Stewart: Biggest entertaining mistake is lack of organization; shares tips in Paperless Post collab

Martha Stewart says the biggest entertaining mistake is not being organized, a fault she says can spill into cooking and hosting. "Not being organized," she told Page Six Style, "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." Stewart is promoting a collaboration with Paperless Post, saying she is "excited to bring the spirit of my 'Entertaining' book to life in a new way" through a collection of digital invitations inspired by her entertaining archive and wit.

For fall and winter hostessing, Stewart offers practical steps. "Prepare ahead. A well-prepared host is a relaxed host. Set the table the night before and prep your menu in advance, so you can enjoy your guests." She adds, "Think about the details. Thoughtful touches like personalized place cards or seasonal centerpieces make guests feel special." And she emphasizes the human side: "Enjoy yourself. The most important part of entertaining is truly connecting with your guests."

For guests, the advice is clear: "Arrive on time. Bring a thoughtful gift. Be gracious." The collaboration between Stewart and Paperless Post goes beyond tips. It includes 46 digital invitations, stamps, liners and envelopes inspired by the iconic hostess’s archive and cheeky wit. In the partnership, Paperless Post designs are described by Stewart as elegant, thoughtful and beautifully executed, just like a well-set table.

Stewart underlines the collaboration’s playful spirit with invitations that nod to her entertaining. A garden party invite jokes that "a little green never hurt anyone," while a dinner gathering promises "scandalous conversation."

She also notes the importance of feeling confident when hosting and of welcoming guests into a shared, warm experience as the holidays approach. The collaboration is positioned as a way to bring the spirit of 'Entertaining' to digital life while preserving the practical, organized approach she champions in her daily routines—from the garden to the laundry and wardrobe.

Stewart’s comments come as she continues to blend practical homemaking advice with a lifestyle brand that remains influential decades after her first major cookbook. The Paperless Post collection is expected to roll out ahead of the holiday season, giving hosts a ready-made toolkit of invitations and coordinating materials designed to simplify planning and elevate presentation.