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Thankful For the Here and Now
November, already. I can’t speak for everyone, but I will say for myself that 2025 has been an extremely challenging year. Personally, locally and globally. There seems to be a lot of negative coming at us from all directions and we are all being affected. How do we even begin to counteract that?
One thing that I have clung to in the past few months is being thankful for and loving the here and now, appreciating the moments, both big and small. Smiles from strangers, smiling at strangers, petting the dog, sitting outside for 5 minutes on a beautiful day, planting flowers, eating with family, calling a friend, laughing at something stupid on the internet… I mean it – the smaller, the better. I want to be in these moments because I know they can be taken away instantly. I have to believe that all of the small positives are somehow going to add up to outweigh the negative.
I’ve said it before, but Edina Lifestyle is intentional. It highlights local community and positive stories. We want to put a smile on your face, and we want you to live briefly in these moments of connection.
Crown Bank is celebrating 25 years! They have helped so many businesses in the area, and Jeff Wessels and his team share a bit about what has changed and what remains the same.
Andrew Vick, whose images evoke all that is special and loving, shares some fun tidbits about travel and how his family has incorporated it into timeless memories and bonding.
City Lifestyle is kicking off its annual Giving Campaign again. Please contact us and nominate if you know someone in need. The donations are close to a million dollars per year and growing. We are trying to provide some relief nationally if we can.
The holidays are rapidly approaching and we wanted to provide a few fun ideas in case you’re getting your gift list together early.
I am not saying to view the world through rose-colored glasses, I am just asking you to keep a pair close, so you can put them on sometimes to spread kindness, and really focus on loving the here and now.
Happy Thanksgiving,
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @EDINA_LIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate Munson, Alison Stanton
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
City Lifestyle Partner Appreciation Cruise on Lake Minnetonka - September 2025.
Photography by Kate Munson
50th & France
Galleria
Southdale Center
PRO TIP by Andrew Vick
Now Open: FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center
FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center opened this spring in Edina and specializes in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, and balance therapy for people of all ages. Celebrate their Grand Opening on Friday, November 7th from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM with a community open house. Tour the clinic, meet the team, and enjoy games, raffle prizes, and food. Discover how FYZICAL can help you move better, balance better, and live better. All are welcome! fyzical.com/ edina-mn | (957) 207-2997.
Celebrate: Small Business Spotlights
Celebrate "Small Business Spotlights" this Nov. 1–29 in the 50th & France district. Enjoy a month of special deals, giveaways, and exclusive events while supporting the unique local shops that make this neighborhood one-of-a-kind. It’s the perfect time to discover new favorites, connect with the community, and shop small. Check 50thandfrance.com as more details are released.
Coming Soon: Sweet Paris Crêperie
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café is coming soon to Edina, bringing its beloved sweet and savory crêpes, waffles, paninis, and espresso drinks to the Galleria. Opening this fall at 3565 Galleria, Edina, MN 55435, the café offers a charming Parisian-inspired atmosphere perfect for brunch, dessert, or a casual bite. Known for high-quality ingredients and beautiful presentation, Sweet Paris is set to become a favorite new destination for food lovers. Check sweetparis.com for the opening date.
Ask Susan
Dear Susan: How do I shift my mindset from wealth accumulation to appreciation?
Or can I achieve both?
When we stop measuring our lives against others and start appreciating what we already have, we free ourselves from financial anxiety and can focus on what truly matters—building security, creating memories, and giving back. Gratitude turns wealth into wellbeing. It’s human nature to compare ourselves to others, especially in a world where social media and neighborhood dynamics constantly showcase what everyone else has. Even those who have worked hard and are financially comfortable can feel like they’re falling behind. In my follow-up video, I’ll discuss how to give yourself permission to enjoy your life’s hard work. How to secure your legacy through family and charitable giving, and more. Snap the QR code below, take a deep breath and smile. You’ve earned it!
Send “AskSusan” questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.
Susan Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA,
Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK
FAMILY, ADVENTURE & GRATITUDE
ANDREW VICK SHARES FOUR TRIP IDEAS FOR MAKING MEMORIES THAT MATTER
For Andrew Vick, travel isn’t just about getting away – it’s about getting closer. Closer to nature, to discovery, to community, and most importantly, to family. The nationally celebrated wedding and family photographer, and founder of Vick Photography and Vick Studios, is a lifelong road trip enthusiast who has turned his passion for adventure into an intentional lifestyle in Edina. He centers himself around gratitude and time well spent with those who matter most.
Raised in a family of teachers with summers off and a pop-up camper in tow, Andrew explored nearly every corner of the lower 48 states before he even knew what an “all-inclusive resort” was. “I thought it meant they’d pay for my parking,” he jokes, recalling his first wedding shoot in Mexico. That early sense of wonder and exploration, paired with a creative eye and camera in hand, opened doors to photographing weddings across the globe – from Ireland to Italy, Peru to Germany. But no matter
“We send out the bat signal, ‘meet you at the swimming hole,’ and the neighborhood shows up.”
Pack a Paddle
how far his lens has taken him, his most meaningful adventures are the ones closest to home, with his wife and children.
To capture the fleeting and magical window of raising kids, Andrew, his wife Janelle, and their two sons, Diem and Nelson, created what they lovingly call their Family Adventure Journal. “We listed out each of our names and ages, year by year,” he explains, “and we mapped out what kinds of adventures would feel reachable at each stage.” The journal is both roadmap and reminder: to dream together, plan intentionally, and savor the seasons before the kids are grown.
From creek floats to castles, here are Andrew Vick’s Four Trip Ideas –all anchored in gratitude, connection, and joy.
LOCAL ADVENTURE TO MINNEHAHA CREEK, MN
You don’t need to travel far to find wonder. “One of the bestkept secrets in our backyard,” Andrew says, “is Minnehaha Creek.” Flowing from Lake Minnetonka through Edina and Minneapolis to the Mississippi River, the creek offers a variety of paddling experiences –30-minute floats to full 3-hour journeys. With this summer’s high water levels, Andrew and his boys spent countless days tubing, kayaking, and anchoring inflatable rafts for spontaneous neighborhood swim-ups.
“There’s a city law in Edina: every bridge has a three-foot public right of way,” he explains. “You can drop in and get out wherever there’s a public bridge.” That means anyone can access this incredible waterway, no lakeside property required. Local businesses like Settergren Hardware in Linden Hills have leaned into the adventure vibe, offering tubes and gear that make it easy to jump in (literally).
This kind of close-to-home adventure builds not just family memories, but community. “We send out the bat signal, ‘meet you at the swimming hole,’ and the neighborhood shows up.”
CONTINUED >
DAY TRIP TO LAKE PEPIN, WI
If you’ve got a free day and a full tank, Andrew suggests packing a lunch and heading down the Highway 61 Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful drives within a few hours of the Twin Cities.
Along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, you’ll pass through charming harbor towns like Maiden Rock, Stockholm, and Pepin – each offering a unique slice of artistry and small-town magic. Stop for pie at the Stockholm Pie Company, visit local potters and glassblowers, or explore the Swedish-themed boutique Ingebretsen’s outpost. The journey culminates in a meal at Harbor View Cafe, one of Wisconsin’s top-rated restaurants.
For wine lovers, Villa Bellezza Winery is a must-visit. Built to resemble an Italian estate, it features a woodfired pizzeria, vineyards, and the most varietals Andrew has ever seen in one place. “You’re driving through Wisconsin, then suddenly you’re in Tuscany.”
Only about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Edina, this day trip offers a full, restorative escape without the hotel stay.
Pack a Tent or Camper Pack a Lunch
ROAD TRIP: WESTERN COAST OF MICHIGAN
What started as a pandemic pivot became a family tradition: road-tripping across the Upper Midwest to explore the western shores of Michigan. “We were headed to the Badlands,” Andrew recalls, “but a friend said, ‘Trust me – the beaches in Michigan are magical.’ And he was right.”
The family’s pop-up camper – part of a shared ownership system with other local families – is a symbol of creativity, community, and simplicity. “No one needs a camper at the same time,” Andrew says. “It’s like one lawnmower for the block. We take turns through a shared Google calendar.”
This trip can take you through Duluth, Bayfield, and Madeline Island, across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and along the stunning Lake Michigan coastline – from Painted Rocks and Traverse City to the awe-inspiring Sleeping Bear Dunes, where kids (and kids at heart) sandboard down towering hills into crystal-clear water. With warmer water than Lake Superior, quaint beach towns, cherry orchards, local smokehouses, and momand-pop vineyards, Michigan’s western coast is “a nextlevel version of the North Shore,” Andrew says. “It’s wild, rugged, welcoming, and unforgettable.”
“It’s a place where strangers become friends, and where adventure finds you.”
Pack a Passport
FLY TO IRELAND
Andrew’s most recent international trip – featured in the Family Adventure Journal as the “8 and 12” age milestone –was to Ireland. And it was nothing short of magical.
Flying direct from Minneapolis to Dublin via Aer Lingus or Delta (a route Andrew once photographed for its inaugural celebration), families can find Ireland to be an ideal gateway for international travel with kids: a short flight, English-speaking, and endlessly enchanting. “It was the easiest, most welcoming trip we’ve ever taken,” Andrew says.
They rented a seaside cottage on the Dingle Peninsula, where vibrant pubs echo with live music, families mix freely, and centuries-old beehive stone churches tell the story of Ireland’s early Christian heritage. Affordable rentals ($175–$300/night), a $5/day manual car rental, and off-season flight deals made it budget-friendly, too.
With over 2,000 castles (or “tower houses”) dotting the countryside, rich food, warm people, and fewer tourists in the spring months, Andrew recommends skipping the beach crowds and heading to the Emerald Isle instead.
“It’s a place where strangers become friends, and where adventure finds you.”
“We only get so many summers. And we don’t want to miss out.”
The Heart Behind the Journeys
Each of Andrew Vick’s four trip ideas is more than a travel tip. It’s an invitation to be present, to connect, to create a rhythm of joy with your family.
The Family Adventure Journal isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about not letting these precious years pass by without intention. “We only get so many summers,” Andrew reflects. “And we don’t want to miss out.”
Whether you’re paddling a creek in your hometown or tracing your heritage through Irish castles, Andrew’s message is clear: You don’t have to go far to go deep. You just have to go with heart, with gratitude, and with each other.
When the nationally iconic music venue First Avenue wanted to secure its space and acquire the locally iconic music café, the Fine Line, we provided the loan that kept the independent music playing, bringing more music to more people than ever before.
Jef Wessels
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SUCCESS
Since it opened its doors in 2000, Crown Bank has been focused not just on being a bank in the community, but on being a bank of the community. “Every decision we make is local — handled by bankers who live and work right here in Minnesota,” says Jeff Wessels, its president and COO. “That means our clients aren’t waiting on out-ofstate committees; they’re talking directly with decision-makers who understand their business and the local market.”
Over its 25 years, Crown Bank has evolved from a traditional commercial lending enterprise into a true business banking partner for small to medium-sized enterprises. “We’ve shifted from simply providing loans to delivering tailored, creative financing structures — often outside of the box — that help businesses scale in moments of opportunity and survive in times of crisis,” he says. “Many of our current clients and some new clients survived the pandemic when we approved and funded their PPP loans within days, allowing them to pivot to manage the crisis and even find ways to expand and grow.”
That’s the power of community banking: fast decisions, personal relationships, and reinvestment that directly benefit clients and communities.
The bank, with local branches in Edina and Minneapolis, offers quality, personalized financial services. This is why many of its clients have remained with the bank since its inception, as have many of its staff members.
This low turnover rate, Jeff believes, is another significant advantage to doing business with Crown Bank versus other banks, especially larger banks. “When you walk in the door, you're going to see that same person you did if you were a customer for the first time 10 years ago. We are huge on relationships, and we're going to take care of those folks who are willing to put their money in our bank or take out a loan with us.”
Its team, which has grown considerably over the years, now includes specialized commercial lenders in manufacturing, technology, professional services, as well as real estate, treasury management, and digital banking experts who help clients integrate
systems and manage liquidity. Strategic financial partners are also on board to help structure growth capital, evaluate acquisitions, and manage risk.
“What hasn’t changed is our relationship-first approach,” says Jeff. “Our bankers still take calls after hours, meet at client locations, and work nights and weekends when clients need us.”
Its staff is also deeply connected to the community through their engagement in various business associations, chambers, and entrepreneurial networks. “And, we’re deepening our investment in the community — not only through financial contributions, but also by encouraging our employees to volunteer their time and talents actively,” he says. “From supporting nonprofits like Every Meal to engaging in local initiatives, we believe giving back is an essential part of building stronger businesses and stronger communities.”
CONTINUED >
Crown Bank is also a contributor to the FHLB Member Impact Fund, a matching grant program that provides up to $3.00 for every $1.00 contributed by member institutions. These funds support initiatives for affordable housing and community development.
“We secured $140,000 in combined grants and contributions to support nonprofits like the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, VEAP, Avivo, and Urban Ventures,” he says.
“WHAT HASN’T CHANGED IS OUR RELATIONSHIP-FIRST APPROACH. OUR BANKERS STILL TAKE CALLS AFTER HOURS, MEET AT CLIENT LOCATIONS, AND WORK NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS WHEN CLIENTS NEED US.”
Team members also volunteer their time to clean up local parks and donate to multiple community organizations. The bank’s philosophy is that writing a check is only the start — actual impact comes from showing up, volunteering, and investing time and expertise.
Being locally owned and operated also ensures that every dollar the bank lends remains local, helping to fuel growth and create jobs, which in turn result in stronger neighborhoods for the people who live and work here.
Even with all of these accomplishments, Crown Bank isn’t stopping in its pursuit of excellence. Its future, says Jeff, will focus on innovation, partnership, and community investment.
“On the innovation side, we are expanding digital treasury management, real-time payments, and forecasting tools to help business owners see around corners and make better decisions,” he says. “As partners, we remain committed to being the first phone call when entrepreneurs need guidance — whether that’s during a crisis like COVID or when growth opportunities arise, as we saw with ASI, First Avenue, Citrus Systems, and Fountain Real Estate Capital.”
The future of Crown Bank is going to be as dynamic as its past and present. “It’s all about being nimble enough to support growth-stage entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and innovators in ways that larger banks can’t,” he says.
To learn more about establishing your own future success, go to Crown-Bank.com
6600 France Ave S. | 952-285-5800
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
THOUGHTFUL, UNIQUE & LOCALLY INSPIRED PICKS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
The holidays are a time to celebrate, connect, and show appreciation – and nothing says “I’m thinking of you” like a well-chosen gift. But finding the right gift can feel like a challenge, especially when you're looking for something more meaningful than the usual suspects. That’s why we’ve rounded up a curated list of standout gifts – from artisan chocolates to handcrafted jewelry and everything in between. Whether you're shopping for a foodie, a fitness lover, or someone who just needs a little more peace in their life, this guide has you covered.
@WESTINEDINAGALLERIA
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
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.
NOVEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 4TH - JANUARY 4TH
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Children's Theatre Company
A miserly and miserable, ever-so-cantankerous Grinch has observed the despicable Christmas joy of the Whos with disdain, for decades. He conceives a dastardly plot to destroy the holiday they love. It’s the smallest of the Whos, tiny Cindy Lou, who extends a hand. We witness not only a change in the course of Who-History, but the size and capacity of the cantankerous Grinch’s heart. childrenstheatre.org.
NOVEMBER 8TH - DECEMBER 28TH
A Christmas Carol
Guthrie Theater
Each Christmas, the bitter Ebenezer Scrooge greets the season with a grumble: “Bah! Humbug!” But one Christmas Eve, he’s visited by three spirits who reveal his past, present, and a dark future if he doesn’t change. As the night unfolds, Scrooge faces who he’s become -- and who he could be. The Guthrie’s cherished holiday tradition continues to inspire audiences with hope and joy. guthrietheater.org
NOVEMBER 8TH
Twin Cities Book Festival
Union Depot | 10:00 AM
Celebrating 25 years of books and book lovers, Rain Taxi’s Twin Cities Book Festival is Minnesota’s premier literary gathering. Each year, readers, writers, and publishers unite for author talks, children’s activities, and an exhibit hall filled with new and rare books, unique literary finds, and more. It’s a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the written word. twincitiesbookfestival.com
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 14TH & 15TH
Rootstock Fall Afternoon Tea
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Experience the charm of “Rootstock Seasonal Teas” in the cozy Tea Room of the Arboretum’s historic Snyder Building. On select afternoons, October–April, enjoy classic tea service with a seasonal twist, crafted by Rootstock Chef Niki Heber. Guests can explore the Arboretum before or after their visit. Vegetarian options available by request. $85 members / $95 non-members (plus tax). arb.umn.edu.
NOVEMBER 18TH - 30TH
The Notebook
The Ordway
Based on the best-selling novel, "The Notebook" follows Allie and Noah—two lovers from different worlds—whose bond endures against all odds. Featuring music by Ingrid Michaelson and direction by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, this moving musical is “absolutely gorgeous” (Chicago Tribune) and “a love story for the ages” (NY Daily News). A timeless tale brought to life on stage.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Tree Lighting & Small Business Saturday
50th & France
Feel the magic of the season. Event includes roaming carolers, sleigh rides, cookies and hot cocoa with Santa and holiday retail windows. 50thandfrance.com/live-music
Alexandra 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?
Edina Lifestyle
Published by Alexandra Loved by Edina
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.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
50th & France ◆ Highland Park ◆ RFMoeller.com