You’re driving to your small hometown to have a holiday dinner with your family. Gluten-free alternatives are not easily accessible in the area. What do you do?

“Small-town worries? Pack a ‘picnic-type’ basket of goodies that are gluten-free, and for perishable foods that require cold temps, get out your Styrofoam cooler from summer, and pack any refrigerated products in that, along with a gel pack you keep in the freezer.”

– Beyond Celiac Blogger Ambassador Annette Pugliese, Best Life Gluten-Free

“Pack the basics: gluten-free bread, peanut butter and bars to hold you over if you’re unable to find options in a crunch. Also, volunteer to go to the grocery store to help purchase items for family dinner, that way you can buy the gluten-free brands you need.”

– Laura Hanley, G-Free Laura

“Before you ‘go over the river and through the woods’ to your holiday meal, be prepared. Head to the grocery and stock up on a few staples and treats. Think about what makes your tummy sing, what family favs you want to replicate, and make sure you don’t miss out. For example, if gravy is your thing, bring along cornstarch and gluten-free broth. Have to have the pumpkin pie? Bring a gluten-free crust and can of pumpkin to bake onsite. No one should go without their favorite holiday dish so make sure you ‘make and take’ or bring the ingredients to prepare it.”

– Beckee Moreland, Beyond Celiac Director of GREAT Kitchens

“Place an online order and have a variety of easy-to-prep options sent right to the door! That way you don’t have to crowd a suitcase of food into your car and you can be sure to have plenty of options when you arrive.”

– Jennifer North, Beyond Celiac Vice President