11 Reasons Martha Stewart Was an Influencer Before It Was Cool

This post may contain affiliate links.

Martha Stewart is a true icon in the world of home entertaining. Her influence on hosting and lifestyle became particularly popular in the 1980s and grew throughout the following decades. Her unique blend of style, elegance, and practicality has profoundly impacted how we celebrate and host gatherings. Martha’s impact is visible in every aspect of practicing hospitality, from creating exquisite table settings to the importance of adding a personal touch. She made us believe that we all can be great hosts. Martha was an influencer before it became popular and truly can be considered the original influencer!

Entertaining Etiquette

A dinner party with a lot of friends, a female host is standing and serving the table.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha’s emphasis on grace and etiquette is reflected in her lifestyle brand, which offers guidance on everything from home decor to entertaining. She has become a leading authority on elegant living and gracious hospitality through various television shows, dozens of books, and products.

Themed Parties

A themed outdoor dinner party decorated with white tables and seating.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha is known for her themed parties that people love to attend. Her parties are creative and memorable, and she encourages hosts to think about every aspect of the event, from decorations to dress codes, to make sure that everyone has a good time.

Creating an Atmosphere

Overhead view of an elegant table setting, neutral colors and greenery, the flatware is bronze, the dinnerware is beige.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha knows setting the table right is crucial when entertaining guests. She’s all about creating an inviting atmosphere that adds a touch of elegance to your get-togethers.

Eco-friendly Entertaining

Eco Friendly Table scape with white plates and green plants.
Credit: Shutterstock.

For many years, Martha has advocated for classic eco-friendly entertaining, inspiring a timeless trend toward sustainable tableware, composting, and reducing waste at gatherings.

Gourmet Cooking

A happy cook leaning over food, putting on the finishing touches.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha’s recipes and cooking tips have made it easy for home cooks to prepare high-quality dishes. Her clear and concise guidance helps novice and experienced cooks achieve delicious and satisfying results in the kitchen.

Seasonal Menus

A person holding a basket of fresh colorful produce.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha’s focus on using high-quality, classic and seasonal ingredients has made dining more sustainable and locally sourced. She achieves this by growing her produce and getting her ingredients from local farmers, which benefits the environment and supports the community.

Cocktail Culture

Elegant cocktail with a yellow flower outdoor table, green plant in background.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha’s impact on mixology and cocktail presentation has revived interest in traditional barware and the craft of making cocktails. Her innovative techniques have inspired a new generation of cocktail enthusiasts to create visually stunning and delicious drinks using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods.

Party Favors

A table setting with a jar party favor on the plate.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha is known for her exquisite homemade party favors, adding personalized elegance to any gathering. Whether it’s a meticulously crafted hand-painted trinket, a jar of her signature homemade preserves, or a beautifully packaged seed kit, her party favors reflect her commitment to quality, creativity, and attention to detail.

Elegant Florals

A large elegant centerpiece with colorful flowers at an outdoor party.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha’s skill in creating timeless centerpieces is key to her lasting impact on entertaining. She’s got an incredible eye for design and a deep love for classic aesthetics, making it seem almost effortless to blend elements that never go out of style and radiate timeless charm for any occasion.

Cooking Techniques

A gourmet plate of food on a white plate at a dinner party.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha has taught millions of people classic cooking techniques, from knife skills to baking, making timeless gourmet cooking more accessible. Her culinary wisdom extends beyond just recipes. She’s a true mentor in the kitchen, showing us how to create timeless dishes confidently.

Social Media Aesthetics

A blue and white elegant table scape.  white dishes, blue napkins, and blue and white floral centerpieces.
Credit: Shutterstock.

Martha’s eye for design and presentation has significantly impacted social media aesthetics. Today, many influencers share their timeless design ideas and entertaining experiences on social media, resulting in a more classic and visually appealing online presence. Martha’s influence has been profound.

Channel Your Inner Ina Garten

Fresh pink and white flower tulips with green stems.
Credit: Shutterstock.

You don’t need to live in the Hamptons to embody the Barefoot Contessa essence. Her lifestyle is a romanticized approach that you can live from anywhere in the world. How easy is that!?

Here are 12 Ways to Channel Your Inner Barefoot Contessa.

Habits Women are Trashing

Credit: Shutterstock.

10 Habits Women Are Realizing They Should Throw Away as They Age

Magazines Should Make a Comeback

a smiling woman reading a magazine.
Credit: Shutterstock.

10 Reasons We Miss the Golden Era of Print Magazines

Author: Natasha Newton (Natasha's Southern Flavor)
Natasha is the founder of Natasha’s Southern Flavor. She has a passion for sharing delicious family friendly low-carb recipes that are easy to make and use readily accessible ingredients. Natasha has published three bestselling cookbooks. Her books and recipes have been featured by CNET, Delish, Mindbodygreen, Parade and Women’s Health. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and three furbabies.
Read more about Natasha here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *