Martha Stewart is helping hosts everywhere get ahead of the holiday chaos before it even begins. In a new interview with E! News, the 84-year-old homemaking mogul revealed the secrets behind stress-free entertaining — and why now, not later, is the time to start planning for the holidays.
1. Plan Ahead Like a Pro
Stewart started off with a warning: “Be careful about being organized for your holiday entertaining.” The best thing you can do is be organized, as organization is the difference between a joyful holiday and an “unbelievably difficult” one, according to the TV star.
And you better get started early, too. “If you’re going to have a party, start working on it now,” she said, waiting until the last minute can be detrimental. Start “making your list, figuring out when and where things can be made or purchased,” she advised.
She also recommends creating a “master plan” well in advance to ensure no detail slips through the cracks. “Master planning has become very important,” she added.
2. Don’t Wait to Order the Turkey
When it comes to the star of the Thanksgiving table, Stewart’s advice comes down to — once again — acting early. “I would order my turkey now because it’s not too early,” she said. “If you have a good butcher, order your fresh-filled heritage bird now. They’re going to sell out this Thanksgiving, and it’s so unbelievably difficult to get what you want at the last minute. You can’t do it.” Procrastinators may be left with frozen turkeys and frazzled nerves.
READ MORE: Martha Stewart Says Taylor Swift ‘Doesn’t Need’ Her Help With Wedding Planning: ‘She Has Travis’
3. Stick to What You Know
While it’s tempting to experiment with new dishes, Stewart insists that the holidays aren’t the time to test-drive an unproven recipe. “Don’t experiment on your guests,” she emphasized. “Make something that you’ve already made and know is good.” That doesn’t mean everything has to be predictable, though. Stewart shared that her quick favorites — like salmon with mustard-honey sauce and pasta al limone topped with caviar — add sophistication without stress. “There are lovely dishes that are very simple,” she said.