Meghan Markle gets candid about her hearty hosting style at Montecito home

Meghan Markle sat with Courtney Adamo, author and lifestyle creator, for a Godmothers Bookstore livestream.

The Duchess of Sussex opened up about her warm and laid-back approach to hosting at home.

Revealing how she creates a relaxed atmosphere at her Montecito residence with Prince Harry, Meghan revealed that she greets guests “barefoot” and wearing an “apron.”

“It demystifies,” she explained. “People walk in and go, ‘Oh, she’s in this with me.’ And what are they drawn to? Your kitchen. They come right in, and suddenly everyone’s a little bit softened.”

Instead of traditional tea service, Meghan, 43, prefers to have something cozy 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. “I always have music on in the background.”

The event, titled Compare Notes on Creating a Home That’s Filled With Joy, was held at Godmothers Bookstore in Summerland, California, and moderated by co-founder Victoria Jackson.

It spotlighted Adamo’s new book, The Family Home. Meghan revealed that she and Adamo first met as freshmen and sorority sisters at Northwestern University, recalling their spring break in France where they “backpacked” and enjoyed “crepes.”

Now both mothers, Meghan — mom to Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4 — and Adamo, who has five children between 8 and 20, discussed parenting, creativity, and “the value of boredom” for kids’ imagination.

Meghan also shared about the joy of “deep belly laughing with your friends” instead of simply sending a “laughing emoji.” Guests later received bottles of her As ever wine.

The bookstore’s name was inspired by Prince Harry, who once referred to Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, and Victoria Jackson as his “fairy godmothers.” Meghan and Harry also attended the store’s opening in September 2024.