Take out for Christmas Dinner in Los Angeles
 

Looking for recommendations on places where we can order a dinner ahead, pick it up on the 24th, and heat up on Christmas Day. Visiting our son and we have no idea how well equipped his kitchen is, plus we just don't want to fuss. But we would like a fairly traditional menu. Our family has always had ham. Thanks!

Well, first of all, ASK him what sort of kitchen he has. If it is a 'real' kitchen, most super markets sell pre-ordered full dinners that only need heating.

WHERE in Los Angeles? I don't think you want to drive 60 minutes to pick up a ham & fixins.

Or what are you planning to do/see on Sunday the 24th during the day? Perhaps you can pick up something on your way home.

These should be all over L.A. so you just need son's zipcode:

Honeybaked Hams.
www.honeybaked.com

Grocery stores -
Ralphs
Von's
Albertson's

Trader Joe's

Whole Foods

Costco

Sam's Club

Sorry folks, I wasn't specific enough. He lives in Miracle Mile, we're staying at an airbnb in Los Feliz. I was hoping for something a little better than standard grocery store or Costco fare. I know I can heat up a ham, but looking for some delicious sides and apps. Sorry!

Do what they do in NYC--order Chinese takeout!!

I don't know--our supermarkets offer pretty nice full holiday dinners.
Go shopping and pick out what you think you want a couple of days before and then get it.

The best suggestion above, I think, is Whole Foods Market. It won't be cheap but it'll be good. I suggest you call them to find out when you must have your order in and go by to see what they have that you'll like in the way of side dishes.

The most convenient one for you will be:

Whole Foods Market
6350 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323.964.6800
Hours: 7:00am - 11:00pm Seven days a week

Best IMO is Gelson's. They actually have some of the best cornbread stuffing I've tasted, and I'm super picky with my stuffing. They are doing specialty fare for Christmas.

One in the Los Feliz area itself:
2725 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Open today · 7AM–12AM
Phone: (323) 660-0387

You can do turkey (very tender!) or rib roast, all the trimmings.

In fact, when I was at their Century City store last weekend, they had a whole tasting display set up of what their holiday meal offerings would be.

Is Gelson's new-ish? I don't remember them from the mid 70's when I lived in the area.

I did see them mentioned when searching for suggestions but didn't want to recommend any place I didn't know personally.

Gelson's is not new. They were definitely around in the 70s and 80s.

OP says she wants ham, not turkey or beef.

Maybe where you come from 'grocery fare' is pitiful. But at least in my part of California 'store bought' holiday dinners are upscale, fairly expensive, and as good or better that home made. Now, some gocery chains out here also sell more basic (cheaper) versions, but their main offerings are 'up market' very good full dinners.

You can order a dinner from Marie Callendar's but it will not be cheap:
https://www.mariecallenders.com/holiday-guide
Or you can order a ham dinner from Von's supermarket for half the price ($49.99) which includes spiral sliced ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and dessert. I am sure Ralph's probably also has similar offerings. Allow 2-3 hours to reheat and make sure your son has a real oven and not just a microwave.

There's a Gelson's near your airbnb and they have a ham dinner for 4 @ $95, I'm not sure what they offer for sides and apps. Must order by dec 22.

Ham Dinner for 5 from Handy Market Burbank is $70.

https://gelsons.com/entertaining/holiday-meals

Also, check the menu at Alcove Café near your airbnb. "Many of our individual menu items are available for take away in a large family-style portions."

https://www.alcovecafe.com/cafe/menus/lunch_dinner

Another option:
http://www.friendsandfamilyla.com/

Yes, Gelson's has a nice ham too. Sorry, forgot to mention that, and didn't bother to read the last sentence of the OP's question.

They definitely have all of the sides, and appetizers too.

Gelson's has been around since the 60's, but started as one store and expanded in the So. Cal. area. The first store in our area was in the late '60's when one opened in Century City, where it remains to this day. The Los Feliz Gelson's opened over a decade ago.

To me, it's better than Bristol Farms and better priced too. Bristol Farms opened in the early '80's and it provides gourmet foods and menus. It has excellent products but a very small selection. Caters to the higher earners with a lot of disposable income. Not that Gelson's doesn't, but Gelson's has more selection and not so pricey.

I guess they {Gelson's} weren't up in Thousand Oaks in the mid 70s which is where I was living.

Thanks, everyone! I'll explore all of your suggestions!

I would make a decision soon because there will be a cut date for ordering from most of the places suggested above. Good luck with your tasty decision, and please let us know how it all turns out.

Gelsons is my go to...love their food.