Celebrities aren't always like us . Take Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, for example: The happy couple told me they had no stress during the holidays and that the whole family was getting along great. "I thrive on the chaos of a crazy house," Teigen said on Zoom. "We don't have those 'uh, I have to meet this person or I have to meet that person' situations." We really enjoy being together. ” I replied: “Wow, it’s so sweet!” ” Memories of arguing with my family over politics during the holidays flooded my brain.
This unexpected mentality surrounding the holidays makes a lot of sense when you consider that Teigen and Legend are celebrities. The author of two cookbooks—not to mention her on-and-off television hosting gigs—Teigen has built a reputation for entertaining and crafting delicious, hearty recipes. And there’s the legend: an award-winning singer, songwriter and producer with irresistible charisma. As the two put their heads together to sort out everything that happened between Thanksgiving and New Year's, it's hard to imagine anyone leaving the house over an argument.
The celebrity couple also has some seriously delicious dishes on their holiday menu, which is another reason their family is so civilized (just my guess). Teigen and Legend are currently working with Chex Cereal and turning to the major snack brand for gifts. "We really like our Chex Party Mix," Legend said. "We like to put it in a mason jar and send it out as a little gift to let people know we're thinking of them." Another place to go? Teigen's Beef Wellington, which will be available on deck over Christmas.
To see if I could glean any insights from this famous duo about hosting successfully and having the most stress-free vacation possible, I learned every tip and trick they knew. Read on to hear what Teigen and Legend had to say.
What is your favorite holiday memory?
John Legend: My favorite has always been when I proposed to Chrissy in the Maldives during vacation [2011]. That's really amazing.
Chrissy Teigen: I forgot about that.
Legend: It’s crazy because we travel together, just the two of us. I had to hide the ring from her the entire trip. We were stopped by security at the Sri Lankan airport and they literally went through my entire bag and inside there was a nondescript box with the ring inside - I tried to pass it off as some random box in my backpack. I just hope the security guard doesn't open it before handing it to Chrissy. We're lucky he didn't. Then I proposed to her on the beach.
What is your least favorite holiday memory?
Teigen: Oh my God. We were New Year's Eve warriors.
Legend: We just got drunk and got into fights on New Year’s Eve.
Tegan: We'd get into the stupidest fights. But that doesn't happen anymore.
Legend: Nowadays we hardly go out for New Year’s Eve.
Teigen: I really love the holidays. I truly love our family. I love John's family. I love bringing our family together. Our children truly love their cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma and grandpa.
You guys are really lucky not to have to deal with family drama.
Teigen: Oh, I know. For the most part, I've always gotten along well with other family members.
Legend: Yes, we have no in-law issues.
Teigen: Other people's parents love me more than my own. I always feel better when I go to other people's homes. I was like, "Ms. Smith, can I help you clean this up?" I never do that at home.
Since you guys love entertaining and have been doing so, do you have any hosting tips or tricks that you can share?
Teigen: Absolutely, do everything you can early on. Another great tip, at least during the holidays, is to save oven space. Try new things like air fryers and Instant Pots, and be unashamed about using something that actually speeds up cooking.
Myth: Make dessert early.
Teigen: Yes. Your pie can be made the day before or a few days ahead. Regardless, many casseroles are best reheated.
When you start to feel overwhelmed during this time of year, are there any self-care practices that you do?
Teigen: No. [Bring] more kids and more stuff. I don't like quiet times. Honestly, if I'm getting a massage, I'm listening to The Murder Podcast. I really don't like to relax. I mean, I love being part of a great Bravo show and stuff like that, but even then I want to be with my family and I want to cook and watch it.
Legend: I think the most interesting thing is being together. That’s how therapeutic the holidays are.
Teigen: Personally, actual therapy is the only self-care I need. I spend a few hours every week doing this. This is what I appreciate, love, and need.
As far as gift giving goes, what are your suggestions for gifts for family members you don’t like?
Teigen: I love donating in someone’s name. So if you have an opposing view on something, donating to a cause you love is a great option. They can't even be angry.
Legend: I love this. I wish we had a family member with whom we were at odds.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
