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Every social circle has that one person who loves to entertain guests and another who feels less confident hosting at home. I was definitely the latter—until I had the chance to sit down with Bethenny Frankel, who shared her expert hosting advice and transformed how I view entertaining.
Bethenny Frankel, recently relocated to Florida, teamed up with Heluva Good! to launch a clever new summer entertaining product: a faux potted plant designed to discreetly store chips and dips during parties. This ingenious idea set the stage for our conversation about crafting the ideal hosting environment.
Bethenny emphasized that mastering three key elements—music, lighting, and a signature cocktail—is critical whether you’re hosting in a compact city apartment or a spacious garden. Setting the right atmosphere starts with these basics.
"Having a signature cocktail is great; pre-make it and serve with cute glasses and ice. Music is the most important, and lighting really sets the mood. Often overlooked, lighting can make a huge difference," she explained. Her final tip: "The host needs to be relaxed and happy because happiness is contagious. If the host feels good, guests will too."
These insights highlight how the ambiance plays a major role in the guest experience, making even small spaces feel inviting and stylish. For inspiration on garden entertainment setups, Homes & Gardens offers creative ideas for outdoor hosting.
To complement her advice, I explored some of Bethenny’s favorite hosting accessories that blend style and practicality:
Art Deco Martini Glasses: These multi-colored vintage glasses add a vibrant and classy touch to any table setting. Their elegant, playful design makes them statement pieces whether indoors or out. Available on Amazon starting at $69.95.
Sunday Table Napkins by Lulu and Georgia: Featuring mint-colored cabana stripes and frilled edges, these handwoven napkins are perfect for adding a playful yet chic touch. They can be coordinated with placemats and cocktail napkins for a fully styled tablescape. Currently available with discounts.
Bethenny also highlighted some common hosting mistakes to avoid. Most notably, trying to over-control guests’ behavior disrupts the natural flow of the event. "It’s a mistake to dictate where guests need to be or who they sit next to. Life is already so controlled; guests want to relax without rules." She advised careful planning of your space to accommodate natural guest movement, especially if you tend to want control during events.
For example, if you dislike guests in the kitchen, don’t invite them in, but expect that people will gather where the food is. Understanding traffic patterns and anticipating guest behavior helps hosts stay relaxed and prepared.
While spontaneous hosting has its charm, Bethenny recommends some forward-thinking to ease stress. Even a rough mental plan made the night before can make a big difference.
"I want people to be excited about entertaining and to get creative. People are being more intentional about what they eat and serve, especially in summer," she said. "Planning ahead means you won’t be standing in the supermarket clueless. Take a couple of moments in bed the night before to think about your menu or set-up so the day runs smoothly."
For more ideas on holiday and seasonal hosting, Homes & Gardens offers practical tips.
Bethenny uses Heluva Good! dips when entertaining because of their vibrant flavors and convenience, which make hosting fuss-free while impressing guests. The brand offers quick recipes and easy cleanup—the perfect starting point for inspiration.
Heluva Good! is currently running a sweepstakes offering the stylish faux potted plant to hide dips, giving consumers a fun way to upgrade casual gatherings. This smart product embodies the blend of practicality and flair Bethenny champions.
This interview with Bethenny Frankel transformed my view of hosting from chaotic to enjoyable. Her practical tips on atmosphere, planning, and letting go of control offer a blueprint anyone can follow to become a confident and creative host this summer.
Here’s to embracing the joy of being both guest and host, armed with stylish accessories, a signature cocktail, and the good vibes that come with being relaxed and prepared.
For fans wanting to hear more from Bethenny, her podcast Just B with Bethenny Frankel offers candid conversations about life, business, and relationships, helping listeners feel inspired and connected.
This guide to hosting draws from an interview with Bethenny Frankel and curated product selections to help you create memorable and stress-free gatherings filled with warmth and style.