Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show is undeniably captivating. Sure, her Montecito life is wildly aspirational, much like Martha Stewart’s was in the ’90s. At times, you almost wonder if she’s serious—like when she’s casually teaching us how to harvest honey in the first episode. But here’s the thing: if you take the show for what it is—a wealthy, highly creative woman sharing her take on home life—it’s actually kind of brilliant.

After binge-watching the entire season in one weekend (purely for research purposes, of course), we walked away surprisingly inspired. Here are five lessons we’re taking from Meghan’s world—and how they apply to real life.

1. Be Playful and Do Things with Joy

The most remarkable thing about Meghan isn’t the beautifully curated tablescapes or the seemingly endless supply of locally sourced honey—it’s how much joy she brings to everything. She’s delighted by smells, sounds, colors, and all the small details that make up a moment. Watching her get genuinely excited over fresh bread or the way tea brews in the afternoon light is a reminder: delight is contagious.

How does this apply to home life? It’s easy to see everything as just another chore, especially when managing a household. But what if we infused small tasks with more joy? Play music while you cook. Savor the smell of fresh laundry. Make a game out of tidying up with your kids or partner. Joy isn’t reserved for special occasions—it can (and should) be part of the everyday.

2. Lean Into Color

Pops of fresh and dried flowers. Rainbow fruit platters. Vibrant, mismatched dinnerware. Meghan’s show is a masterclass in using color to create an inviting space. Things don’t look overly curated or matchy-matchy, but rather layered and full of life, with a natural flow that feels inviting and warm.

The takeaway? Don’t be afraid to experiment with color in your home. Maybe that means adding fresh flowers to your kitchen counter or swapping out neutral dish towels for something bright and patterned. Color has a huge impact on mood, and incorporating it into your daily surroundings can make home life feel more dynamic and uplifting.

3. Make in Community and Learn from Each Other

One of the most charming aspects of the show is how Meghan puts her guests to work—but in a thoughtful and intentional way. Much of the food prep is done beforehand, and the fun parts are saved for when everyone is together. Kneading dough, assembling dishes, or decorating with herbs—it’s communal, not overwhelming.

This is such a refreshing way to think about hosting. So often, we feel the need to have everything done before guests arrive, treating them like customers rather than co-creators of the experience. But what if, instead, we planned a simple activity to do together? It could be making candles, arranging flowers, or rolling out homemade pasta. There’s something powerful about creating side by side—it deepens connections and makes the experience more memorable.

4. Use Things From Your Area

Okay, so we can’t all have fruit trees and beehives in our backyard. But one of the things Meghan’s show does beautifully is incorporate ingredients and materials that grow abundantly in their region. From California citrus to locally sourced honey, everything feels rooted in place.

You don’t need to live in Montecito to embrace this mindset. Maybe it’s buying produce from your local farmer’s market, using fresh herbs from your windowsill garden, or simply being more mindful of what’s in season. When we bring more of our surroundings into our home life, things feel more intentional and connected.

5. Make It Personal

With every guest that came over, Meghan incorporated personal touches—things she remembered they liked, small details that made them feel seen. This is such a simple but impactful way to elevate any gathering.

Next time you’re hosting, consider what small gesture could make someone feel special. Maybe it’s playing their favorite music, making a dish that reminds them of home, or even setting out a cozy blanket because you know they always get cold. As Meghan says: love is in the details.

Meghan’s show might be aspirational, but the lessons are completely doable. Infuse more joy into your daily life. Embrace color. Create in community. Use what’s around you. Make it personal.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a weeknight dinner for your family, these small shifts can make home life feel richer, more connected, and full of warmth.

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