Gaines says her ideal holiday is simple — a big family pitching in while she focuses on feeding and hosting. She leans into seasonal dishes like a mixed greens salad with strawberries and candied walnuts or a citrus-mint salad, served family-style in heirloom bowls.
For dessert she favors the French Silk Pie from her cookbook, presented in a scalloped pie dish to lift the look without extra fuss. A prominent cake stand filled with treats also doubles as a warm welcome on the table.