Jeannie Jacobs, MD, founder of Just Jeannie, shows and inspires people to elevate the everyday experiences through food, fragrance, hosting, and intentional living in a non-overwhelming way.
“I teach families how to create meaningful moments that feel luxurious but still approachable,” said Dr. Jacobs.
Dr. Jacobs also created Pivotal Moments Home Fragrance, and penned “Welcome To My Table.” After years of caring for women in medicine, the former OB/GYN felt called to create a life filled with joy, creativity, and intention.
“I wanted to build something that aligned with who I was becoming—a lifestyle brand rooted in authenticity, clarity, and meaningful connection. I stepped into this new chapter on my own terms, creating Just Jeannie and Pivotal Moments,” said Dr. Jacobs.
Cooking has always been Dr. Jacobs’ love language. She discovered early on that food brings people together in a way nothing else can. Over time, friends and family turned to Dr. Jacobs for recipes, hosting tips, and making gatherings feel special. Writing a cookbook became a natural next step in her life. It became a way to share the warmth, ease, and intention behind the meals she makes for her own family. Dr. Jacobs wrote “Welcome To My Table” with real schedules, real budgets, and real families in mind.
“The recipes are comforting, elevated, and accessible. And the home-living tips are designed to make hosting feel doable, intentional, and joyful rather than stressful,” Dr. Jacobs said.
Dr. Jacobs was reared in a home where the kitchen was the heartbeat of life. Her mother, grandmothers, and aunts taught her how to cook.
“I loved being the sous-chef—mixing, tasting, and learning. My first ‘official’ job was making the cornbread dressing for Thanksgiving, and I still make it the same way today. By the time I was six years old, I could clean, season, truss, and roast the turkey for our holiday meals. No supervision needed. Those moments shaped my relationship with food and taught me how deeply cooking connects one generation to the next.”
Dr. Jacobs learned that hosting is less about impressing people and more about making them feel welcome. Holidays are when people want to feel connected—to each other, to tradition, to something comforting. She stated that when you open your home, even in the simplest ways, you create a space where people feel seen and loved.
Additionally, Thanksgiving is about comfort. However, adding a touch of elegance makes the day feel special, according to Dr. Jacobs.
“You can do this in simple, affordable ways, like lighting a clean-burning candle, adding greenery from your yard, or using napkins you already have in a creative way. Warmth comes from your energy; elegance comes from your intention. Both can be beautifully achieved on any budget,” she added.
Dr. Jacobs further explained that intentional hospitality creates experiences with thought and purpose rather than pressure and perfection. It is thinking about how you want people to feel relaxed, welcomed, and inspired, and letting that desire guide your choices.
“A beautiful moment doesn’t require extravagance; it just requires intention.”
One of Dr. Jacobs’ favorite ways to bring families closer is by spending meaningful time together by cooking around the holiday.
”It naturally slows everyone down,” said Dr. Jacobs. “Kids get to help, elders pass down traditions, and the kitchen becomes a place filled with conversation and laughter. It’s one of the easiest ways to create memories that outlast the meal.”
Make Thanksgiving truly affordable this year by choosing cuts of meat more wisely.
“A whole turkey can be expensive, and often more than many families actually need. A turkey breast, thighs, or a mix of wings and legs are usually cheaper per pound and cook faster. You can even opt for roasted chicken or ham, depending on sales that week,” Dr. Jacobs recommended.
Another option to keep expenses down is to host a “Potluck with Purpose.”
“Divide dishes by category—sides, desserts, breads—so everyone brings something intentional. This keeps the menu cohesive while sharing the cost across the entire family. It feels communal, purposeful, and aligned with the heart of the holiday,” Dr. Jacobs said.
Lastly, intentionally plan a second round of meals using leftovers to stretch your grocery budget and eliminate the guilt of food waste.
Learn more about “Welcome To My Table” via https://justjeanniejacobs.com/#shop, and
Dr. Jacobs by visiting www.justjeanniejacobs.com.