CSRA, GA November 2025

Premier General Contractors Since 1986

Beyond providing quality workmanship and comprehensive design/build services, we strive to build a relationship of mutual trust and confidence with each of our clients’ large and small. We accomplish this by putting your priorities first and conducting ourselves with integrity in every aspect of our business.

Letter from the Publisher

November is the season of thankfulness, and as we step into the warmth of the holidays, we are reminded of the countless reasons to be grateful—family, community, and the small traditions that make life meaningful.

In this issue, we celebrate those very things. Our annual Christmas Giving Campaign is once again underway, offering the chance to nominate neighbors and friends who could use a little extra blessing this season. It’s one of our favorite traditions, and a reminder of how generous and kind-hearted our community truly is.

We’re also highlighting local business owners who are pouring their hearts into their work. From Ben Kroll of Kroll’s Custom Carpentry, who transforms wood into one-of-a-kind pieces filled with meaning, to Wes Roberts of Skysong Creative, whose media talents help businesses share their stories in fresh, creative ways.

You’ll also meet Allison Spence and her family, the sweet visionaries behind Augusta Dough & Cone, whose doughnuts and ice cream are bringing joy and tradition to our community. And we’re shining a light on Nick Bame of Southern Lighting Pros, whose architectural lighting makes every season and celebration a little brighter.

This November, may we all pause to take stock of what we’re thankful for. Whether it’s the simple joy of a warm meal, the creativity of a local craftsman, or the light of community shining all around us.

With gratitude,

JANA MORRIS, PUBLISHER @CSRACITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Daniel Morris

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allison Stanton, Bailey Hall, Eve Crabtree, Michelle Parnell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Acuity Photography, Bailey Hall, Withers Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Proverbs 3:5-6

1807 Smith Crawford Rd., Appling, GA 30802

Enjoy the comfort of spacious porches and an open floor plan perfect for both daily living and entertaining. Every detail is enhanced with premium touches, creating a home that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Brian and Beth Carter settle for nothing but the best in each home that they build. No two homes are ever alike, giving each homeowner a beautiful, unique home all their own - one that Brian and Beth would be proud to live in themselves.

Joey Jones to Speak at Pregnant Choices November 5th Gala

Pregnant Choices is excited to announce its upcoming gala on November 5th at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. The evening will feature special guest speaker Joey Jones, promising inspiration and celebration. With over 2,000 lives saved, Pregnant Choices continues to make a remarkable impact in the community. Guests are invited to join in honoring this milestone while supporting the mission. To learn more or purchase a table, please visit secure.qgiv.com/ event/fallgala2025.

Play, Learn, and Code with Codie Blocks

iCode Augusta is turning coding into playtime with their Codie Blocks program for ages 4-5. Designed for parents and children to enjoy together, these sessions use colorful coding blocks and imaginative missions to teach early problem-solving, logic, and creativity. It’s a fun, confidence-building way to spark a lifelong love of learning. Classes meet Friday and Sunday afternoons. Learn more at icodeschool.com/augusta-ga .

Eggs Up Grill Now Open

Big cheers to Eggs Up Grill on their brand-new spot off N. Belair Road! This bright and welcoming café dishes up breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites every day from 6a.m. to 2p.m., plus catering and delivery when you need it. Drop by 1200 Town Park Lane to sample a stack of pancakes, hearty omelet, or whatever morning (or midday) craving calls your name. Congrats to the team for bringing another tasty gathering place to Evans!

Sylvan Learning Black Friday!

Sylvan Learning in Augusta is preparing for the holiday season with special opportunities for families this November. Known for its personalized tutoring and academic support, Sylvan helps students build confidence and skills in math, reading, writing, test prep, and more. Keep an eye out for their upcoming Black Friday offerings, designed to make academic support even more accessible for local families.

Postal Annex’s Christmas Mailbox

Santa’s elves will be delivering a magic mailbox to the Postal Annex in Riverwood on November 24th!  The elves will come by every night to pick up letters and deliver them to Santa. We’ve been told, in past years, Santa has written back!

Luceat Vita Wellness Grand Reopening

Luceat Vita Wellness is celebrating a new chapter! Join them for their Grand Reopening on November 6 at 5 p.m. at 3578 River Watch Parkway. Explore their beautifully expanded space, enjoy exclusive event-only specials, raffles, and local vendor partnerships, and experience the renewed energy that defines their holistic approach to wellness. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and see what’s new at Luceat Vita Wellness!

Fit And Well CSRA Now Open

Fit And Well CSRA has officially opened, bringing a new era of fitness to the community. Offering personal training and small group sessions, they focus on quality movement, strong foundations, and intentional coaching. With an inclusive community and results-driven approach, Fit And Well CSRA is here to help you train for life - at any age. Their new location is 4446 Washington Rd., Suite 3, in Evans.

Triumph Tattoo in Grovetown is committed to raising the bar of the traditional tattoo shop and providing a quality experience with premiere artwork and a comfortable environment to all customers in Columbia County and beyond.

www.triumphtattoocompany.com

Helping the CSRA Clean Up and Move Forward

When disaster strikes, cleanup is often the first step toward recovery. Local junk removal company Trash Bros recently assisted with a fire-damaged home, clearing debris so restoration crews could begin their work. It’s one of many ways this family-operated business helps CSRA residents reclaim their spaces after life’s unexpected moments. To learn more about their cleanup and removal services, call 706-750-8898 or visit trashbrosaugusta.com

New Provider Joins Welcome Health of Evans

Welcome Health is excited to announce that Peyton Gruber, PA-C, has joined their Evans location. A graduate of Augusta University’s Physician Assistant program, Peyton brings experience from her years in emergency medicine and a passion for building long-term relationships with patients through direct primary care. Originally from Savannah, she and her husband now call Augusta home. Learn more at welcomehealth.net

Discover the Difference of Personalized Design Consulting

At A&D Carpets, we believe your space should reflect your style- and that starts with one-on-one attention. Our expert design consulting us customer service driven, ensuring you get the personalized support and guidance you deserve. Proudly women-managed and community- focused, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life, from concept to completion.

Step into a space that’s truly yours.

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

Ben Kroll shares about his passion for helping clients achieve their goals and his gratitude for life’s blessings

Uniquely Designed with Kroll’s Custom Carpentry

For Ben Kroll, working with his hands comes naturally as a result of growing up surrounded by family who worked in the trades and attending a trade-focused high school. Even during his time serving in the Army, Ben enjoyed making custom furniture for family and friends. When he finished his military service, Ben returned to working with his hands, mainly with construction companies, but the pull to focus on highly detailed custom carpentry remained strong. So, in the spring of 2024, he founded Kroll’s Custom Carpentry and began to focus solely on custom creations for clients.

“I like working directly with my clients and making the space they have into something that is unique to meet their needs for that space,” shares Ben. “Those custom spaces add value to their house and their lifestyle.”

Ben’s repertoire includes entertainment centers, wine cabinets and closets, kitchen pantries, craft rooms, bookcases, and specialized shelves to hold collections. He also enjoys building custom natural hardwood furniture and recently ventured into exotic woods with a mahogany door.

Each project brings challenges and successes, but a few stand out to Ben as being particularly memorable. “One project I would say that I’ve enjoyed doing the most is a Dutch door. It was really fun because the opening in the customer’s home wouldn’t fit a standard door, so it had to be a custom door, and they were really excited about making it unique,” he says. “We landed on the idea of doing a Dutch door with an arch window over the top. It was a bit of a challenge, but it was great to meet the customer’s needs to close off that space and make it unique.”

I'm really thankful for the support of my family, especially my wife,  for helping me through the ups and downs of getting the business launched.

Ben also enjoys designing and building custom pantries, which require a blend of style, form, and function. “A couple may be going for a specific look, but it might also need to have specific size shelving to accommodate different cooking appliances or to create storage solutions that works best for them,” says Ben. “So pantries are always fun.”

Last year after hurricane Helene caused so much damage, Ben put his talents to use helping people in the community recover from the destruction. “It felt rewarding to assist people rebuilding their lives in finding their way back into their homes and making the most out of a difficult situation,” he says.

During this season of Thanksgiving, Ben also reflects on the many people who support his work and the launch of

a new business. “I’m really thankful for the support of my family, especially my wife, for helping me through the ups and downs of getting the business launched, as well as friends who have been supportive and helped share my business by  word of mouth,” shares Ben, “We also had our first baby this past year and I’m just so thankful for our growing family. There have been a lot of new starts in the last year, and it has been a fantastic time!”

To connect with Ben, please call or text 603-3449234, email  krollscustomcarpentry@gamil.com , or visit  www.krollscustomcarpentry.com . Also follow @krollscustomcarpentry on Instagram to see a gallery of completed work.

CUSTOMER-CENTERED INNOVATION AT Skysong Creative

HELPING BUSINESSES IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH MEDIA SERVICES.

ARTICLE

An Augusta native with family roots in the area going back a century, Skysong Creative owner Wes Roberts loves innovating for the well-being of his clients.

Fifteen years ago, Wes got a job as a worship leader at his church, Quest Church in Grovetown. Soon, it became more. “We really needed somebody to help with graphics at the time,” Wes says. “So, I gave it a shot.’”

As someone who has always enjoyed working with media, Wes taught himself how to do graphic design. “I developed that ability over the years,” Wes says, “and eventually did it for other people and churches as well.”

Wes’ years of freelance work became more official when, in 2019, he started Skysong Creative.

“When COVID hit, churches especially realized the importance of digital outreach. I got messages left and right about helping them reach people better online,” Wes says. “That was one of my big things— helping churches improve their websites and social media.”

Wes’ client-centered approach and focus on serving the community sets him apart in the business world. “I love being innovative, trying new things, and taking somebody’s vision and turning it into reality,” Wes says. “I’m not out there to make myself famous. My goal is to make my client famous and successful.”

“I love being innovative, trying new things, and taking somebody’s vision and turning it into reality. I’m not out there to make myself famous. My goal is to make my client famous and successful.”

— Wes Roberts

Helping churches is Wes’ heart and a central part of how he runs Skysong. “For churches and non-profits specifically, I offer discounted services,” Wes shares. “I’ve been involved in church my entire life, so that’s my way to give back and make an impact.”

His dedication to his client’s well-being doesn’t go unnoticed. Wes notes that he’s grateful for his clients and how they support him by recommending his services. “I’m thankful that people see the value in what I do and are willing to share the word about my business,” Wes says. His gratitude fuels his passion to serve his clients.

Wes wants readers to know that “if you’re looking to grow your business, Skysong can help. We love to try new things that could take your business, church, or non-profit to the next level.”

Skysong Creative’s services help with anything media-related, including graphic design, websites, photography, videography, audio recording, and social media management. To learn more, just head to SkysongCreative.com to contact Wes through his website or find Skysong on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Dough, Cone, & A Whole Lot of Heart

What happens when you take homemade soft-serve ice cream, a pillowy doughnut, and a dash of family love? You get Augusta Dough & Cone, a brand-new sweet stop that’s already capturing hearts, and taste buds, across the CSRA.

Owners Allison and Garrett Spence, along with their three children, Grafton, Nelly, and Archer, dreamed up this playful mashup of doughnuts and ice cream after years of tossing ideas around and perfecting recipes. “My favorite doughnut is jelly-filled, Garrett’s favorite is Boston creme,” Allison says. “One day we thought, how great would this doughnut be with ice cream inside instead? Within a week, we bought our soft serve machine, and the dream came alive!”

Family has always been at the center of this venture. The Spences met in college, quickly married, and started building a life together. Between school drop-offs, sports, and wrangling three kids, their days are nonstop, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. “We joke that we’re very codependent,” Allison laughs. “But it works for us because we love being around each other.”

That closeness shines through in Augusta Dough & Cone. Their kids have been invested since day one, cheering on the project and reminding their parents how much they loved helping with a small baking business back when the family lived in Atlanta. Their excitement, plus plenty of taste-testing, helped bring the vision to life.

The process was as sweet as the final product. The family spent evenings experimenting with flavor combinations, testing textures, and laughing over which batches flopped and which ones made everyone reach for seconds. What started as a fun “what if?” quickly turned into something special. Neighbors began stopping by, friends shared photos, and word spread fast. “It’s been humbling to see how quickly the community has embraced us,” Allison says. “People light up when they see the cart. It’s been a dream.”

And the menu? It’s as imaginative as it is indulgent. Think homemade soft serve, crafted from Allison and Garrett’s own recipes, stuffed into a glazed bismark (a doughnut without a hole), with optional chocolate or caramel drizzles. Flavors rotate often, keeping things fresh and seasonal. Fall alone brings apple pie, pecan pie, and salted caramel swirls, with peppermint and gingerbread on the horizon for the holidays. As for favorites? Allison loves the black raspberry and coffee swirl, Garrett swears by strawberry-vanilla, and the kids go crazy for Cinnamon Toast and their playful take on Dole Whip.

But Augusta Dough & Cone is about more than a sugar rush. “We want it to bring a sense of happiness,” Allison explains. “We want people saying, ‘Hey, do you want to meet over at Dough & Cone for a quick treat?’ We want to see people after football games and parades. We want to be the treat that’s there for people at their happiest… or at their worst.”

That spirit of gratitude carries into their family life, too. “We love spending the holidays surrounded by family and friends,” Allison says. “Every Thanksgiving night, we go look at Christmas trees. We don’t always buy one, but the kids remember it every year. We know what we have, and we don’t take that for granted.”

Launching a new business is no small feat, but the Spences say their circle of support made all the difference. “Our friends were troopers. We made them walk

“It’s been humbling to see how quickly the community has embraced us. People light up when they see the cart. It’s been a dream.”

“We want them to remember this time. Even if it’s messy and crazy, it’s ours, and that’s what makes it special.”

over to our garage to try flavors for months,” Allison laughs. “They’ve always been so encouraging of our small venture.”

For the Spence family, Dough & Cone isn’t just a business, it’s a legacy in the making. They hope their kids see what it means to work hard, dream big, and do something you love alongside the people who matter most. “We want them to remember this time,” Allison says. “Even if it’s messy and crazy, it’s ours, and that’s what makes it special.”

So what’s next for Dough & Cone? For now, the family is keeping things intentionally small, with big plans to bring their ice cream and doughnut creations to weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other special events. “Who knows?” Allison teases. “Maybe one day we’ll go big!”

Until then, Dough & Cone is here to serve up joy in its simplest and sweetest form, one doughnut-stuffed cone at a time.

Follow their journey and see where they’ll pop up next at www.doughandcone.com or on Facebook and Instagram at Augusta Dough and Cone.

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

SOUTHERN LIGHTING PROS BRINGS SMART, CUSTOMIZABLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING TO HOMES ACROSS THE REGION

LIGHTING UP THE CSRA

When it comes to home curb appeal, the right lighting can transform an ordinary exterior into something extraordinary. That’s exactly what

construction, so they stay hidden until they’re turned on,” Nick explains. A track conceals the power and data wires, all running back to a control box

“IMAGINE COMING HOME TO A HOUSE THAT’S PERFECTLY ACCENTED. IMAGINE NEVER HAV-

ING TO GET ON A LADDER TO HANG AND THEN REMOVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AGAIN.”

inspired Nick Bame, owner of Southern Lighting Pros, to bring architectural lighting to the Augusta area.

“I looked into doing these types of lights a while ago when DIY permanent lights first became popular,” Nick explains. “But I hesitated to become a dealer for many brands. The pricing was too high, the quality wasn’t there, or the app didn’t offer enough features.”

That search ended when he discovered Bosso, a brand that checked all the boxes: sleek design, durability, and a smart control app with millions of combinations for colors, displays, and sequences. Customers can choose from pre-programmed themes or customize their own, even setting the lights to run from sunset to sunrise or on a timer.

The installation is both clever and discreet. “The lights are attached under the soffit or behind the fascia of the house, depending on the

that connects with the home’s Wi-Fi. From there, the app makes it simple to switch between holiday cheer, sports celebrations, or soft accent lighting for everyday curb appeal.

And customers are getting creative. Some homeowners match their lights to their favorite team’s colors on game day, while others create a new look for every night of December.

“For Christmas, you can change the sequence nightly for a custom look every night,” Nick says. The lights also double as security or area lighting for backyard gatherings, adding both beauty and practicality.

For anyone on the fence about architectural lighting, Nick sums up the “wow factor” this way: “Imagine coming home to a house that’s perfectly accented. Imagine never having to get on a ladder to hang and then remove Christmas lights again. Imagine being able to celebrate your favorite team’s

win, or anything else you can come up with. That’s the beauty of it.”

As a business owner, Nick says he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the CSRA community. “I’m thankful to be able to provide a great product from a locally owned company and to give back to a community that has always supported whatever business I start. I’ve been very blessed and very lucky to be in this community.”

But perhaps the most rewarding part is seeing how families use the lights to create memories and traditions. “Tell your invited guests to ‘come to the house lit up in purple, red or green,’” Nick says with a smile. “My wife’s favorite color is purple, you know we’ll have our house lit up purple for her birthday week.”

Originally from Idaho, Nick moved to Georgia in 2009, finally settling in Augusta in 2015. “We’ve loved it for so many reasons,” he says. “Golfing, camping, and the community here keep us busy, and we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for sports with the CSRA through coaching and officiating.”

Southern Lighting Pros is his fourth business in the area, but it’s the one he’s most excited about. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see homes look this beautiful, and to see the smiles on our customers’ faces,” Nick says.

To learn more about Southern Lighting Pros, visit  southernlightingpro.com or email info@southernlightingpro.com.

A Trusted Family & Divorce Law Firm In Evans, GA

You Need a Reliable Law Firm That Helps Deal with Your Family Matters

Mastny Law Firm practices exclusively in the area of family law to focus on providing our clients with the best representation in cases of divorce, child custody, visitation, legitimation, adoption, guardianship of minors, and child support. 18+ years Navy JAG experience (active and reserve) offering military discounts.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 1ST

Fall Market At Riverwood Market

Barn at Riverwood Plantation

Discover unique gifts, enjoy delicious food truck fare, and explore a variety of vendors—the perfect opportunity for holiday shopping or treating yourself. Don’t miss this festive community event on Saturday, November 1st from 9am-1pm!

NOVEMBER 1ST-2ND

Fall Food & Craft Fest

Evans Towne Center Park

Experience live entertainment, tasty fall flavors, pumpkin spice lattes, face painting, henna tattoos, bounce houses, and more at the Fall Food & Craft Fest! With vendors, games, and family fun, this festival is a community favorite. This event takes place on  November 1st & 2nd from 11am-9pm.

NOVEMBER 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH

The Evans Market

The Market Pavillion

The Evans Market includes several producers, farmers, artisans, and other vendors to shop and choose from! This event will be held every Saturday from 9am - 1pm at the Market Pavilion in Evans Towne Center.

NOVEMBER 7TH

Columbia County Music Series at the Park - Craig Morgan

Evans Towne Center Park | 6:00 PM

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of live country music with veteran artist Craig Morgan as part of the Columbia County Music Series. A night of heartfelt songs and community under the fall sky awaits! Tickets available now at www.ticketmaster.com.

NOVEMBER 8TH

Augusta Handmade Fair

930 Broad St | 11:00 AM

Hosted by Redemption Church, the 18th semi-annual Augusta Handmade Fair highlights local and regional creatives through a juried showcase of art, jewelry, pottery, clothing, photography, and more. Enjoy unique shopping, giveaways, and local treats—all while supporting missions and nonprofits through the Redemption Church Missions Fund. Don’t miss this inspiring community event!

NOVEMBER 20TH

Augusta Area Newcomers Club Meeting

The Hub

For over 50 years, AANC, “the social club with a heart”, has helped locals build friendships and give back to the CSRA. Join their luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m.-Noon at The Hub. Pre-registration ($25, includes lunch) required. Guest speaker: Augusta Locally Grown. Learn more at augustanewcomers.net.

Tips on meal prepping for less stress

Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Create Your Thanksgiving Menu

• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.

• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.

• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.

• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.

• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.

4-5 DAYS BEFORE

Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh

Groceries

• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.

• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.

• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.

2-3 DAYS BEFORE

Prep Meals & Set the Table

• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.

• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.

• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.

• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.

1 DAY BEFORE

Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks

• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.

• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.

• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.

• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!

• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.

Jana turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

CSRA City Lifestyle

Published by Jana Loved by CSRA