Meghan Markle Opens Up About Her Go-To Hosting Trick in Exclusive Chat with Sorority Friend.HL

Meghan Markle shared her personal approach to hosting guests during a livestream event for Godmothers Bookstore on Wednesday, October 23, where she joined author and lifestyle creator Courtney Adamo for an engaging conversation on creating joyful homes. The Duchess of Sussex, who resides in Montecito with her husband Prince Harry, revealed her secret to making guests feel instantly comfortable: greeting them “barefoot” with an “apron on.”

Meghan Markle and Courtney Adamo at Godmothers Bookstore.

“It demystifies,” Meghan explained, describing how this casual and welcoming approach allows guests to feel more at ease when they step into her home. She emphasized how this simple act of opening the door in such an unpretentious manner helps soften any initial tension. According to Meghan, guests are naturally drawn to the kitchen, and from there, the atmosphere becomes relaxed and inviting.

Meghan, 43, shared that instead of offering the typical cup of tea, she prefers to have something warm and comforting on the stove—whether it’s cider or a hot toddy—so that guests can help themselves. “I love people being able to serve themselves,” she said, noting that it adds to the feeling of ease and warmth in her home. To complete the ambiance, Meghan always ensures there’s music playing in the background, setting the tone for a laid-back, enjoyable gathering.

Meghan Markle, Courtney Adamo and Victoria Jackson at Godmothers Bookstore.

The livestream, titled “Compare Notes on Creating a Home That’s Filled With Joy,” took place at Godmothers, a bookstore in Summerland, California. It was moderated by the store’s co-founder, Victoria Jackson, and featured Courtney Adamo’s new book, The Family Home. Meghan and Adamo, who have been friends since their freshman year at Northwestern University, reminisced about their early days together, including a memorable spring break backpacking trip through France. Meghan fondly recalled their adventures, enjoying crepes along the way.

Prince Harry, Victoria Jackson, Meghan Markle and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh.

Now both mothers—Meghan to Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, and Adamo to five children between 8 and 20—the two women shared stories about their parenting experiences. They discussed the importance of allowing children to experience “boredom,” which Meghan believes sparks creativity, and the value of genuine connection through “deep belly laughing with your friends” rather than simply relying on emojis. The candid conversation touched on the challenges and joys of motherhood, offering a glimpse into the way both women strive to instill meaningful lessons in their homes.

At the end of the event, Meghan generously supplied bottles of her As Ever wine for guests, further cementing her personal touch in the gathering. The event also served as an opportunity to reflect on the values that shape both her and Adamo’s approach to family and creativity.

The name of Godmothers Bookstore was inspired by Meghan’s husband, Prince Harry. During his book party for Spare, he thanked Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, and Victoria Jackson, referring to them as his “fairy godmothers.” Oprah then suggested the name to the bookstore’s founders, a tribute to the supportive women in their lives. Meghan and Harry had attended the bookstore’s opening events in September 2024, showing their continued support for the community and creative endeavors.