Start with the protein six weeks out. Local pasture-raised turkeys and hams get spoken for early, and Lake County producers work off small numbers.
Produce is easy in Florida winter — this is peak season for citrus, greens, and root vegetables at the weekend markets.
Bread should be ordered two to three weeks ahead for holiday weekends. Our weekly caps fill fast in November and December, and holiday weeks are the ones people plan around.
Dessert splits well: one made-at-home pie, one bakery item so you're not baking all day. Lemon pound cake holds beautifully and slices cleanly for a crowd.
Round it out with local honey, a jar of jam, and good butter. That's the difference between a nice table and a memorable one.
Write the sourcing list a month ahead and place each order the week you write it down. Holiday sellouts are a scheduling problem, not a luck problem.