We spoke with designer Jillian Harris of “Love It or List It Vancouver,” “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” and “The Bachelorette,” about her favorite Thanksgiving foods and traditions. Check out more of Jillian’s design, recipes, and fashion on JillianHarris.com.

Jillian’s Thanksgiving style

Any decorating tips for the holidays?
Pumpkins! Great addition to an outdoor step, inside on a table, painted, as a vase, or used as a bowl for veggies and dip!

Can you share with us some centerpiece ideas for the Thanksgiving dinner table?
Painted pumpkins, gourds, greenery, pears (to add contrast in colour), flowers…

What’s your go-to wardrobe for Thanksgiving dinner?
Always something with stretchy pants to leave room for dessert and a nice chunky knit to look fashionable, festive, yet still be comfortable.

It’s all about friends, family and food

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?
Thanksgiving is a time to spend with the ones you love.

Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions?
Since I’m an only child, it was always a tradition for my cousins, immediate family and extended family all to come together for one BIG dinner!

What’s your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?
Being around family and having a full heart and tummy.

What are you grateful for this year?
Nacho, Justin, my close and extended family, and friends.

How will you be spending Thanksgiving this year?
Soaking up the rays with some girls in Hawaii with a Mai Tai in hand!

There’s always a place for giving thanks

To you, what is the difference between Thanksgiving in the U.S. and Canada?
Canadian Thanksgiving is the kickoff to fall, pumpkin patches, etc. In the U.S., Thanksgiving is the kickoff to Christmas and holiday activities.

Do you celebrate Thanksgiving both in Canada and the U.S.?
Now that I live in Canada I only celebrate the Canadian Thanksgiving but ALWAYS send well wishes to my fellow friends in the states!

How to be the hostess with the “mostess”

Any tips for hosting Thanksgiving dinner?
Prepare as much as you can in advance so that you have time to spend with your guests. Always make MORE than you think… leftovers are the best!

What is your favorite recipe or menu for Thanksgiving?
My famous “drunk and fat” stuffing, cabbage rolls, beet rolls, beet and apple salad, pear and pancetta salad, my classic turkey with NO brine.

 

Check out Jillian’s Thanksgiving menu for these delicious recipes:

• Jillian’s Perfect Turkey recipe
• Pear and Pancetta Crisper
• Parmesan Fennel Bake
• Jillian’s Famous Stuffing with Sausage and Mushrooms

Get the recipe here for Jillian’s Beet and Apple Salad

Have a happy, festive Thanksgiving surrounded by good food, thankfulness, and of course, the ones you love!