The sign Prince Harry and Meghan will choose friends over family this Christmas

• Prince Harry and Meghan are likely to choose friends over family this Christmas.
• The Sussexes Christmas plans were teased after Meghan unveiled her top festive tips.
• In other royal news, former royal butler claims the Queen “only eats tiny Christmas dinners and loves washing up in marigolds”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to opt for a low-key Christmas with friends this year, after the Duchess of Sussexes gave a clue in her latest festive tips.

Meghan, 39, who is mum to Archie, one, with husband Prince Harry, is adjusting to new life in Santa Barbara - where they are expected to spend their first Christmas in the states since they quit the UK and royal family.

And while many were wondering who would be in the Queen's royal Christmas bubble, thoughts have turned to Prince Harry and Meghan and how they are expected to celebrate.

READ MORE: Prince Charles’ heartbreaking regret over Prince Harry and baby Archie

As the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic might alter their plans this year, Meghan has revealed how she would normally spend the festive season.

Speaking to Grazia before the health crisis hit, the Duchess provided readers with festive tips relating to food, decorations, and interior design.

Meghan recommended breaking with tradition and spending at least some of the festive season with friends instead of family.

She said: “Have each of your friends bring a dish or cook together in the kitchen.

“If you do not have a proper set-up, use your dining room table or kitchen counter as a buffet.”

READ MORE: Concern for Prince Philip as he is missing from new Royal Family photo

Who could Prince Harry and Meghan spend Christmas with?

So, is a small friend gathering something she's keen to try this year, should restrictions allow it?

The pair are away from Harry's family, who are all in the UK, and Meghan, whose relationship with her dad Thomas Markle is still strained, so could she be looking to share the festivities with her friends like Amal Clooney, Gayle King and her longtime tennis pro pal Serena Williams rather than just with her mother Doria?

Meghan appears to know what works when it comes to being a festive hostess as she also provided advice on how to create a Christmas centrepiece “table-scape” for any celebrations.

Her advice is to “keep it simple and crisp”, suggesting an all-white tablecloth and napkin set.

She adds: “All-white flowers placed in the low vases are the perfect centrepiece.”

Plus certain bar and cocktail essentials such as Moscow mule mugs or mint julep cups can be turned into “low vases” for tabletop decorations.

The former actress added the suggestion of filling them with “savoury herbs or all-white florals”.

The Duchess also said silver serving trays for platters can be bought “from flea markets or Etsy to add formality to hors d’ouevres passing.”