The Thanksgiving Special

A special 50%-off-subscriptions offer — and my Thanksgiving menu

This year, I am thankful for a lot: my friends, my health, my outlook on life. It took me a long time to get to this place and this year was not always the easiest. But this community helped me in ways I can’t begin to describe here (we’ll have to save that for the memoir, right?)

I am eternally grateful for all of those who write me messages and comments when I get super- ultra- crazy- vulnerable, those who DM me their latest and greatest thrift store finds and those who support me as I endeavor to create a space to teach others about collecting vintage, shopping at thrift stores, and to just generally share cool discoveries.

As a way to say “thanks,” I’m offering 50% off subscriptions to What’s Left, available through Black Friday. You can pay by the month, for $3.50, or get a subscription that lasts a full year, for $30.

A paid subscription gets you access to:

• City guides, thrifting maps, and insider “secret spots”

• Monthly, “Ask Me Anything” newsletters

• Tips on thrifting the look of big-name interior designers

• Full access to the archives, and access to the subscriber’s chat

Do note that the deal is only good through the end of Friday and will only work for new subscribers!

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And, because there are a lot of amazing things on sale right now, I thought I’d show you just a few worthy buys that will be available over the next few days….

Bra and panty sets: I have spoken very highly about this underwear brand in the past because it is, simply, the best. Everything they make is super comfortable and wireless and their sales are always insane. From Nov. 27 through Dec. 1, they’re offering BOGO on bras and panties (as many as you want — so buy two, get two, buy three, get three, etc.) It’s the ideal time to stock up.

The best hand soap: Aesop is over. Right now, it’s all about Corpus. I first became acquainted with this brand when I saw it on Goop and now it’s all I buy for my bathrooms (their deodorant is also great). They’re offering 25% off products sitewide + an extra 15 % off bundles (now through Dec 1), with free shipping on orders of $50+.

Luxury skincare: Now through Dec. 2, Elemis is offering 30% off sitewide, 15% off holiday kits and giving you a 5-piece gift with $195+ orders. I am obsessed with their cleansing balm, resurfacing facial pads, and this eye mask. (Use code: CYBER).

Vintage home decor: 1stDibs is offering up to 70% off and there are so many incredible pieces on sale (including lots under $1,000). Really into this 1960s French vase, this Scandinavian lamp, and this Tracey Emin towel (to frame and hang on the wall as art).

xx & Happy Thanksgiving,

Virginia

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I make the same menu every year, basically, so the below is straight from the archives.

What I’m Making on Thanksgiving

Cheese Plate

I always make a pretty sizable cheese plate in the early afternoon so everyone has something to snack on while the remainder of the food is prepared. It includes this honey-baked brie with seasoned pretzels, a handful of cured meats, fig jam, and some crackers and dried fruits. Sometimes I also add deviled eggs to the mix (one year, I topped them with crushed Marcona almonds and fried prosciutto and the almonds were so expensive I called them my $30 deviled eggs).

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

A simple and easy recipe that yields a more moist end result than cooking an entire bird.

Cranberry Chipotle Relish

I’ve been making this for a decade and it’s a staple. I make it on Wednesday night and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Fresh cranberries, sugar, golden raisins (which you don’t notice flavor-wise, but they add a nice, plump texture), and chipotles…nothing could be better. This is so, so good.

Chorizo and Calabrian Chile Stuffing

This stuff is so great. It brings the heat thanks to Calabrian chiles, it has lots of spice thanks to the chorizo, and it’s actually something you’ll want to reheat with leftovers.

Parmesan-Whipped Mashed Potatoes

I make a different mashed potato recipe every year. Last year I did this double-garlic mash and this year I’m going a simpler route, with these.

Green Beans Gremolata

This is a simple, elegant side that’s actually healthy, unlike basically everything else on the plate.

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

Incredibly easy to make and tastes delicious. Serve this warm, with vanilla ice cream.

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What to Do With Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Breakfast burritos

I started doing this a few years ago and have never stopped. Here’s the deal: Grab a burrito-sized tortilla (I use the ones by Siete). Add some scrambled eggs, a smear of cranberry sauce, about 1/4 cup of stuffing, and a handful of turkey. Roll it up and grill it on each side. You could also serve this with jarred salsa mixed with cranberry sauce so it has that whole sweet-and-savory thing going on.

Turkey pho

Another recipe I’ve made frequently, this is kind of the healthy way to do Thanksgiving leftovers. Here’s the recipe I use.

Grilled cheese with cranberry sauce

You could do a tartine (which is basically an open-faced sandwich) or just a traditional grilled cheese. White cheese (havarti, manchego, even goat) would work really well layered with cranberry sauce.

Mashed potato croquettes

YUM. These croquettes are fun to serve with drinks or as a side with roast chicken.

Cornbread stuffing fried rice

I earmarked this recipe last year and still want to make it at some point, but I never make cornbread stuffing. If you do, it sounds perfect.

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