Entertaining with Charm: Hosting Tips from Eden Passante
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Recently on the podcast I talked with Eden Passante, the creator of the popular lifestyle and food blog Sugar and Charm. Eden builds her site around approachable entertaining—simple recipes, thoughtful tablescapes, seasonal décor, and party ideas that feel special without being stressful. Her new book, Entertaining with Charm, collects those ideas into an easy-to-use guide for planning gatherings that feel warm, intentional, and manageable.
In our conversation we cover practical tips for stress-free hosting, how to entertain on a budget, and ways to create a welcoming vibe no matter the occasion. Below are highlights from our exchange; listen to the full episode for the complete conversation.
How did you learn the art of entertaining?
Eden has loved celebrations and cooking since she was young. She started Sugar and Charm in 2010 initially as a wedding blog, then shifted focus after discovering a deeper interest in food, DIY, and seasonal entertaining. Her degree in home economics supported that transition, and over the years the blog grew into a full-time project and eventually a book.
Her approach treats entertaining as more than a menu: it’s about the feeling you create. Through practice she learned that small choices—lighting, music, fresh flowers, a thoughtful place setting—shape the whole experience. The goal is to make guests feel welcomed and relaxed, not to produce perfection.
As Eden puts it, “There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect host,’ but when you make guests feel special and comfortable, that’s what truly counts. Even if you’re serving takeout, if the vibe is right, your guests will feel cared for.”
Tell us more about your new book, Entertaining with Charm
Entertaining with Charm is intended as a practical, year-round handbook for hosts. Eden took time away from her blog to focus on the book, creating a resource filled with party plans, shopping guides, and straightforward recipes. It’s organized so hosts can quickly find ideas and checklists for everything from casual gatherings to holiday meals.
Budget-friendly entertaining is a major theme. Eden recommends investing in reusable basics like candles and simple linens that elevate a table without breaking the bank. She advises mixing splurge items with affordable finds, simplifying menus—serve appetizers or one signature cocktail rather than an elaborate multi-course meal—and shopping smart at value grocers to stretch your budget. The book includes guidance on how much food and drink to prepare so you reduce waste and cost.
“For me, entertaining is all about making people feel comfortable and special,” says Eden. “It’s not about elaborate meals or expensive details, but about creating an inviting atmosphere where guests feel at home.”
The book also focuses on preparation to minimize last-minute stress: set the table the day before, pre-batch cocktails, and handle as much food prep ahead of time as possible so you can enjoy the event alongside your guests.
Entertaining with Charm: A Modern Guide to Relaxed Gatherings, by Eden Passante (Weldon Owen, 2024).
Learn more
Listen to the full podcast episode to hear the complete conversation and examples from Eden. Explore her ideas on her site for recipes and styling photos, and follow her social accounts for ongoing inspiration and seasonal entertaining tips.
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