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Home Entertaining Tricks: Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow and More Stars Share Their Holiday Hosting Tips

Entertainment

Dec 11, 2024 2:05 pm·

By Kayla Aldecoa

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Home Entertaining Tricks: Stars Share Their Holiday Hosting Tips

Meghan Markle: Accept Help in the Kitchen

To entertain on a budget, Meghan Markle recommends getting everyone involved — and keeping the serving simple. “Have each of your friends bring a dish or cook together in the kitchen,” the Duchess of Sussex, 43, has said. “If you do not have a proper setup, use your dining room table or kitchen counter as a buffet.”

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Jessica Alba: Have a DIY Bar

Cheers to Jessica Alba! The Sin City star, 43, offers revelers the chance to craft their own drinks amid the holiday fun. “I like to have a dedicated area for the bar,” the actress spills of her hosting tip, noting that she sets out various herbs and garnishes alongside mixers and alcohol. “Kind of like a DIY cocktail bar. Give guests the base and they can add their own twist. It’s not terribly expensive.”

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Joanna Gaines: Create a Cozy Space

Joanna Gaines is all about setting the mood during winter season. “Even if it’s 70 degrees in Waco, Texas, I ask [my husband] Chip to light the fireplace for that cozy ambience,” she dishes. The Magnolia Table author, 46, notes that it doesn’t take much to give a room a comfy, inviting vibe ahead of get-togethers. “I bring out the chunkier blankets and more textured fabric pillows in prints like plaid to really warm up a home,” she’s shared. “Just simple shifts in color and texture make all the difference.”

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Gwyneth Paltrow: Keep the Convo Flowing

Festive parties at Gwyneth Paltrow’s place never have awkward lulls in conversation. To ensure guests always have something to talk about, the Goop founder, 52, says she puts out “thought-provoking conversation cards to encourage people to dip below the surface.” “If it’s a small group, I love a prompt that starts a single-thread conversation with the whole table,” Gwyneth’s told W magazine. “But I find this method of conversation-starting to be helpful for cocktail parties as well.”

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Ree Drummond: Purchase Hard-to-Cook Items

Not everything needs to be homemade for the holidays. “Buy dinner rolls!” advises Purchase Hard-to-Cook Items, aka the Pioneer Woman. “Making dough from scratch and timing the rising and baking can add a whole layer of complication.” The 55-year-old star also suggests preparing items early: “I’ve made mashed potatoes days before Christmas.”

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