How to host like Martha Stewart and keep your sanity - the ultimate festive survival guide

If there’s one thing South Africans love, it’s a good gathering, whether it’s a Christmas lunch under the jacarandas, a New Year’s braai by the pool or a Sunday spread that stretches well into the evening.

But as the festive season creeps closer, even the most seasoned hosts know that “the season of joy” can quickly turn into “the season of chaos.”

Enter the queen of calm, Martha Stewart.

In a recent interview with E! News, the lifestyle icon shared her tried-and-tested tips for surviving the holiday madness with grace, style, and a touch of organisation.

“Be careful about being organised for your holiday entertaining,” Stewart advised. “If you’re going to have a party, start working on it now, making your list, figuring out when and where things can be made or purchased.”

In short? Plan like your peace depends on it because it does.

1. Master the art of planning ahead

We all know the festive rush, one minute you’re dreaming of the perfect table setting, and the next you’re frantically searching for cranberry sauce at a crowded Woolies.

Stewart’s advice? Create a master plan. Write down your guest list, menu, shopping items, and even your décor ideas. “Master planning has become very important,” she said, and honestly, she’s right.

Here at home, that could mean booking your butcher early for that grass-fed leg of lamb or placing your gammon order before everyone else does. Stewart recommends ordering what you’ll need well in advance.

For example, turkey always sells out for Thanksgiving, and it’s so unbelievably difficult to get what you want at the last minute. The same goes for local favourites from Malva pudding ingredients to your mom’s secret chakalaka mix.

2. Stick to what you know (and love)

There’s always that temptation to try something new, a TikTok dessert, a new spice rub, or a “fancy” dish you’ve never made before. But Stewart has one golden rule: don’t experiment on your guests.

“Make something that you’ve already made and know is good,” she emphasised.

It’s sound advice. Nothing says festive flop like burnt pavlova or undercooked turkey. Instead, lean into the recipes you know will shine that perfectly tender roast, creamy potato bake, or foolproof peppermint tart.

Save the experiments for quieter weekends.

That doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Stewart suggests practising any new dishes ahead of time. Her personal favourites? A quick salmon with mustard-honey sauce (ready in 10 minutes) or a creamy pasta al limone, which she tops with a touch of caviar for a festive finish.

3. Add a dash of elegance (your way)

Hosting isn’t just about food; it’s about atmosphere. And you don’t need imported tableware or a designer kitchen to create magic. A few thoughtful touches go a long way: fresh flowers from your garden, handwritten place cards, a playlist that feels like summer, and a jug of homemade rooibos iced tea or sangria.

Stewart, who recently teamed up with luxury resale company Fashionphile as their 2025 Holiday Brand Ambassador, reminded fans that elegance isn’t about expense, it’s about effort.

So, think of hosting like art: it’s the small, intentional moments that leave guests feeling special, and that’s something South Africans do best.

At its core, holiday entertaining should be about connection, not perfection. Whether you’re hosting a feast for ten or a cosy dinner for two, remember that what truly matters is the warmth, laughter, and love around your table.

As Stewart proves, great hosting isn’t about being fancy; it’s about being prepared, present, and proud. So, pour that glass of wine, cue the Ma Brrr playlist, and remind yourself: you’ve got this.

This year, make your festive table the heart of the home because every South African knows, the best memories are always made around good food and good people.