Thanksgiving is a time for food, friends and family and often times, football. But the stress that goes along with any holiday is sometimes too much to bear. With college students home for break and everyone arriving for the holiday, it's hard to get all those little things done with a house swarming with people. That's why us here at Patch have compiled this list of helpful places to make your Thanksgiving go smoothly. Whether its an appetizer for the football game or an escape for just an hour … or two, we have it.

A Russo and Sons

640 Pleasant St., Watertown

Looking for someone else to do all the work come Turkey Day? Russo's is the place. Go catch the high school football game while Russo's gets all your fixings together. They take catering up a few notches, covering all the bases from appetizers and soups all the way to desserts, pies and pastries. The best part of their arsenal: five different turkey options. Whether it's a traditional roasted turkey you crave or maybe you would rather mix it up with a turkey saltimbocca, Russo's provides. The prices can be a little steep but the quality is unmatched.

Mt. Auburn Grill

645 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown

Bar Open Only

If the family reunion has become a little too familiar, sneak out to Mt. Auburn Grill where the bar is open for that relief cocktail you may so desperately need. Make new friends while avoiding all those awkward family interactions back at the homestead. But make sure to fill up before hand, the kitchen at Mt. Auburn is closed for the holiday.

Donohue's Bar and Grill

87 Bigelow Ave. Watertown

In honor of the 5th annual Donohue's Bar and Grill Turkey Trot, Donohue's is serving free breakfast from 8 a.m. 'til the end of the Patriots game. Cheer on your fellow runners and grab a bite to eat before heading back home for more food, drink and football.

Lilly's Café and French Bakery

71 Arlington St., Watertown

This little sweet spot is open until 5 p.m. the night before Thanksgiving for any last minute dessert platters or just something yummy to snack on while cooking up that roast.

Danish Pastry House

205 Arlington St. Unit 4, Watertown

This traditional Danish bakery is open on Thanksgiving morning from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those procrastinators in every family. Head down early and pick up some authentic Danish chocolates for the hostess with the mostess.

Massis Bakery

569 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown

Head down to this Armenian bakery early before Thanksgiving and pick up some olives, fresh cheeses and baklava and put a little twist on this American holiday. Massis Bakery allows orders in person, on the phone or online.

Fastachi

598 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown

Nuts are the perfect munchies, and as guests arrive and fill up the house, why not offer them some fresh roasted nuts and snack mixes? Fastachi has a wide variety or roasted, salted and dry nuts and mixes involving wasabi peas, dried fruits and chocolates and make the perfect addition to any coffee table. The staff is helpful and will assist you in finding the perfect mix or gift for the holiday.