I’m always inspired by those who break away from conventional paths and carve out a creative journey uniquely their own—like Tieghan Gerard, the creator of Half-Baked Harvest. I first met Tieghan in 2017, and in the years since, she’s created a brand and business that truly reflects her passions. From her converted barn in the Colorado mountains, Tieghan crafts the kind of recipes that feel like a warm hug—homey, comforting, and impossibly delicious. She wears many hats, playing the role of recipe developer, stylist, photographer, and storyteller, sharing new recipes almost daily. This hands-on approach has earned her a devoted audience of millions who turn to Half-Baked Harvest and her bestselling cookbooks for daily dinner inspo.
Just before the launch of her fourth cookbook, Quick & Cozy, Tieghan came to Austin, where we co-hosted a holiday dinner party in my backyard. The evening was magic—friends gathered around a candlelit table, sharing dishes from her upcoming book that felt both festive and effortless.
In the holiday issue of Camille Styles EDIT, we shared my heartfelt conversation with Tieghan about her journey—from building her career to facing social media drama. Be sure to check out the full piece if you haven’t yet, and read on for all of Tieghan’s tips for cozy holiday hosting.
At Home in Colorado
First things first: what informs your approach to food?
Simplicity is key—but make it beautiful and delicious.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
It depends. When I’m traveling, I’m doing interviews, photo shoots, and meet-and-greets. I’m multitasking, taking phone calls while I’m getting hair and makeup done for an event. It’s great, it’s exciting, it’s busy. It’s a totally different side of the business.
When I’m home, my day couldn’t be more opposite. I’m in the kitchen sunup to sundown. I’m cooking, testing, photographing, and shooting video. I’m very focused on creating content, so I try not to book calls during this time so I can stay really focused on the creating. At night, I’m doing emails, writing blog posts, and editing photos.
What’s your must-have cooking tool and why?
This is kind of funny, but a cookie scoop is really great. I use it for a lot of things—scooping meatballs, cookies, muffin batter and cupcake batter.
Everyone also needs a good cast iron skillet. It’s easy to clean and it’s better for you.
Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator?
Goat milk, different cheeses, jalapeños, avocados, and lots of fresh produce.
Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home?
I’m a crispy taco girl. Like, I just love a taco, beef, crispy taco that’s so simple, nothing fancy with cheddar cheese. So good, you guys. It’s so good.
How Tieghan Hosts a Party
What are three products you love for the table?
- Candles. Every single table is made better with candles—they create such a comforting environment. If you’re doing tall taper candles, use just a few of them, and if you’re doing low candles, you can use lots.
- A pretty bowl for a centerpiece. Fill it with seasonal produce, like pomegranates and persimmons in the fall, or even collect some acorns from outside, whatever you have access to.
- A food item. I love to use food as decor—typically I set a table really minimally, but I love to set out a beautiful cheese board or serving platter with food to make it feel abundant.
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 a great gathering look like for you?
There’s a fire roaring and there’s light music playing in the background. There are candles lit everywhere, there are flowers, and there’s the smell of really good food slow cooking in the oven. Just really relaxing and comforting—and you gotta have candles.
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
Very mellow and relaxing music. Classical is pretty. My grandma always used to play Frank Sinatra, and I love turning on his music at Christmas.
Your signature dishes for gatherings?
There are lots of great recipes for gathering in my new cookbook, Quick & Cozy. The brisket recipe is incredible for gathering and would be perfect for a Christmas Eve dinner. Also, the meatballs on the cover. If you don’t eat red meat, you can swap in ground chicken—I provided those substitutions in the book, so people can adapt the recipes easily for their needs or their taste buds. Everything in the book is super simple, cozy, and quick.
What is your no-stress party rule to live by?
Set the dinner table the night before. Create a menu that you can make in advance—a crock pot or slow cooker recipe is the best. Keep it simple.
Dream dinner guests?
Victoria Beckham—right now I’m just loving her designs. And then, you might as well invite David, right? I also want to meet their son Brooklyn—he just launched a new hot sauce brand which is so interesting. So I guess I’m just inviting the entire Beckham family!
Fill in the blanks:
A perfect meal should: feel comforting to everyone.
It’s not a dinner party without: candles.
Every cook should know how to: make a cheeseboard.