In episode 98 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren chats with Eden Passante of the beautiful and inspiring lifestyle and food blog, Sugar and Charm and her new book, Entertaining with Charm. Eden shares her secrets to stress-free entertaining, hosting on budget, creating a charming vibe, and more!
On the podcast, I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Eden Passante, the creator behind the wildly popular lifestyle and food blog Sugar and Charm. On her blog, Eden shares her passion for entertaining, offering tips and inspiration for adding charm to everything—from food and drinks to holidays, décor, and parties. In her new book, Entertaining with Charm, she shares her secrets for hosting easy, stress-free, and delightful gatherings throughout the year.
In this episode, we chat about the secrets to stress-free entertaining, hosting on a budget, creating a charming vibe, and more! Listen to the full episode or keep reading for some of the highlights from our conversation.
How did you learn the art of entertaining?
I’ve always loved celebrations, hosting, and cooking—it’s something I’ve been passionate about since childhood. When I started Sugar and Charm in 2010, it began as a wedding blog. After I realized it wasn’t for me, I took my degree in home economics and decided to explore what I could create with food, recipes, and DIY projects. Over time, my blog evolved into a full-time career, and I began sharing my passion for entertaining with a wider audience.
The art of entertaining goes beyond just the food—for me, it’s all about how you make people feel. Through trial and error, I learned that hosting is about creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re planning weddings, birthdays, or simple get-togethers, it’s the details that matter—lighting, music, flowers, and setting the right mood.
“There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect host,’” says Eden, “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 and have a great time.”
Tell us more about your new book, Entertaining with Charm
Entertaining with Charm is a complete guide to transforming your home and creating memorable gatherings. I poured my heart into this book, taking six months off from my blog to focus entirely on it. It’s designed to be a go-to resource that hosts can refer back to year-round, offering everything from detailed party plans and buying guides to easy, delicious recipes. Think of it as a little entertaining “bible,” helping you navigate whatever event you plan, no matter the size or occasion.
Planning can get expensive, but I share plenty of tips in the book to keep things affordable. I recommend investing in versatile basics, like candles and lighting, that can be reused for multiple events. Mix high-end items with budget-friendly finds, shop at places like Trader Joe’s or Aldi, and simplify the menu by serving just appetizers or a single signature drink instead of a 5-course meal. The book also includes a buying guide to help you plan exactly how much food and drink you’ll need, keeping both waste and cost to a minimum.
“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 offers tips on preparing ahead to avoid last-minute stress so you can enjoy your party with your guests. Whether it’s setting the table the day before or preparing batch cocktails in advance, the goal is to keep things simple and stress-free.
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