I’m all the time impressed by those that break free from typical paths and carve out a artistic journey uniquely their very own—like Tieghan Gerard, the creator of Half-Baked Harvest. I first met Tieghan in 2017, and within the years since, she’s created a model and enterprise that really displays her passions. From her transformed barn within the Colorado mountains, Tieghan crafts the sort of recipes that really feel like a heat hug—homey, comforting, and impossibly scrumptious. She wears many hats, enjoying the position of recipe developer, stylist, photographer, and storyteller, sharing new recipes virtually each day. This hands-on method has earned her a loyal viewers of tens of millions who flip to Half-Baked Harvest and her bestselling cookbooks for each day dinner inspo.

Simply earlier than the launch of her fourth cookbook, Quick & Cozy, Tieghan got here to Austin, the place we co-hosted a vacation ceremonial dinner in my yard. The night was magic—pals gathered round a candlelit desk, sharing dishes from her upcoming ebook that felt each festive and easy.

Within the vacation challenge of Camille Types EDIT, we shared my heartfelt dialog with Tieghan about her journey—from constructing her profession to dealing with social media drama. Remember to take a look at the total piece for those who haven’t but, and browse on for all of Tieghan’s suggestions for cozy vacation internet hosting.

At House in Colorado

First issues first: what informs your method to meals? 

Simplicity is essential—however make it lovely and scrumptious.

What does a typical workday appear to be for you?

It relies upon. After I’m touring, I’m doing interviews, photograph shoots, and meet-and-greets. I’m multitasking, taking cellphone calls whereas I’m getting hair and make-up carried out for an occasion. It’s nice, it’s thrilling, it’s busy. It’s a very totally different aspect of the enterprise. 

After I’m residence, my day couldn’t be extra reverse. I’m within the kitchen sunup to sunset. I’m cooking, testing, photographing, and taking pictures video. I’m very centered on creating content material, so I strive to not ebook calls throughout this time so I can keep actually centered on the creating. At evening, I’m doing emails, writing weblog posts, and enhancing pictures.

What’s your must-have cooking device and why?

That is sort of humorous, however a cookie scoop is actually nice. I exploit it for lots of issues—scooping meatballs, cookies, muffin batter and cupcake batter.

Everybody additionally wants a great forged iron skillet. It’s straightforward to wash and it’s higher for you. 

Inform us a couple of issues we’ll all the time discover in your fridge? 

Goat milk, totally different cheeses, jalapeños, avocados, and plenty of recent produce.

Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at residence? 

I’m a crispy taco lady. Like, I simply love a taco, beef, crispy taco that’s so easy, nothing fancy with cheddar cheese. So good, you guys. It’s so good.

How Tieghan Hosts a Social gathering

What are three merchandise you like for the desk?

1. Candles. Each single desk is made higher with candles—they create such a comforting surroundings. For those who’re doing tall taper candles, use just some of them, and for those who’re doing low candles, you should use heaps. 
2. A fairly bowl for a centerpiece. Fill it with seasonal produce, like pomegranates and persimmons within the fall, and even acquire some acorns from exterior, no matter you will have entry to. 
3. A meals merchandise. I like to make use of meals as decor—sometimes I set a desk actually minimally, however I like to set out a lovely cheese board or serving platter with meals to make it really feel ample. 

Apple Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy

Baked Honeyed Brie

Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Winter Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

Lemon Pesto Orzo

Classic Tiramisu

What does an incredible gathering appear to be for you?

There’s a fireplace roaring and there’s gentle music enjoying within the background. There are candles lit all over the place, there are flowers, and there’s the odor of actually good meals gradual cooking within the oven. Simply actually enjoyable and comforting—and also you gotta have candles.

The proper ceremonial dinner playlist contains:

Very mellow and enjoyable music. Classical is fairly. My grandma all the time used to play Frank Sinatra, and I like turning on his music at Christmas.

Your signature dishes for gatherings?

There are many nice recipes for gathering in my new cookbook, Quick & Cozy. The brisket recipe is unbelievable for gathering and could be good for a Christmas Eve dinner. Additionally, the meatballs on the duvet. For those who don’t eat crimson meat, you possibly can swap in floor rooster—I supplied these substitutions within the ebook, so individuals can adapt the recipes simply for his or her wants or their style buds. All the things within the ebook is tremendous easy, cozy, and fast. 

What’s your no-stress social gathering rule to dwell by? 

Set the dinner desk the evening earlier than. Create a menu you can make prematurely—a crock pot or gradual cooker recipe is one of the best. Preserve it easy.

Dream dinner visitors?

Victoria Beckham—proper now I’m simply loving her designs. After which, you would possibly as nicely invite David, proper? I additionally wish to meet their son Brooklyn—he simply launched a brand new scorching sauce model which is so fascinating. So I suppose I’m simply inviting the whole Beckham household!

Fill within the blanks:

An ideal meal ought to: really feel comforting to everybody.

It’s not a cocktail party with out: candles.

Each prepare dinner ought to know the right way to: make a cheeseboard.

The vacations are the epitome of abundance. Intimate gatherings, festive meals, and cherished traditions are the very hallmarks of this season. However as everyone knows, these indulgences typically go away our digestion craving a bit additional TLC! Happily, you don’t have to decide on between your favourite consolation meals or supporting your intestine well being. With practicality in thoughts, we’re sharing 10 easy methods to prioritize your intestine well being throughout holidays—with out sacrificing any scrumptious moments. Scroll to maintain your intestine balanced (and thriving) amidst the tablescape of holiday treats.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founding father of diet teaching enterprise, Wellness with Edie. Together with her background and experience, she focuses on ladies’s well being, together with fertility, hormone steadiness, and postpartum wellness.

Find out how to Prioritize Intestine Well being Throughout the Holidays

Excellent news! Supporting your intestine through the holidays doesn’t require drastic adjustments. Specializing in small, intentional decisions means that you can preserve your digestive system buzzing alongside whereas savoring seasonal delights. (Ahem, all of those appetizers!) From including gut-boosting meals to your meals to creating aware shifts in your each day routine, it’s about virtually nurturing your digestive well being. These easy methods can assist you—and your family members—thrive by means of the vacation season. With that in thoughts, let’s dive into 10 methods to nourish your intestine all season.

1. Embrace Fermented Meals as Vacation Facet Dishes

Fermented foods are hailed as intestine well being heroes (and for good purpose). Due to their probiotic content material, they do double responsibility: assist digestion and steadiness the microbiome. However most of us overlook these nutritious powerhouses through the holidays. Why not embody them in your vacation unfold? Alongside your traditional side dishes, take into account including kimchi, sauerkraut, or perhaps a home made kefir dip to the desk. These tangy, flavorful choices are each festive and promote intestine well being. You’ll shock and delight your company with an attractive platter of fermented meals.

Why it’s empowering: By incorporating these probiotic-rich meals into your meals, you’re turning intestine well being from an afterthought right into a celebrated a part of your vacation custom. Plus, your company might be intrigued and impressed by your inventive culinary decisions!

2. Use Intestine-Soothing Natural Teas in Place of Alcoholic Bevvies

The vacations include a lot of boozy beverages. Sadly, these are identified to wreak havoc in your intestine. As a substitute of reaching for that second glass of wine or spiked eggnog, attempt swapping it out for a gut-soothing herbal tea like ginger, peppermint, or fennel. These teas are filled with micronutrients and might alleviate bloating/discomfort that sometimes comes from overindulging. When you’re internet hosting, create a “tea bar” with totally different choices to your company to select from.

Why it’s empowering: Selecting natural tea over alcohol means that you can preserve your well being objectives with out feeling disadvantaged. Plus, it’s a solution to introduce a brand new vacation ritual that focuses on wellness, hygge, and comfortable connection.

3. Make Intestine-Pleasant Mocktails for Festive Cheers

Plan to skip the alcohol however nonetheless need one thing enjoyable and festive to sip? Mocktails are the right resolution. Infuse glowing water with elements like pomegranate, mint, or recent citrus. Add in a splash of apple cider vinegar (a gut-health powerhouse) and a drizzle of uncooked honey or monk fruit for sweetness. Not solely are mocktails hydrating, however additionally they assist digestion, cut back bloating, and may be tailor-made to your style preferences. Your company will thanks too!

Why it’s empowering: This gut-friendly twist helps you to take pleasure in a classy drink sans the digestive discomfort of alcohol. It’s a enjoyable solution to have a good time with out lacking out on the festive vibes!

4. Pre-Dinner ‘Digestive Rituals’ for a Blissful Intestine

Earlier than you dive right into a heavier-than-usual meal, take into account adopting a brand new ritual that primes your intestine for digestion. This may be so simple as ingesting a shot of apple cider vinegar diluted in water, sipping aloe vera juice, and even doing a number of deep respiration workout routines to calm your nervous system. You possibly can additionally take a brisk 10-minute stroll to stimulate digestion! These rituals assist activate your digestive enzymes and cut back bloating, making ready your abdomen for the upcoming meal. Like dynamic stretching earlier than a exercise, consider it as a warm-up earlier than the massive occasion.

Why it’s empowering: By incorporating a pre-meal digestive routine, you might be actively selecting to care to your physique earlier than the frenzy of the vacations begins. It transforms intestine well being from a passive afterthought into an intentional, empowering follow.

5. Repurpose Leftovers into Intestine-Boosting Soups or Stews

After vacation meals, you’re sure to have loads of leftovers. As a substitute of letting them go to waste, why not flip them into gut-friendly soups and stews? Turkey, greens, and even mashed potatoes can be utilized to make a nourishing broth or a hearty stew that’s filled with prebiotics like onions, garlic, and leeks—meals that assist your intestine microbiome. These easy, comforting meals not solely assist cut back meals waste but additionally make for simple, nutrient-dense meals through the busy vacation season.

Why it’s empowering: This no-frills method to leftovers ensures you’re nonetheless prioritizing your intestine well being through the holidays. It’s an environment friendly, sustainable solution to proceed nourishing your physique with out sacrificing taste.

6. Create a ‘Intestine Well being Basket’ for Vacation Gifting

We received’t say no to a tin of holiday cookies, however gift-giving doesn’t should be all about sugary treats. Why not give the reward of intestine well being with a specifically curated intestine well being basket? You may fill it with probiotic-rich meals like pickled onions, kefir, grain-free granola, in addition to prebiotic meals like apples and artichokes. Add a recipe for a gut-boosting holiday dish or a packet of natural tea to finish the reward. It’s a considerate and distinctive solution to present family members that you just care about their well-being—particularly throughout a time of 12 months that may be taxing on digestion.

Why it’s empowering: Giving a intestine well being basket not solely helps the well being of your family members but additionally spreads the message of self-care and wellness. It encourages others to contemplate their intestine well being through the holidays, making it a significant and impactful reward.

7. Vacation Yoga for Intestine Well being

Bodily exercise typically takes a backseat in lieu of vacation feasts and festivities. It’s inevitable! That mentioned, light motion—significantly yoga—can do wonders to your intestine. Incorporate poses that stimulate digestion, reminiscent of twists and stretches, into your each day routine. A easy circulate within the morning or a post-dinner stretch session can assist relieve bloating and enhance intestine motility. Think about internet hosting a mini “vacation yoga” session with household or associates earlier than your large meal. It may be a enjoyable solution to bond and promote digestive well being collectively.

Why it’s empowering: Yoga through the holidays means that you can steadiness indulgence with self-care. It’s a delicate, aware solution to keep linked to your physique, easing digestive discomfort whereas creating a way of togetherness.

8. Sluggish Down and Savor Every Chunk

Aware of overeating through the holidays? Us too. Sadly, it might take a toll on our digestive system. To assist, attempt placing your fork down between bites and taking a deep breath earlier than persevering with. This easy act provides your physique time to sign when it’s full, serving to to stop overeating. One other tip: go away a 10-15 minute pause between servings. It’s simple to achieve for seconds, however giving your physique time to digest can assist you’re feeling extra in tune along with your fullness cues. Set a objective to savor every chunk and cease while you’re happy, not stuffed (simpler mentioned than achieved—we get it!).

Why it’s empowering: By embracing aware consuming, you reclaim management over your physique and digestion. It’s a delicate but highly effective solution to prioritize your intestine well being through the holidays with out feeling restricted.

9. Intestine-Pleasant Vacation Desserts (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, or No-Sugar Choices)

Vacation desserts typically have their justifiable share of sugar, dairy, and gluten—all of which may set off digestive points. However there are many methods to create indulgent treats which are simple on the intestine. Add these vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, this raw pumpkin cheesecake, and these salted caramel pots de creme with a sugar various, like monk fruit. In any other case, go for a fruit-forward dessert, like this apple tart. These more healthy options allow you to fulfill your candy tooth with out the post-dessert bloating.

Why it’s empowering: Providing gut-friendly desserts provides you the liberty to take pleasure in treats with out sacrificing your digestive well being. It’s a small however highly effective solution to maintain your physique whereas nonetheless being a part of the vacation pleasure.

10. Create a ‘Intestine Well being Countdown’ Calendar

Who says advent calendars are only for children? Create a “intestine well being countdown” calendar for your self or as a present. Every day main as much as your vacation celebration, open a brand new door that reveals a gut-boosting tip, meals, or exercise. For instance, someday may counsel ingesting a glass of water with lemon very first thing within the morning, whereas one other day might spotlight a gut-friendly snack or mindfulness follow.

Why it’s empowering: This inventive method brings enjoyable and pleasure to your intestine well being journey. It’s a playful but sensible solution to incorporate small habits that make a huge impact in your digestive system through the holidays.

Cheers to a Intestine-Pleasant Vacation Season

To deliver this full circle, prioritizing intestine well being through the holidays doesn’t imply you need to surrender all of your favourite meals or traditions. The truth is, it’s about discovering inventive methods to assist your digestion whereas nonetheless embracing the enjoyment of the season. Whether or not you’re sipping natural tea, experimenting with fermented meals, or beginning a brand new aware consuming ritual, these 10 concepts provide distinctive, empowering methods to care to your physique and make the vacations much more pleasant. Right here’s to a cheerful, wholesome, and gut-friendly vacation season.

For individuals who want a extra streamlined aesthetic, adorning for the vacations can current a problem. How do you deck the halls in a manner that’s festive with out going excessive? Can there be a number of cheer with out red-and-green all the pieces? The reply is sure, after all. Festive is within the eye of the beholder, however given that the majority Christmas bushes are decked to the nines, it may be onerous to find a extra up to date look. So in an effort to talk to the fashionable aesthetic, we culled the very best fashionable Christmas tree concepts.

Featured picture from our interview with Devon Liedtke by Anastasiya Pudova.

Trendy Christmas Tree Concepts to Encourage Your Vacation

In the event you’re in search of a recent take in your holiday decor, you’re in the fitting place. Trendy Christmas tree concepts mix simplicity with model, creating a glance that feels each festive and complex. Whether or not you lean towards minimalist designs or want a extra nature-inspired method, there’s a contemporary tree thought that may remodel your house with out overwhelming it. From smooth, geometric bushes to understated decorations that spotlight pure textures, these concepts provide the right stability of magnificence and vacation spirit, making your tree the star of the season.

Easy Sparkle

This impartial Christmas tree, nestled in a basket tree stand, exudes easy magnificence with its minimalistic attraction. The crystal garland provides a contact of sparkle, elevating the pure tones and making a serene, festive ambiance. For the same look, go for a basket base to floor your tree with rustic heat and select translucent or glass ornaments for a fragile, fashionable twist. Layering in delicate metallics or frosted accents will improve the delicate, understated vibe of the decor.

Snow White

A flocked tree adorned with glass ornaments of various sizes creates a hanging, serene look. The impartial shade palette of the ornaments enhances the delicate, snowy branches of the flocked tree, enhancing its frosty, elegant really feel. For the same impact, go for a mixture of glass ornaments in refined tones like clear, frosted, or delicate metallics, permitting the tree’s texture to shine whereas sustaining a cohesive aesthetic. This mixture affords a contemporary, timeless vibe good for creating a chilled vacation ambiance.

Trendy Heat

This tree, with its white ceramic home ornaments, wood bead garlands, and felt accents, superbly balances a three-tone shade palette for a heat, fashionable aesthetic. The pure textures distinction elegantly with the crisp white of the ceramic homes, making a whimsical but refined look. To copy this model, deal with a cohesive shade scheme with impartial tones. Incorporate handmade parts like felt or wood beads so as to add heat and character to your tree whereas maintaining the general design recent and up to date.

Woodland Allure

Velvet ribbon bows add texture, whereas white sparkly globe ornaments shine. Battery-operated candles deliver a delicate glow, enhancing the country but refined look. To recreate this, select wealthy velvet ribbons and delicate, shimmering ornaments. Incorporate pure parts like candles for a comfy, inviting ambiance.

Charlie Brown Redux

This tree affords a contemporary twist on the basic Charlie Brown look with a minimalist really feel. Tinsel icicle ornaments and a pared-back palette of black and glass create a classy distinction. Twinkling fairy lights add a delicate shimmer, bringing the tree to life. Select sparse branches, easy ornaments, and delicate lighting for an understated but hanging vacation centerpiece.

Jewel Field

This tree embraces a maximalist but refined aesthetic with deep jewel-toned globe ornaments in blue and burgundy. Gold-framed ornaments and an array of charming accents fill the tree, making a wealthy, festive vibe. Regardless of the abundance of particulars, the cohesive shade palette retains the look balanced and alluring. To recreate this, combine vibrant jewel tones with metallic touches, layering in considerate ornaments that complement one another with out overwhelming the design. Twinkling lights will spotlight the depth of shade and texture.

Basic With a Twist

This basic tree provides a contemporary twist with wealthy purple velvet bows and a mix of crimson and gold ornaments. Shimmery bead garlands deliver a contact of magnificence, complementing the tree’s festive attraction. The mixture of luxe textures and timeless colours creates a complicated but inviting look. For the same impact, go for plush velvet ribbons, metallic ornaments, and glowing garlands to raise the tree whereas sustaining a conventional vacation really feel with a recent edge.

Small however Trendy

This mini tree, nestled in a woven basket, captures an enthralling but minimalistic vacation vibe. Silver starburst ornaments, minimalist wire stars, and white wooden stars create a beautiful distinction towards the delicate glow of fairy lights. The mixture of textures and refined particulars provides visible curiosity with out overwhelming the tree’s easy magnificence. To attain this look, deal with clear strains, refined ornaments, and delicate lighting for a serene, fashionable vacation show.