Andy Cohen Just Revealed His Top Three Tips for Holiday Hosting

Key Points

• Andy Cohen emphasizes lighting, music, and guest lists as key to hosting memorable holiday events.

• Cohen balances a busy schedule with simple takeout favorites like grilled salmon or comforting Chinese food.

• Bravo’s “Scandoval” reunion was marked by intense emotions, making it a standout moment for Cohen.

If the Bravo Universe has a North Star, it’s Andy Cohen. The Watch What Happens Live host, executive producer and the center of the Housewives dynasty has always been the face of the network, but his influence reaches far past the borders of Bravo.

Whether he’s ringing in the new year on screen alongside Anderson Cooper or teaming up with Svedka ahead of their upcoming Super Bowl ad contest, Cohen has a busy schedule. Thankfully, he still had time to sit down with me and talk about his favorite hosting tips, takeout order and some of Bravo’s biggest moments—all in one exclusive interview.

If you’re hosting, whether that’s a Super Bowl party or for the holidays, what are you putting on your table?

Well, it depends what the event is. If I’m having a holiday party, then it’s going to be after 9 and it’s just going to be nibbly things and holiday cookies and tons of great alcohol—[like] Svedka vodka water. If it’s Thanksgiving, then I’m going to have a full meal and full spread.

And I will tell you that at all of these events, the lighting’s going to be right, the music’s going to be right and the guest list is going to be right, because those to me are three super important things.

Speaking of parties, is there any insight that you can give us on this year’s New Year’s celebration with you and Anderson Cooper?

I think it’s going to be the most fun ever. It’s our tenth year, and we’re really excited. We’ve already started planning, and I think it’s going to—my plan is to get Anderson lit up and laughing.

Say you’ve had a super busy day, are you cooking a quick meal at the end of the night, or are you veering towards ordering takeout?

I am ordering takeout, Lily.

What is your go-to order?

You know, it really depends. There’s a gourmet kitchen nearby where I’ll get grilled salmon and vegetables, which is very boring. If I really am feeling ravenous and I need comfort food, I will get Chinese food.

How long does it take you to prepare for a reunion? And is there any franchise you especially look forward to doing a reunion for?

Usually New York and Atlanta have been historically really fun, and really, I’m preparing from the moment that we start filming whatever the season is because I’m hearing about what we’re filming and then I’m watching cuts, then they’re all coming through Watch What Happens Live, so I’m kind of living in it.

What was the crazier reunion to film: Scandoval or the recent Summer House scandal?

I think it was—well, Scandoval. They were both [crazy], but Scandoval.

There was so much emotion. There was a lot of emotion and there was so much anger in the room. [Summer House] was a betrayal, but people were less bloodthirsty as they were at the Vanderpump Rules reunion.

What is your favorite Housewives franchise?

Oh my God, I couldn’t have that. I’m like, that’s like asking my favorite child.

You’ve filmed so many Watch What Happens Live episodes. Do you have a guest that you haven’t had yet that you would absolutely love to have?

Oh wow, Harry Styles.

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