Meredith Hayden on Her ‘Showstopping’ Galentine’s Day Must-Have

E! Illustration/Emma Fishman, 2D Creative

Do you have a favorite recipe from your first cookbook that’s a hit for entertaining?

"My favorite recipe from the book has to be the heirloom tomato galette. It was one of the first recipes I had ever developed during my early private chef days, and it's always a crowd pleaser.

And since it needs to rest after cooking before serving, I’m able to complete it before my guests arrive. All that to say, if a recipe lets me pour a pint, stay in the conversation, and not think too hard once guests are there, that’s always the one I’m choosing."

What are some under-$50 gifts you are giving for Galentine’s Day this year? Or something else you love to bring when going to a dinner party or a friend’s house?

"I’m currently loving to gift the host a bottle of my favorite olive oil or balsamic vinegar. I find that people don’t often splurge on “every day” items like these, so it makes for an excellent gift. Plus it’s always fun to introduce your friends to your favorite things."

"And honestly, bringing something to drink is always a win," she said. "A couple of bottles or cans you know they’ll like goes a long way."

What are three things that make hosting less stressful?

"For me, hosting is way less stressful when a few things are locked in ahead of time. I like to keep the menu plan flexible. I like knowing what I’m cooking and when things need to happen, but leaving enough room to improvise if something goes off-script. It also helps to do as much as possible before anyone arrives. This gets the cooking out of the way, but equally as important, it gives me the opportunity to clean the space before guests arrive.

The moment people begin to trickle in can sometimes feel the most stressful, so it helps to set the tone early. Have a playlist going, a comfortable space for people to congregate, and something easy to drink."

If you're not hosting this year, but still have plans with your gals, she's got some tips for you, too: "Well, you already know that rule number one is not showing up empty-handed, even when the host insists. I always bring a little something, whether that’s a bag of ice or case of Guinness so drinks are covered for me and anyone else who wants one."

"Find a way to help rather than asking how you can help. As a host, delegating tasks to guests can sometimes feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming. Rather than ask “how can I help”, tell them how you can help," she explained.

"Scan the room, find something that needs attention (a snack bowl that needs refilling, an abandoned drinking glass, an empty water pitcher, a dwindling beverage cooler), and say 'I’m going to refill this!' This will reduce both the mental and physical load. Socially speaking, put your phone away, introduce people who don’t know each other, and actually be present."

Is there something you eat/cook/serve every Galentine’s Day?

"I don’t have a strict must-make, but I almost always gravitate toward food that feels comforting and celebratory without being too complicated.

For dessert I like to do something easy. My recent go-to has been Guinness Chocolate Cake. It’s rich and chocolatey and the addition of Guinness brings a subtle bitterness that gives it a more dressed-up vibe. Plus it’s simple to slice and serve when its approaching midnight and I’m already exhausted."

What's a Galentine’s Day tradition you love, or one you’d love to start in the future?

"I love keeping Galentine’s Day parties really simple. Sometimes my friends and I go out for dim sum, or order a pizza and watch a movie."

Galentine’s Day is all about pink and red! What cute outfit are you showing up to Galentine’s Day in?

"Pink and red are one of my favorite color combinations, so I have plenty of options to choose from in my closet. It will ultimately depend on the itinerary, but either a pair of festive pajamas or relaxed jeans with a pink and red sweater."

Are you team candy or team chocolate for Valentine’s Day?

"I’ve been on a big sour candy kick! Sour Patch Kids all the way."

Do you have any favorite self-care products that help you slow down after filming or hosting?

"After long filming days or hosting, I need at least a day completely to myself to recharge and reset. I will lock my phone away, deep clean my space, do a workout, take a long hot shower, and order my favorite takeout. My one non-negotiable product would be scented candles. I love to drench my space in delicious smells so I’ll light one of my favorite candles and just sit on the couch and decompress."

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