Guide to the Holidays 2016: Holiday Carryout

Even when hosting a big rich holiday dinner, time is a luxury few can afford. Since there’s no shame in buying what the pros can do better, here are a few ideas to keep the hectic out of your holiday.

1. Fresh, bright and coppery oysters are a huge treat that wow guests with little effort.
Market price. Bob's Seafood, 8660 Olive Blvd., 314.993.4844, University City 

2. Local Harvest’s food case will be stocked with holiday classics from a new catering endeavor, Seed Sprout Spoon, this year. Opt for the caramelized cauliflower with walnuts and garlic – high roasting coaxes out a nice crunch.
3 pounds: $10. Local Harvest Grocery, 3137 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis, 314.865.5260

3. Cannoli, those fried pastry shells stuffed with sweetened ricotta and rolled in chocolate chips, candied fruit or pistachios, are a hallmark of The Hill.
Prices vary. Missouri Baking Co., 2027 Edwards St., St. Louis, 314.773.6566

4. Sugaree's rich and salty-sweet Momo Tarts are a local version of the famous Crack Pie from New York’s Momofuku Milk Bar, with a gooey butter cake-like consistency. The individual tarts mean no one has to share dessert.
$2.75 each. Sugaree Baking Co., 1242 Tamm Ave., St. Louis, 314.645.5496

5. Smooth, buttery sweet potato casserole with a nutty, crunchy crust can take hours of prep, but the folks at Winslow's Home have you covered. Order ahead to make sure you get enough.
2 pounds: $14. Winslow's Home, 7213 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.725.7559