First Thanksgiving Checklist – A Guide to Being a Great Host
November 2025
Leftover Makeover
November 2025
by Katelynn Mouton
Thanksgiving is more than just a meal, it’s an all-day celebration of food, family and friendly debates over who makes the best dressing. From the first nibble of appetizers to the last slice of pie, and even a thoughtful bottle of spirits for your host or hostess, here are some wine and food pairings that will make your Thanksgiving table shine.
Appetizers: Start sipping
According to Ashley Rozas, owner of Lake Street Liquor, it’s hard to go wrong with a charcuterie board to kick-start your Thanksgiving Day feast. “For fall, I love pairing creamy and nutty cheeses, such as Brie, Havarti and manchego, with a sparkling wine.”
Rozas suggests adding dried figs, apricots and a trail mix with seeds to fill in the gaps. “It not only makes a beautiful fall board but also tastes delicious.”
She suggests an oaky chardonnay, for the white wine drinker, or a Beaujolais or light pinot noir, for the red wine aficionado, if sparkling wines are not your preference.
Main Course: The Star of the Show
Rozas, a lover of fall wines, says her all-time favorite wine to pair with dinner is a smooth Cotes du Rhone. “My favorite is imported by Kermit Lynch and retails for around $19. It’s a crowd pleaser for sure.”
If you’ve got a taste for something a little more expensive, Rozas adds that you really do not have to spend much more. “A nice Beaujolais-Villages can be found in the $30-$40 price range and both are perfect turkey wines.”
Dessert: Sweet Sips Perfectly Paired with Pie
For those who love a savory flavor, there are a few options to consider pairing with pumpkin, sweet potato and pecan pies, according to Rozas. “Tawny ports are always great, as well as a late harvest riesling. If you’re not into sweet wines, an Italian red would be amazing, with my personal favorite being a Barolo. Chianti also pairs very well.”
For the sweeter pies, such as apple pie, Rozas suggests reaching for the riesling, and if cake is more to your liking, Rozas adds that ports are your best bet. “I recently paired Landry’s Cottonport (barrel-aged) with a Black Forest Chocolate cake at an event, and it was a huge hit! The coolest thing is that Landry’s Vineyard is in Louisiana.”
Host or Hostess Gift: A Toast to Southern Hospitality
If you’re lucky enough to be off the hook for the cooking, the least you can do is arrive with a nice host or hostess gift. Rozas often recommends a nice bottle of champagne or cabernet sauvignon in this instance. “If you aren’t sure what they drink, these are pretty safe, as they are top sellers. You don’t have to break the bank, either. There are plenty of amazing wines for under $20.”
Lake Street Liquor can help you pair the perfect wine with your Thanksgiving gift. Visit them at 4336 Lake Street in Lake Charles for a personal, customized recommendation.
Sweater Weather Sips
by Katelynn Mouton
Fall is in full swing, and your glass deserves to join the fun. From cinnamon-kissed classics to maple-infused twists, these cocktails are like a hug in a glass.
Lake Street Liquor owner Ashley Rozas, a self-proclaimed lover of fall cocktails, leads with the Old Fashioned as the most popular fall cocktail. “There are so many things you can do with them. We carry a variety of bitters, such as Black Walnut and Cherry, that make a fantastic addition to this classic cocktail.”
Rozas adds that craft syrups, specifically Lake Street Liquor’s fig or blackberry versions, can really help change it up and add a fall flair. “You also do not necessarily have to use bourbon or rye whiskey to make an Old Fashioned, either. Rum, cognac and even tequila taste outstanding in an Old Fashioned.”
Other cocktails for the season, according to Rozas, include Moscow Mules, Cranberry Palomas, an Apple Cider Spritz, Peppermint White Russians and more. “The options are endless!”
