6 days ago
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Eric McMaster for Diamond Crystal Salt
We interviewed Lindsay Arnold because we think you'll like her picks. Lindsay is a paid spokesperson for Diamond Crystal Salt. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more.
The holidays can often feel like a whirlwind of planning, cooking, and coordinating. In an interview previously published on November 24, 2024, Dancing With the Stars alum Lindsay Arnold showed us how to host with ease for Thanksgiving and Christmas. With a few must-have tips, Lindsay’s approach to holiday gatherings emphasizes simplicity and joy over perfection.
Whether you're crafting the perfect meal or creating a cozy atmosphere for family and friends, Lindsay’s advice will help you enjoy every moment without the stress. From mastering the art of seasoning to smart prep strategies and affordable decor, Lindsay’s guide ensures that your holiday hosting experience is as fun and memorable as the festivities themselves.
Plus, she shares which of her Dancing With the Stars partners she would count on to help her host this holiday season.
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt Flakes
"Salt is the most important ingredient in every dish, especially heading into the holidays. It’s been amazing to taste the difference with Diamond Crystal salt."
E!: Tell me about your partnership with Diamond Crystal Salt.
LA: Honestly, I was skeptical at first. I thought, how could salts not taste the same? It’s just salt. But it’s been so cool to experience how different and incredible the taste is with Diamond Crystal. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s an absolute game-changer. One of my biggest cooking hacks is knowing that salt can completely make or break a dish.
E!: Do you have a go-to holiday recipe that you make with Diamond Crystal Salt?
LA: Stuffing is one of those dishes where the salt you use—and how much you use—can truly make or break it. My mom makes the most incredible stuffing, and I’ve since learned her recipe and make it myself now.
E!: How has this salt enhanced an already amazing family recipe?
LA: With stuffing, the specific salt and how you use it are so important. I love the control you get with Diamond Crystal salt—you can pick it up with your hands, evenly distribute the flakes, or crush them right onto the dish. It’s amazing because salt can absolutely make or break a recipe.
Eric McMaster for Diamond Crystal Salt
E!: Are there any tools that make meal prep easier and help you save time?
LA: I’m all about efficiency, especially when it comes to cooking. For me, that means using tools that make life easier, like a Crock-Pot for meals I can set in the morning and forget about, or my Instant Pot and air fryer for quick, nutritious meals that don’t take all day to prepare.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
Prepare delicious meals with minimal effort using this 7-quart slow cooker, perfect for cooking large portions with ease and convenience.
Customer Ratings: 27,300+ 5-star Amazon reviews
More Celebrity Fans: Hannah Ann Sluss
Lindsay's Hacks: "One of my go-to strategies is planning meals at the start of the week. I’ll map out what I want to make, do one big grocery run, and get everything I need in one trip. That way, I’m not stuck wondering what to cook or making daily trips to the store. It’s such a time-saver and makes meal prep so much smoother."
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Cook meals faster and more efficiently with this versatile 6-quart multi-use pressure cooker, designed to simplify your kitchen tasks and save you time.
Customer Ratings: 84,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews
Gourmia Air Fryer
Prepare delicious meals with ease using this 8-quart air fryer, featuring 12 one-touch functions and guided cooking for hassle-free results.
E!: If I were coming to your house, what kind of host gift would you suggest?
LA: Especially around the holidays, I’m all about the little things that make a home feel cozy. I know it’s basic, but I really love a good candle—it just sets the perfect mood. I always love a good Le Labo candle or Diptyque—those are kind of my go-tos.
Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle
"I love the Santal by Le Labo. It’s such a good scent, and I feel like it definitely works year-round, like you can use it at any time."
Diptyque Friandise (Sweet Treat) Scented Candle
"I’m also a sucker for just a classic gingerbread cookie scent or something that makes you feel like Christmas is here."
ChefSofi Charcuterie Cheese Board and Platter Set
"When it comes to cooking and hosting, I’ve become a big fan of charcuterie boards. It’s funny because I didn’t always care about this stuff, but now I love gifting them to my friends."
Customer Ratings: 7,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews
More from Lindsay: "When I first started hosting and cooking, I focused on just making food that tasted good. Now, I’ve gotten into the presentation side of things, and I really enjoy making it feel special. That’s the fun part for me now!"
E!: Are there any inexpensive options for decor, favors, or snacks that are budget-friendly and still a crowd-pleaser?
LA: For the past couple of years, I’ve started going to Trader Joe’s and picking up a seasonal candle or one of their seasonal desserts to use as a little favor for my guests. I like doing some kind of treat because it’s something I would enjoy, and I think it feels thoughtful.
Trader Joe's Cedar Balsam Scented Candle Pack of 2
Fill your home with the cozy, refreshing scent of this balsam candle, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere during the holiday season.
E!: You may not think ______ is a hosting essential, but it is because _______.
LA: I think people don’t always consider music a hosting essential, but it absolutely is because it sets the tone for the room. It takes away any awkwardness—though, with my family, it’s never awkward! But if you’re hosting a bigger group, friends, or people who don’t know each other well, music instantly relaxes everyone and creates a more comfortable vibe.
Sonos Roam 2 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
"We have the Sonos speakers in every room. I think those are the best. If you’re at home, it’s the best and so seamless to connect everything together."
More from Lindsay: "Lately, I’ve been thinking about the importance of curating a good Spotify playlist and having it play in the background throughout the event. It really helps set the mood and tone for the whole gathering."
Color Options: 2
More Celebrity Fans: Nina Dobrev, Melissa Gorga
Eric McMaster for Diamond Crystal Salt
E!: Are there any games or presents that you can all enjoy with the kids during the holidays?
LA: As for games, our kids are still a bit young to stick with traditional ones. For us, "game time" usually means a dance party in the living room, with music on, costumes out, and everyone putting on a show. That’s just where we’re at in this stage of life, and it’s so much fun.
We love doing Secret Santa in my family. We all draw names and pick out gifts for each other, and it’s so much fun. The babies are now old enough that we can even assign them people to shop for, so my little ones will have one of their cousins. It’s such a blast.
E!: If you had to pick someone from Dancing With the Stars to host your holiday party, who would it be? Let's exclude Rylee Arnold since she already has the insights on how to throw an Arnold family gathering.
LA: Fun question. I’m going to choose one of my partners. I would choose Matt James. He's the best, and I'm choosing him because he's a foodie, and I’m all about food. I’m always thinking about what's on the menu. I know he’d get that right.
Now, I’m not sure how great he’d be with decor, but if Rachael [Kirkconnell] was there, that would be perfect. Rachael could take care of the decor and make everything look cute, and Matt would make sure the food was on point. So, that’s my answer right there.
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