Jennifer Fisher’s Playbook for Hosting a Chic Thanksgiving: Tips, Recipes, and Style Secrets

Discover Jennifer Fisher’s casual yet chic approach to hosting Thanksgiving. From her Santa Barbara-inspired menu to effortless style tips, learn how to create a memorable holiday with her hosting secrets and delicious recipes.

Thanksgiving is the holiday Jennifer Fisher cherishes most—so much so that she calls it her “Super Bowl.” The wardrobe stylist turned jewelry designer and culinary innovator has made a name for herself with her signature gold hoops and now, her beloved line of seasoning salts. But Fisher’s holiday hosting style is equally celebrated for its effortless charm and sophisticated yet casual vibe.

As the author of Trust Your Gut and founder of the culinary platform Maedyn, Fisher has developed a unique way of incorporating her California upbringing and anti-inflammatory lifestyle into her Thanksgiving celebrations. In this exclusive interview, Fisher shares her Thanksgiving menu, go-to entertaining tips, and even her recipe for holiday dressing.

Jennifer Fisher’s Thanksgiving Menu: Casual Elegance with a Santa Barbara Twist

Fisher doesn’t go overboard with elaborate dinner parties throughout the year, but Thanksgiving? That’s a different story. Hosting 32 guests this year, Fisher ensures the holiday remains special, relaxed, and filled with delicious food. “I make my turkey breast that’s in the cookbook instead of doing a whole turkey,” she says. “It’s so easy, and that’s all anyone really wants.”

Her turkey is basted in rich French butter and fresh herbs, bringing an international flair to a classic dish. For the kids, Fisher adds her signature touch with turkey tacos, complete with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo, a nod to her Santa Barbara roots. “It’s always about tacos,” she jokes, describing the vibrant, laid-back California vibe she loves bringing to the table.

Her cooking is always done with an eye on health, inspired by her anti-inflammatory lifestyle, but don’t expect her to hire a team. Fisher preps all the food herself, often with help from her mom, who flies in from California a day early to pitch in. “It’s just really cute and special. It’s my way of giving back to my family,” she adds.

Jennifer Fisher’s Tips for Effortless Holiday Hosting

For Jennifer Fisher, hosting is all about creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that feels intimate and chic, without the stress of formalities. Here are her top Thanksgiving hosting tips:

1. Keep it Casual
Fisher is all about making her guests feel at home. “I don’t do formal at all,” she shares. From her menu to her attire, the vibe is always comfortable and accessible.

2. Let People Choose Their Shoe Style
In her New York City home, Fisher offers her guests the option to either keep their shoes on or take them off. “I don’t like enforcing rules, so if people want to wear their shoes, that’s fine,” she explains. “But I do have slippers available if they want to take them off.”

3. No Games, Just Good Conversation
While she loves a fun gathering, Fisher isn’t a fan of games at dinner parties. Instead, she keeps the conversation flowing naturally. One of her favorite traditions is creating a “gratitude tree” where guests anonymously write what they are thankful for on note cards and hang them on a tree at the entrance. “It’s a beautiful, personal way to reflect without being forced to share,” she explains.

4. Simple, Elegant Table Setting
Fisher doesn’t go overboard with her table decor. She prefers clean, simple elements that feel chic but not overly staged. This year, she’s opting for a combination of olive-green and burnt orange napkins, paired with clear plates that she’s had for years. “I like things to match, but I also want them to feel timeless and classic,” she notes.

Jennifer Fisher’s Thanksgiving Outfit: Style Meets Comfort

When it comes to Thanksgiving attire, Fisher keeps it practical yet fashionable. As a collector of vintage denim, she always reaches for a pair of jeans, whether they’re by Chloé, Valentino, or vintage Gucci. “I wear jeans 90% of the time,” she admits. “They’re comfortable, especially when you’re in the kitchen, and they still look chic.”

Fisher avoids sweaters, as they can get too hot while entertaining, and instead opts for a stylish top that complements her denim. “I want to look put-together but not overdone,” she says.

Creating a Memorable Holiday Setting

Fisher’s aesthetic extends to her table decor, where she’s known for her eye for detail and love of thoughtful touches. She collects cloth napkins from her travels around the world, particularly from Paris, and even designed a collection of napkin rings and napkins for CB2. Her arrangements are elegant but understated, often featuring greenery and seasonal blooms like orange and white flowers that complement the fall palette.

“Flowers are important for me, and I love doing my own arrangements,” Fisher says. “I always go to the flower district and choose hardy blooms that will last through the night and into the next day.”

Jennifer Fisher’s Thanksgiving Playlist for the Perfect Vibe

While Fisher didn’t mention specifics on music, her laid-back yet chic approach to hosting suggests that she’d likely opt for a mix of ambient, feel-good tracks—perfect for setting a warm, inviting mood for the evening. Whether it’s a curated playlist of her favorite tunes or a mix of jazz and classic holiday songs, the music would seamlessly blend into the ambiance she creates.

Jennifer Fisher’s approach to Thanksgiving proves that it’s possible to be chic and relaxed in equal measure. From her flavorful menu to her effortless holiday style, she strikes the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Whether you’re looking for hosting tips or new recipe ideas, Fisher’s advice will help you create a Thanksgiving that’s as stylish as it is memorable.