apple and pumpkin pies, and stuffing mix. Stacey’s Totally Baked will be offering traditional desserts as well as Challah, Bobka, and Flourless Chocolate Cake.
And speaking of flourless cake, The Cake Box always offers their treats in gluten-free versions as well, including Apple Crumb and Pumpkin Chai Mousse pies! If you’re looking for vegan and gluten-free options, look no further than Botanika Café. And Whistle Stop Bakery pies, a local favorite, are available for order through Nature’s Temptations.
Last but certainly not least, the dessert tray requires a little treat! Hand-crafted chocolates and sweets from Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe are a must for the dessert table or a gift for the hostess with a sweet tooth! Visit their new location at 409 Main Street (reopening soon!) and kick off the season with your favorite sweets.
No meal is complete without the sound of clinking glasses and whether you’re making cocktails or mocktails, you’ll find something for your inner mixologist and sommelier right in town. Pick up your wines, spirits, and mixers at Village Wine & Spirits, or stop by Cellar XV Wine Market and pick up your barware, napkins, and table decorations at the same time.
A beautiful flower arrangement on the table will make any setting even more gorgeous. Rodier Flowers downtown can help you complete your tablescape with beautiful arrangements large and small. Considering flowers as a hostess gift? They also provide same-day delivery straight to the recipient!
‘Tis the season for parties and gatherings of all kinds and with them come festive décor and thoughtful hostess gifts! The little things can make all the difference when decorating for the holidays and making first impressions. Bella Home carries an endless array of festive gifts and décor to adore, or go to Olley Court for fine goods for the tabletop you won’t find anywhere else, from glassware to napkins and candles.
If you’re looking for Ridgefield-themed gifts, the Rooted Plow has everything 06877 including home goods, apparel, and novelty gifts. The Loft at Bissell’s Pharmacy could be the general store of home goods as a purveyor of all your tabletop needs from drinkware and serveware to decor, seasonal scented candles, and gifts for the discerning hostess.
On behalf of the inRidgefield team, we wish you a wonderful holiday season ahead!
Thank you to the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce for supporting the Ridgefield community!
