Meghan Markle Reveals Her Secret Hosting Tip in Candid Chat with College Sorority Pal—’It Demystifies’ the Art of Entertaining.HL

Meghan Markle recently participated in a heartfelt livestream for Godmothers Bookstore on Wednesday, Oct. 23, where she shared her secrets to creating a warm, welcoming environment for guests at her Montecito home. During a conversation with author and lifestyle creator Courtney Adamo, Meghan revealed that her approach to entertaining begins with simplicity and comfort. Her trick to making guests feel instantly at ease? Opening the door “barefoot” and “with an apron on,” a gesture that she says helps demystify the experience. “People walk in and go, ‘Oh, she’s in this with me,’” Meghan explained. “What are they drawn to? Your kitchen. They come right in, and suddenly everyone’s a little bit softened.”

Meghan Markle and Courtney Adamo at Godmothers Bookstore.

Rather than the traditional offering of tea, Meghan shared that she prefers to have something a little more comforting on hand, such as cider or a hot toddy simmering on the stove. “I love people being able to serve themselves, and having things on the stove that everyone can help themselves to,” she said. Additionally, Meghan mentioned that she always has music playing in the background, helping to create a relaxed atmosphere where people can feel free to connect.

The event, titled “Compare Notes on Creating a Home That’s Filled With Joy,” was held at the Godmothers Bookstore in Summerland, California, and was moderated by the store’s co-founder, Victoria Jackson. It also highlighted 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 college days, recalling the time they backpacked through France together during spring break and indulged in crepes along the way.

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

As mothers, Meghan — who has two children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4 — and Adamo, who has five children ranging in age from 8 to 20, discussed their parenting philosophies. The two women reflected on the importance of nurturing creativity in children, including fostering “the value of boredom” to encourage imagination. Meghan also emphasized the need for “deep belly laughing with your friends” instead of relying on digital expressions like the ubiquitous laughing emoji.

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

After the livestream, Meghan surprised the attendees by gifting bottles of her As Ever wine, further adding a personal touch to the event. The connection between Meghan and the bookstore runs deep. The name “Godmothers Bookstore” was inspired by Prince Harry’s heartfelt tribute to his supporters at the launch of his memoir, Spare. In his speech, Harry referred to Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, and Victoria Jackson as his “fairy godmothers.” Oprah, in turn, suggested the name to the bookstore’s founders, cementing a full-circle moment for Meghan and Harry’s personal involvement.

The couple attended the bookstore’s opening events in September 2024, marking their continued support for the bookstore and its mission. Meghan’s recent livestream was yet another way for her to share her personal values — from her parenting insights to her approach to hospitality — with the public in a way that resonates deeply with her audience.