Today's Thanksgiving section is from the Bay Area of California. Plenty of diversity and suggestions in this section, which provides plenty of tips on the bird, last minute help and alternative Thanksgiving meals.

Best Way Brined Turkey
After cooking nearly 40 turkeys in The Chronicle's test kitchen, we found a brined turkey to be the best.

Taking Care Of The BirdTips on buying, storing and stuffing turkey, plus poultry labeling terms.

A Smaller Feast
If a 12-pound is too much, try a Wine-Braised Turkey Breast instead.

Down-To-The-Wire Thanksgiving
Recipes that can be done without too much sweating and toiling.

A Procrastinator's Guide
Recipes that can be done without too much sweating and toiling.

What Your Mother Never Told You
Answers for your last-minute dilemmas.

Wines For The Holiday
The Chronicle's W. Blake Gray offers his tips for what to pair with your Thanksgiving meal.

A Napa Valley Thanksgiving
Some of Northern California's finest winemakers and chefs come together to create a feast to end all feasts.

Thanksgiving With An Asian Touch
Merging cultures makes for a truly American holiday meal.

Low-Carb Thanksgiving
Dinner doesn't have to be boring if you're doing Atkins.

For Vegetarians
Bay Area chefs create tradition -- without the turkey -- for an all-American feast.