When it comes to hosting, Princess Kate's family are the pros. The Middleton clan used to run a party supplies business, and Pippa Middleton (now Matthews) even wrote a book on the subject, Celebrate: A Year of British Festivities for Families and Friends.
However, it seems that Meghan Markle is coming for the party planning crown, with her lifestyle brand As Ever taking to Instagram to share the Duchess' best tips for hosting.
Alongside a photo of Meghan looking as elegant as ever (pun intended), they share the mother-of-two's 'hosting note', writing: "Have as much prepped as possible before guests arrive, then save one simple task for the end. Something you can finish in the kitchen while everyone settles in. A little preparation goes a long way toward making hosting feel effortless."
While Meghan's tip might seem a little obvious to some, if you're new to hosting, simple advice never goes amiss – and it seems to be the approach Pippa went for when she wrote her 2012 book, too, sharing titbits such as: "Remove any precious breakables and put excess furniture upstairs. Have a system of where coats should go and get children to remove their shoes. Invite other parents to stay for a cup of tea or even a glass of Prosecco. Never let the party go on for more than two hours and roll out the party bags when it's home time."
Pippa did acknowledge the criticism of her book, writing a column in The Spectator about the feedback she received. "Lots of journalists are saying that my advice is glaringly obvious," she noted.
© Getty ImagesThis was a criticism Meghan was hit with when her TV show, With Love, Meghan, launched on Netflix. The two series of the show followed Meghan as she invited celebrity friends into her home and talked them through creating bath salts for house guests and swirling spaghetti for prettier presentation.
© JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIXMeghan Markle's next move
Meghan's new 'hosting note' suggests a new arm of her lifestyle business – as the holiday season draws near, we suspect she'll be dropping weekly hosting notes on social media, creating a franchise of her helpful advice.
What the Duchess will be getting up to now she's back on UK shores is the question on everyone's lips. While Prince Harry has thrown himself back into public appearances, chatting exclusively to HELLO! at several of his events, Meghan has been laying low, rather than attending with her husband.
It was reported (and then denied) that she was set to return to acting, starring in the Netflix show The Gentleman, but As Ever seems to be keeping her busy, with new launches landing every few weeks. We'll keep our eyes peeled for what's to come next…
