Meet Serena Wolf, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, private chef, culinary instructor, recipe developer, and cookbook author, to name a few of her roles. Through her straightforward and (mostly) nutritious recipes, Serena makes a healthy lifestyle easy, realistic, and always fun.
Apart from her culinary expertise, Serena is a go-to lifestyle guru. Just read her blog or follow her on Instagram, and you’ll discover a thing or two on fashion styling, glow-boosting skincare routines, and “medium-trashy,” can’t-put-down reads.
This Thanksgiving, we join Serena in her NYC loft to prepare her holiday dinner, complete with a warm and inviting table setting.
Admittedly one of her favorite traditions each year is a pre-dinner bath, glass of champagne, and Thanksgiving episode of Friends. However, sharing what she and her guests are grateful for in the given year is high on her list as well. Read on for Serena’s full Thanksgiving guide, her favorite recipes (read: don’t forget your greens), prepping advice, entertaining tips, and outfits that will keep you chic while still letting you eat.
Party Prep
“Organization is key! Set your menu and make your grocery list about a week in advance, so that you can do as much of your shopping as possible. Then make a prep schedule with time stamps to help keep you on track. Figure out what dishes can be prepped in advance and try to tackle those 1-2 days before. Think: make cranberry sauce, stale bread for stuffing, chop vegetables, peel and slice potatoes, make sauces and dressings. I also like to set the table, pick out my outfit, and determine the playlist the night before.”
A Layered Narrative
“I love mixing and matching colors, prints, and textures, so this was the layered tablescape of my dreams. The florals, linens, and eclectic mix of dishware and glassware played so beautifully together. It felt special without being fussy, which is always my goal. As a wise woman once said, ‘A naked table is more offensive than a naked host…’”
Laid-Back Chic
“Comfort is mandatory for my favorite food holiday of the year, and I love a timeless midi dress—preferably something that’s soft and not too tight like the Lennox Dress—a great heel or boot (I’m in love with these Staud velvet mules), and a statement earring.”
On the Menu
I always dry brine and spatchock my turkey for the juiciest, most tender meat (it also cooks in a fraction of the time!), and my family shamelessly doctors Stovetop Turkey Stuffing mix with sausage, apples, and onion, and it’s hands down my favorite holiday side. On the vegetable front, I love my Kale, Brussels Sprout and Apple Salad, and Chipotle Glazed Delicata Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese. They’re outrageously delicious and welcome light additions to a decadent spread.”
A Night to Remember
“Before dinner, I dim the lights and light candles. My husband and I collect records, so we pick something high-energy during cocktail hour and jazzier for dinner. I set aside a bottle of champagne and pick special wines to pair with the meal. Given that oven real estate is scarce, I skip hot appetizers in favor of a giant charcuterie board for cocktail hour, before the feasting begins!”
