Newsletter
2026 Fall Edition | gatherwisconsin.com
Gather Your Holidays We love celebrating with the food and family that bring us together this time of year. This season gives us a chance to appreciate the farmers who work hard to keep our tables full. From decor and gifts to your holiday meal, Gather Wisconsin has everything you need to make the most of this holiday season.
Plan an inclusive holiday meal
A thoughtful host makes everyone feel welcome, and one of the best ways to do that is by taking the time to consider your guests’ dietary needs in your holiday meal planning. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in helping everyone feel comfortable and included in the holiday magic. With a little planning and creativity, it’s easy to make your holiday menu more inclusive. From simple ingredient swaps to clever serving ideas, we have plenty of ways to keep your favorite traditions alive while ensuring everyone at the table can join in.
Choose a real Wisconsin Christmas tree
The weekend after Thanksgiving typically marks the start of the Christmas season and is the most popular time to purchase a real Christmas tree. Go green this holiday season with a locally grown Wisconsin Christmas tree!
Did you know Wisconsin is home to more than 850 Christmas tree farms? Choosing a locally grown Christmas tree supports agriculture in your community. When you purchase a local tree, your dollar has a ripple effect in the community, from the family that grew the tree to their employees and suppliers.
Purchase thoughtful, local and low waste gifts
If you’re looking to give gifts that feel meaningful and not mass-produced this holiday season, we’ve gathered a list of sustainable gift ideas that support local farms and shift the focus away from “stuff”. Sustainable gift giving supports Wisconsin farms, local makers and small businesses while reducing waste and building mindful holiday traditions. Whether you’re crafting, baking, upcycling or gifting experiences, check out our ideas to make it easy to give with purpose this season.
Learn more for your holiday planning and subscribe to Gather Wisconsin’s bi-weekly e-newsletter for trending recipes and blogs! Subscribe at www.gatherwisconsin.com/subscribe
Wisconsin Foods for Your Holiday Meal As you prepare to gather around your holiday table, it is easier than ever to support farmers in your local area. At Gather Wisconsin, we have curated a special list of Wisconsin food brands to include as you put together your menu. TURKEY Did you know that one of the most well-recognized
turkey brands, Jennie-O, sources a portion of their turkeys from Wisconsin? Available at grocery chains statewide, the Jennie-O brand also offers a variety of online resources to help with your holiday planning to ensure your dinner guests stay safe as well as satisfied!
VEGETABLE CASSEROLE Iconic casseroles and other
vegetable-inspired side dishes also have a tie to Wisconsin agriculture. Although a noteworthy national brand, Del Monte Foods has growers right here in Wisconsin. If you have a green bean casserole or scalloped corn on your menu, you can thank Wisconsin farmers for the ingredients!
DAIRY It comes as no surprise that America’s Dairyland is
home to a variety of dairy brands in many forms. Here are just a few options we suggest when assembling your holiday grocery shopping list: • Cheese: There is no shortage of Wisconsin cheese brands, but a few we enjoy for the holidays include Sartori, Carr Valley and Renards Artisan Cheese. Look for the Wisconsin Cheese badge for more great options! • Butter: Wisconsin is also home to a variety of butter brands perfect for holiday baking, including Organic Valley, Crystal Farms and Westby Cooperative Creamery. • Milk: There are a variety of milk brands bottled in the state. Brands like Kemps, Lamers Dairy, Prairie Farms and Sassy Cow Creamery all are based here in Wisconsin!
CRANBERRIES Wisconsin cranberries are used in thousands
of products from a variety of businesses and growers statewide. Wisconsin is the nation’s leader in cranberry production. Even one of the most notable cranberry brands, Ocean Spray, has roots to Wisconsin, producing juices, canned sauces, sweetened dried cranberries and more in our state.
POTATOES Potatoes are a staple at any family holiday. They are also a staple in Wisconsin agriculture thanks to growers like Alsum Farms & Produce in Arena! You can find Alsum potatoes at many major grocery stores across Wisconsin, including Aldi’s, Woodman’s, Piggly Wiggly, Costco and more.
DESSERTS + BEVERAGES Complete out the holiday
meal with a delicious dessert. Enjoy one of Racine Danish Kringles sweet kringles paired with a cup of one of the gourmet holiday flavors by Door County Coffee. If you are feeling spirited, there are many Wisconsin brands to add to your holiday cocktail, such as J. Henry & Sons bourbon in an old fashioned or Driftless Glen Distillery Reserve Brandy for holiday slush.
When it comes to the holidays, your holiday meal is the perfect opportunity to support local farms and in-state brands leveraging our state’s agriculture in every course. From all of us at Gather Wisconsin, we wish you a happy holiday season!
*Disclaimer: Brands mentioned throughout this article are not affiliated with or compensated by Gather Wisconsin.
AROUND THE TABLE
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 4 cups cranberries • 2 cups sugar • 1 cup water (may also substitute for cranberry or orange juice) • cinnamon to taste • cloves to taste
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Mix all ingredients in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and put into preheated oven for one hour.
NOTES
Recipe courtesy of Amber Bristow. Visit gatherwisconsin.com for more recipes.
• Sugar can be substituted with maple syrup or honey. • When the sauce comes out of the oven, the berries will retain their shape and color. • Sauce may be enjoyed warm or chilled if prepared beforehand.
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