clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Photo: Courtesy of Debi Lilly
Photo: Courtesy of Debi Lilly

5 Spots for Last-Minute Thanksgiving Shopping, From a Party-Planning Pro

By Jenny Berg
View as Map
Photo: Courtesy of Debi Lilly
By Jenny Berg

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

As the founder of A Perfect Event, party-planning pro Debi Lilly is used to putting events together quickly and expertly (she didn't call her firm "A Perfect Event" for nada. This woman has the magic touch.) So, Thanksgiving is three days away, but don't panic. We asked Lilly for her top suggestions on local spots to hit up right before the holiday. Here are her picks for giving your tabletop a touch of gobble-gobble glam.


Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

BBJ Linens

Copy Link
This is Lilly's go-to linens vendor for Thanksgiving. "No need to run around sourcing a new tablecloth and napkins for your massive dining table," she says. "Just click [through BBJ's website] to choose from dozens of stunning autumnal cloths, and get them delivered right to your door." She also loves the company's runners and charger plates. Photo: via BBJ Linen
7855 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 329-8400
(847) 329-8400

Julius Meinl Coffee House

Copy Link
Don't feel like baking pies? Get thee to this European-style spot on Southport. "Meinl's handpainted Austrian sweets are mini works of art," Lilly says. The bakery stocks gluten- free chocolate sweets, miniature fruit tarts, and bags of what she calls "the world's best coffee to brew up at home." Photo: via Julius Meinl
3601 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 868-1857
(773) 868-1857

A Perfect Event

Copy Link
Lilly owns this totally charming boutique in Lakeview. She suggests popping in pronto to get "your gorgeous Thanksgiving tabletop florals and decor." Also, check out APerfectEvent.com to download Thanksgiving trivia games, free place cards, and more festive tropes. Photo: via a Perfect Event
3050 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 244-9333
(773) 244-9333

Floriole Cafe & Bakery

Copy Link
This Lincoln Park bakery has "the prettiest Thanksgiving sides—like, ever," Lilly says. She particularly recommends the butternut squash with vinegar and roasted onions; roasted brussels sprouts with bacon; and apple-celery-root salad with pickled squash and hazelnut vinaigrette. Photo: via Floriole Cafe and Bakery
1220 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-1313
(773) 883-1313

Also featured in:

Sur La Table

Copy Link
Lilly is "obsessed with Sur La Table's mercury-glass pumpkins, pumpkin Staub soup pot for oven and table presentation, mini-white-pumpkin cocottes, and so much more for a lovely, thoughtful table." Photo: via Sur La Table
755 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 787-5111
(312) 787-5111
© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

BBJ Linens

7855 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60077
This is Lilly's go-to linens vendor for Thanksgiving. "No need to run around sourcing a new tablecloth and napkins for your massive dining table," she says. "Just click [through BBJ's website] to choose from dozens of stunning autumnal cloths, and get them delivered right to your door." She also loves the company's runners and charger plates. Photo: via BBJ Linen
7855 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 329-8400
(847) 329-8400

Julius Meinl Coffee House

3601 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
Don't feel like baking pies? Get thee to this European-style spot on Southport. "Meinl's handpainted Austrian sweets are mini works of art," Lilly says. The bakery stocks gluten- free chocolate sweets, miniature fruit tarts, and bags of what she calls "the world's best coffee to brew up at home." Photo: via Julius Meinl
3601 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 868-1857
(773) 868-1857

A Perfect Event

3050 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
Lilly owns this totally charming boutique in Lakeview. She suggests popping in pronto to get "your gorgeous Thanksgiving tabletop florals and decor." Also, check out APerfectEvent.com to download Thanksgiving trivia games, free place cards, and more festive tropes. Photo: via a Perfect Event
3050 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 244-9333
(773) 244-9333

Floriole Cafe & Bakery

1220 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
This Lincoln Park bakery has "the prettiest Thanksgiving sides—like, ever," Lilly says. She particularly recommends the butternut squash with vinegar and roasted onions; roasted brussels sprouts with bacon; and apple-celery-root salad with pickled squash and hazelnut vinaigrette. Photo: via Floriole Cafe and Bakery
1220 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-1313
(773) 883-1313

Sur La Table

755 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610
Lilly is "obsessed with Sur La Table's mercury-glass pumpkins, pumpkin Staub soup pot for oven and table presentation, mini-white-pumpkin cocottes, and so much more for a lovely, thoughtful table." Photo: via Sur La Table
755 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 787-5111
(312) 787-5111