How Harry Hamlin’s Pasta Sauce Transformed Real Housewives Drama into a Holiday Gift That Gives Back

We interviewed Harry Hamlin because we think you'll like his picks. Some of the products featured are from Harry's brand Harry's Famous. E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more.

The holidays are all about indulgence, family, and giving back. Harry Hamlin is bringing all three together with his pasta sauce. What started as a cherished family recipe became an unexpected part of the drama on Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsin 2021, but now it’s a holiday gift with a deeper meaning.

With every jar of Harry’s Famous Sauce sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to hunger relief efforts, with over $80,000 raised so far. The sauce makes for the perfect holiday gift—delicious, meaningful, and sure to impress anyone on your list. 

In his holiday gift guide, Harry shares his trick for shopping for his wife Lisa Rinna after 30 years together, along with gift ideas inspired his daughters Delilah Belle Hamlin and Amelia Gray Hamlin.

From essential kitchen tools to thoughtful family gifts, Harry’s tips prove that the best presents are both practical and meaningful.

"Harry’s Famous Sauce is a true time-saver with gourmet flavor. It’s restaurant-quality in a jar—perfect for creating a delicious meal in minutes while reclaiming some much-needed holiday relaxation with the family!"

More from Harry: "The holidays are a whirlwind, and everyone’s looking for little ways to simplify meals."

E!: What was your reaction when you discovered your famous sauce became part of some Real Housewives drama, and how has your perspective shifted over the years, especially since it introduced the pasta sauce to so many fans?
HH: Honestly? It was baloney! I never expected the drama, but the Real Housewives brought a lot of attention to something my family has cherished for decades. So, I have nothing but gratitude. 

The real magic came when my niece Renee [Guilbault]—who’s a true heavyweight in the food and beverage world—took that buzz and helped me turn it into something with real impact. Together, we built The Open Food Company, focusing on good food, transparency, and giving back.

With Renee's leadership, we’re proud to be the first open-source food company, where you know exactly what’s in your food—and we’ve built a charitable mission into the heart of it. From TV drama to “doing right”? I’m incredibly grateful for the journey.

More Harry Hamlin Holiday Gift Ideas

E!: Are there any kitchen essentials or cooking tools under $30 that you would recommend as must-haves for holiday gifting?
HH: Absolutely! A mortar and pestle and a microplane for fine grating like for zesting or very fine grated cheese are my go-to tools. Whether you’re making sauce or zesting citrus, they elevate simple ingredients. Every home cook should have these in their kitchen arsenal.

This mortar and pestle set is a kitchen essential, perfect for grinding fresh spices, herbs, and garlic to enhance the flavor of your dishes, while its sturdy design ensures long-lasting durability.

Customer Ratings: 9,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews

This Microplane zester/grater is a must-have kitchen tool, perfect for effortlessly zesting citrus, grating cheese, or finely shredding garlic to elevate the flavor and presentation of your dishes.

Customer Ratings: 39,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews

Color Options: 29

E!: You’re going to a white elephant gift exchange and the limit is $25. What are you bringing?
HH: If we want to keep this in the culinary universe, I’d say a really good garlic press could be under $25.

"This garlic press is a kitchen must-have that quickly crushes cloves, making it an ideal gift for any home cook."

Customer Ratings: 18,500+ 5-star Amazon Reviews

Color Options: 10

E!: If you only had 2 days to get a gift, what are you ordering from Amazon?
HH: I’d definitely order Harry’s Famous Sauce to cook up a special meal for my family. It’s a must-have for adding that perfect, rich flavor everyone loves. And to make things easier in the kitchen, I’d grab a compact food processor from Amazon Prime. 

"It’s a lifesaver for chopping, mixing, and blending ingredients quickly, helping me whip up an incredible dish with Harry’s sauce as the star. Family dinner, sorted—and delicious!"

Customer Ratings: 20,300+ 5-star Amazon reviews

Color Options: 9

Lisa Rinna-Inspired Holiday Gift Ideas

E!: What’s a thoughtful gift under $50 that you believe your wife Lisa would adore receiving this holiday season?
HH: Aside from a great, heartfelt card, I'd definitely go for a custom fashion illustration mug for my wife, Lisa! 

"She's such a fashionista, and this would let her see her favorite outfit or style moment turned into a personalized sketch right on her morning coffee mug."

More from Harry: "It's chic, unique, and so her. She'd love having that little touch of runway glam to start her day, and it’s a fun way to celebrate her fabulous sense of style!"

E!: How do you approach gift-giving for Lisa after so many years together to ensure it remains fresh and heartfelt?
HH: I’ve discovered, after 30 years together, that it’s best to let Lisa get her own gifts! After all, there’s no way for me to get inside her head and she knows exactly what she wants! She writes a great card and then gets what she wants!

This lip kit, with coordinating liner, lipstick, and gloss, takes the guesswork out of getting ready and is a gift that’s unmistakably Lisa Rinna-approved for its effortless glam.

Celebrity Fans: Kenya Moore, Gizelle Bryant, Delilah Belle Hamlin, Lisa Rinna

E!: Lisa has candidly shared that cooking isn’t her strong suit. Is there a product you would recommend as a perfect gift for someone like Lisa who wants to cook but may not be an expert?
HH: That’s easy—my sauce! Even if you don’t love cooking, you can still love great food. It’s a shortcut to incredible flavor without the stress. Even Lisa thinks it’s simple!

E!: What’s a thoughtful gift that you think anyone would appreciate, regardless of their interests?
HH: I’m stealing this from Lisa. She says candles! 

"Something beautifully fragrant can transform any space, and it’s a gift people don’t often think to buy for themselves."

Lisa Rinna recommended this candle in her 2020 E! holiday gift guide.

Gifts for Delilah and Amelia Hamlin

"For Delilah, I’d totally pick a pair of vintage sunglasses! These trendy cat-eye or oversized sunglasses would be the perfect statement piece to match Delilah's love for all things vintage."

More from Harry: "She’s such a fashionista and absolutely loves rocking those retro styles."

Customer Ratings: 1,600+ 5-star Amazon reviews

Color Options: 8

"For Amelia, I’d totally go for a pair of SpongeBob SquarePants pajamas or some cozy, fun socks."

More from Harry: "She loves anything playful, and these are not only super cute but practical for her cozy nights in! The fun characters and bright colors reflect her bubbly personality, and honestly, she’d love lounging around in something that brings a smile to her face. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and joy!"

Size Range: XS to XXL

This four-pack of super-soft, fuzzy socks makes a cozy and cute gift everyone will love.

Customer Ratings: 4,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews

Color Options: 24

Harry Hamlin's Pasta Sauce

E!: The holidays are all about indulgence and great flavors. Do you have any tips for incorporating your pasta sauce into festive holiday meals or appetizers?
HH: This is the only red sauce you’ll ever need. Whether it’s lasagna, meatballs, baked ziti, or slow-cooked beef, Harry’s Famous Sauce adds a rich, flavorful touch to any dish. We’ve used it as a base for soups, pasta bakes, or even a quick, delicious sauté over rice. It brings bold flavor and turns simple meals into something special.
 
E!: Your Rosemary Red Wine Sauce supports meaningful causes, donating funds to hunger relief efforts. How important is it to you to give back through your business, and how do you hope this initiative will inspire others during the holiday season?
HH: Giving back has always been at the heart of what we do, we are seriously mission driven and that is at the heart of the brand. We’ve raised and donated $80,000 so far, and we’re just getting started. There’s so much joy in knowing you’re helping feed those in need, especially during the holidays. We hope it reminds people that even the smallest contribution can have a big impact.

Harry Hamlin Holiday Q&A

E!: What is your favorite part about celebrating the holidays?
HH: My favorite part about celebrating the holidays is the time spent together as a family, cherishing the simple moments that mean the most. It’s not about grand gestures or extravagant plans—it’s the warmth of being with the people you love, sharing laughs, and enjoying simple meals that take you back to special memories.

Whether it’s listening to Nat King Cole sing "The Christmas Song," which reminds me of my childhood, or just sitting around the table reminiscing, it’s the connection and those small, meaningful traditions that make the holidays truly magical. It’s about slowing down and appreciating the moments that matter most.

E!: What is your go-to stocking stuffer?
HH: I always find a small bag of coal for the stockings! Just to keep everyone honest!

These cheeky little bags of coal make for fun, humorous stocking stuffers that add a playful touch to any holiday gift exchange.

E!: Does your family have a yearly holiday tradition?
HH: Every year for Christmas, I make Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon, and yes, it takes two days—but my family absolutely loves it. There’s something special about putting in that time and effort for the people you care about. The holidays are such a wonderful time to come together, celebrate, and reflect on what matters most. I even shared the recipe and tradition on my AMC-produced cooking show In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin.  

For us, giving back is part of that. We've volunteered at the Los Angeles Mission on Christmas Eve for the last couple of decades, and it’s become a tradition that truly grounds us. It’s about being together, appreciating what we have, and sharing it with others.

If you want to check out Harry's beloved Boeuf Bourguignon for yourself, it's in this classic Julia Child cookbook.

E!: What’s your favorite gift that your wife Lisa has ever given you, and what makes it so special to you?
HH: In 1998, Lisa gave me our first daughter, Delilah. Then, 3 years later, almost to the day, she gave me our second, Amelia. These are, by far, the greatest gifts Lisa has ever given! 

As far as stuff goes, I'm much more of a card guy and a good heartfelt card is better than any trinket or thing. She always writes the best cards!

If you're still shopping, you'll love these viral beauty picks from Delilah Belle Hamlin.