Giada de Laurentiis Dishes on Everything You Need for the Perfect Fourth of July BBQ

Hear the celebrity chef dish on all things food and beauty

By Lindsey Sirera Jul 02, 2014 7:23 PMTags
Giada De LaurentiisFood Network

For anyone whose guilty pleasure is plopping down on the couch with a half pint of Ben & Jerry's and binge watching the Food Network, you know exactly who Giada de Laurentiis is. And when it comes to whipping up some mean party cuisine, the gorgeous Italian chef is our go-to gal.

The Emmy winner dished to E! News exclusively on everything you need to conjure up a drool-worthy Fourth of July menu. Plus, the Clariol Natural Instincts spokeswoman mixed in an added helping of beauty advice, because honestly, is there a hotter TV chef out there? We think not.

Bon appétit!

You're (hypothetically) hosting a Fourth of July bash—what essentials do you need to in your kitchen?
I've definitely got my grilling tools, because the Fourth of July for me is all about grilling. Then I always like to make some version of a pasta salad that can sit and can be served with any kind other meat or fish that I want to barbecue. I always have some kind of cocktail, and I usually make a version that's virgin and then one with alcohol for fun.

So what's your pick for an Independence Day cocktail/mocktail this year?
You know I love bellinis. So I purée different fruits like blueberries or peaches, and then I have a little bottle of Prosecco and let everybody make their own bellini. And for my daughter, I use the same puréed fruit and I add some sparkling water to make it fun and kind of effervescent for her.

What are three beauty must-haves in your purse right now?
It depends on the season, but I've always got some kind of lipstick. I've always got sort of an Evian facial mister to keep my skin hydrated because I travel a lot and my skin gets dry. And then I always have sunscreen in my bag, because I believe rain or sun I should always protect myself. My brother died 10 years ago of melanoma, so it's sort of a thing that's on my mind all the time.

Your hair is gorgeous. What shade of Clairol Natural Instincts hair color are you using right now?
I've gone through a few different shades, but right now the shade is Amber Shimmer.

What are the top three songs on your cooking playlist right now?
"A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay
"Lovely Day" by Bill Withers
"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars