A Thanksgiving Survival Guide, Starwest-Style

We weren’t planning on creating a Thanksgiving survival strategy. But then Brian asked if it’s “too early to start marinating the turkey,” and that was the end of productivity for the day. 

It started, as these things usually do around here, with Jason asking an innocent question that somehow snowballed into chaos. 

“Does anyone know how early you’re supposed to start thawing a turkey?” he said, like he hadn’t just opened a seasonal Pandora’s box. 

“Depends,” Mattee answered, still typing. “Are you the kind of person who reads instructions, or the kind who vibes it out and prays?” 

That’s when Bassma appeared, notebook in hand. “Okay, team. Let’s make a real list this year. Not just herbs and spices, everything you actually need to survive Thanksgiving.” 

Brian, our CEO and resident foodie, leaned back in his chair with the calm of a man who’s clearly thought about this before. “Start your stock early,” he said. “Trust me, future you will thank you.” 

And just like that, the Starwest Thanksgiving Survival Plan was born. 

Kai from sourcing peeked in, holding a clipboard. “Do we even have enough sage and rosemary for this mission,” he asked, “or should I start making some calls?” 

Brandy, our in-house herbalist, immediately started scribbling a tea list. “Peppermint for digestion, chamomile for calm, ginger for recovery,” she said, already in her element. Nazario and Chantice, our ingredient experts, were debating whole versus ground cloves, while Mattee reminded everyone that last year’s cinnamon shortage will not happen again. 

Jagatjoti, our endlessly creative CRO, turned the whiteboard into an actual flowchart titled ‘Emotional Stability via Herbs.’ “See,” he said, drawing arrows, “this line connects pie crust anxiety to lavender tea.” 

By now, the list looked less like a grocery plan and more like a manifesto: 

A fresh roll of parchment paper (because every recipe suddenly needs it). 
At least two sticks of unsalted butter hidden for emergencies. 
Reusable storage containers, Jason’s idea, for leftovers and peace of mind. 
Vanilla extract, because running out mid-batter is emotional damage. 
Candles, courtesy of Bassma, “for ambiance and to disguise whatever’s happening with the gravy.” 

By the end, the whiteboard was a joyful mess, herbs, arrows, doodles, and one large reminder in all caps: DON’T FORGET THE NUTMEG. 

The truth is, Thanksgiving prep starts long before the table is set. It’s in the little rituals, checking your pantry, blending spices, pre-making stock, buying extra tea. It’s the calm before the chaos, and it smells faintly of sage and cinnamon. 

So here’s our tip: start now. Make your list, double it, and sneak in something that’s just for you, like a bag of your favorite chai or a candle that makes the kitchen smell like home. 

Because when the big day comes, and someone inevitably forgets the nutmeg, you’ll be ready, calm, caffeinated, and quietly proud of your perfectly marinated turkey. 

And if you’re still wondering what to bring to Thanksgiving, stay tuned. We’re dropping something special soon. Let’s just say it’s the perfect, thoughtful gift to show up with.