Martha Stewart reveals biggest entertaining mistake and unveils Paperless Post collaboration

Martha Stewart says the biggest entertaining mistake is not being organized, and she has guidance for hosts ahead of the holiday season. In remarks shared with Page Six Style, the 84-year-old businesswoman explained that pre-organization helps with both cooking and hosting.

Not being organized. Pre-organization really does help a lot to get you in the mood and it also helps you a lot with cooking so you don’t leave things out and forget ingredients. I’m a list-maker, a memo-writer, I do all of that. When I’m just ambling around, I’m dictating into my phone, making sure I get everything in order. I do it for my garden, I do it for my home, I do it for my laundry, I do it for my wardrobe.

Stewart also announced a collaboration with Paperless Post, expanding her robust entertaining archive into a modern set of digital invitations. The collection comprises 46 digital invitations, stamps, liners and envelopes inspired by the icon’s archive and cheeky wit. Paperless Post designs are elegant, thoughtful and beautifully executed, just like a well-set table, Stewart said. For a garden-party invite, the copy jokes that “a little green never hurt anyone,” while a dinner gathering’s invitation promises “scandalous conversation.”

Stewart, who remains a constant presence in culture and entertainment coverage, is no stranger to turning everyday gatherings into events. She noted that her partnership with Paperless Post reflects a continued effort to translate her entertaining philosophy into practical tools for hosts and guests alike.

I hope every host feels confident and happy to open their homes. For guests, I would like them to feel welcome and eager to join in on the party, she told Page Six Style. The collaboration aligns with her philosophy that entertaining should feel thoughtful, generous and approachable, not intimidating.

The collaboration’s design language draws on Stewart’s archive of past parties and her signature wit. She emphasized the importance of details—seasonal centerpieces, personalized place cards and a thoughtfully set table—to create a welcoming atmosphere. The tip sheet she shared with the outlet underscores that a well-prepared host is a relaxed host, particularly during fall and winter entertaining when schedules tighten and guests may expect a warm, organized home.

For hosts, Stewart encourages preparation: set the table the night before and plan the menu in advance so you can engage with guests rather than chase down missing ingredients. She also highlights small touches that make guests feel seen, such as personalized place cards and seasonal centerpieces. For guests, she advises arriving on time, bringing a thoughtful gift—whether fresh flowers, a homemade treat or a tasteful candle—and offering genuine compliments and warm conversation once you’re there.

The project’s emphasis on practical, elegant design is evident in the product line Paperless Post is releasing alongside the invitations, including stamps, liners and envelopes that echo Stewart’s entertaining mood. The digital suite is described as a modern extension of her entertaining archive, with a tone that blends discovery, wit and hospitality.

The collaboration comes as Stewart continues to balance a decades-long career with ongoing public interest in her approach to entertaining. More than four decades after the release of Entertaining, her iconic debut cookbook, she remains a touchstone for hosts seeking to create a confident, welcoming environment for guests. The holiday-season rollout reflects a broader trend in which traditional entertaining aesthetics meet digital tools that streamline party planning.

The collection is designed to be accessible to both novice hosts and seasoned party-goers, offering a curated set of invitations and coordinating stationery that can be customized for a range of occasions. By weaving her entertaining ethos into a digital format, Stewart aims to help people feel prepared and at ease when hosting friends and family during the festive period.

The holiday season remains a proving ground for many lifestyle brands, but Stewart’s involvement with Paperless Post signals a continuing shift toward integrated, design-led hosting tools. Her comments to Page Six Style underscore a view that hosting is both an art and a practice—one that thrives on organization, thoughtful touches and a welcoming mindset for guests.

As the season approaches, Stewart’s words and the accompanying digital invitation suite offer a blueprint for hosts seeking to balance elegance with practicality. The collaboration provides a contemporary channel through which her long-standing entertaining philosophy can reach new audiences who favor digital planning and stylish, ready-to-send invitations.