Q: How do you approach being a host?
I like to give the illusion that it’s effortless for me.
Q: What are your hosting must-dos?
Credit:Jesse Tyler Ferguson
It’s all about ambience.
You have to have good lighting, candles in the bathroom, and fresh flowers.
I also need music; I like to have dinnertime jazz musicnothing too loud.
Q: What’s your favorite meal to cook for guests?
Ferguson has another tip to make dinners even easier.
You feel like royalty."
Q: What’s your favorite beverage to serve guests?
Then there’s a non-alcoholic version for people as well.
Q: Who is your cooking icon?
I also really love Rachael Ray; she makes everything look effortless.
We all love Martha and Ina, but they almost seem unattainable.
Q: What’s your cooking style?
I was raised in Albuquerque, so I lean towardsspicier foodsbecause that’s what I grew up eating.
I also love rustic cooking, something that feels like it hasn’t been fussed with too much.
I want it to look like someone actually made it.
Q: Do you plan to write another cookbook?
I do love the idea of getting my kids involved in the kitchen though.
Q: What’s your home design style?
I wish I had the design aesthetic ofNate Berkus, but I don’t.
I have too much clutter in my house and too much color, so I lean into that.
I’m always rearranging thingsnothing is ever done, nothing is ever in the exact right spot.
I love constantly evolving a space, adding lamps, and taking things away.
Q: Shoes on or off inside?
Q: Do you clean as you cook or when you’re done?
Clean as I cook.
Q: Do you rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher?
Depends on the day and how tired I am.
I aspire to rinse them off, but that’s usually not what happens.
Q: Coffee or tea?
Q: Fruit or chocolate desserts?
Q: Spicy or mild foods?
Q: Eat out or at home?
Q: Cooking or baking?
I’m better at cooking, but I’m being brave and getting into more baking.
