Elizabeth Taylor’s Thanksgiving traditions were nothing short of magical. While she dazzled the world on screen, the Hollywood icon cherished hosting intimate, laughter-filled Thanksgiving dinners at her Los Angeles home—complete with classic dishes, elaborate décor, and one surprisingly simple favorite food she insisted on every year.
Few stars in Hollywood history carry the same timeless glow as Elizabeth Taylor. Known around the world for her violet eyes, Oscar-winning performances, iconic beauty, and whirlwind romances, Taylor lived a life of glamour that today’s pop culture fans still celebrate. Her name remains in the spotlight thanks to everything from the resurgence of her best-selling perfume White Diamonds to Taylor Swift’s catchy track “Elizabeth Taylor,” which introduced younger generations to the National Velvet legend.
But beyond the diamonds, the designer gowns, and the film sets, Taylor had a softer side — one that loved warmth, family, and tradition. And nowhere was this side more beautifully seen than in her Thanksgiving celebrations, which her longtime private chef Neil Zevnik recently described as “some of the most joyful days in her home.”
Elizabeth Taylor’s Thanksgiving Table Unlike Any Hollywood Party
Although Taylor often hosted star-studded gatherings for memorials, parties, and Easter celebrations, Thanksgiving was different. It wasn’t about big Hollywood names. It wasn’t about cameras.
It was about family, kids, friends, food, laughter, and being together.
In a recent interview with People Neil Zevnik — who cooked for Taylor for nearly two decades — the actress hosted anywhere from 30 to 45 people for Thanksgiving every year. She didn’t live in a grand mansion, but rather a cozy 1960s ranch-style home in Los Angeles, which made seating everyone a fun challenge.
Still, Taylor insisted on one thing:
“Everyone must sit at one big table.”
To make her dream layout possible, a moving crew would clear all furniture from her living room and her “trophy room” (the space where she kept her countless awards). Then, Zevnik would arrange five large banquet tables into a single giant dining table that could seat more than 44 guests comfortably.
And because such a massive table needed something grand, Zevnik created stunning centerpieces every year — draped fabrics, fresh flowers from Mark’s Garden, candles, and charming decorations that transformed her home into a warm holiday wonderland.
What Was on Elizabeth Taylor’s Thanksgiving Menu?
Despite her Hollywood royalty status, Elizabeth Taylor wasn’t a fussy eater. She loved classic American Thanksgiving food, but with a little sparkle.
Her menu typically included:
- Roast Turkey
- Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Green Beans
- Vegetable platters
- Cranberry sauce
- Freshly baked bread and stuffing
But above everything else, Taylor had two absolute favorites — and they weren’t what people expect.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Favorite Thanksgiving Food Was… Turkey Wings
Yes, turkey wings.
While most guests preferred the white meat or drumsticks, Taylor loved the dark, tender wings. She loved them so much that her chef always cooked extra wings, just so she could enjoy them as leftovers.
And then there was her second must-have:
A rich, silky Thanksgiving gravy.
Zevnik prepared her gravy using a deeply reduced turkey stock, a slow-cooked roux, and plenty of pan drippings. It was thick, savory, flavorful — and, as he recalled with a laugh, absolutely essential to Taylor’s meal.
A Mix of Traditional and Creative Dishes
Although Taylor enjoyed classic flavors, she appreciated beautiful presentations and interesting twists. One year, Zevnik created a stunning vegetable display by arranging broccoli and cauliflower florets into a globe-shaped checkerboard pattern, drizzled with melted butter, orange zest, olive oil, and black pepper.
She loved it — not because it was fancy, but because it was delightful, colorful, and made with care.
Who Was Invited?
Thanksgiving at the Taylor home was mostly reserved for:
- Her children
- Her grandchildren
- Nephews, nieces, and their children
- Close personal friends
Unlike her elaborate Easter celebrations — where stars like Shirley MacLaine, Madonna, Carrie Fisher, Lauren Bacall, and Mary Steenburgen occasionally appeared — Thanksgiving remained an intimate, family-centered gathering.
The Other Holiday She Loved Just as Much
Though Thanksgiving was extremely special to Elizabeth Taylor, her chef revealed that her second favorite holiday was Easter, which she turned into an extravagant event for kids and families. Easter egg hunts, celebrity guests, and a vibrantly decorated garden made these gatherings unforgettable.
But even with famous guests dropping by on other occasions, Thanksgiving was always different — quieter, warmer, and deeply meaningful.
The Heart Behind the Hollywood Legend
Elizabeth Taylor’s life will forever be remembered for her beauty, her extraordinary film career, her marriages, and her philanthropic impact (especially in HIV/AIDS advocacy). But stories like these remind us of the real person behind the legend.
A woman who loved:
- family gathered around one table
- laughter filling her home
- beautiful centerpieces
- warm, comforting food
- and especially
turkey wings with a generous pour of gravy
Her Thanksgiving traditions were not glamorous in the Hollywood sense — they were glamorous in the human sense.
They were about love, connection, generosity, and warmth.
And in many ways, those moments reveal more about Elizabeth Taylor’s heart than any blockbuster film ever could.
Related : https://tinselisland.com/elizabeth-taylor-jewellery-collection/
