A Peony party at my house, come take a look!
Last Friday, I hosted the second annual peony party at my farm in Bedford, NY. The peonies, as you can see, were spectacular. When my gardens are looking so amazing, I just love sharing with my friends. The weather looked a bit iffy all day long with rain showers threatening. However, shortly before the first guests arrived, the clouds vanished and the evening was splendid! Pierre, as usual, did a fine job with the hors d’oeuvres. Everything was lovely and delicious. Unfortunately, I cannot share too much about the food with you since it was professionally photographed for my upcoming book on elegant entertaining. You’ll just have to wait.
Here I am cutting so many peonies!
Standing is a sea of fragrant blooms
Sharkey taking a good stretch before the party.
MSLO Employees Eliad Laskin and Liesl Menning
Peony decorations
Charles Koppelman, Chairman of the Board
David Melancon and MSLO SVP of Merchandising Michael Mosca
My long time housekeeper Lily
Here I am with Joe and Michele Reed
Stylist Tom Borgese 
My gardeners Kim, George, and Erika
Here I am at the beautiful food buffet.
Here I am with chef Pierre, who looks very happy.
Mike and Mary Tedesco. Mary is my personal trainer.
Stephen Doyle and Gael Towey, Gael is the Chief Creative Officer for MSLO
John and Carlyn McCaffrey 
Dr. Marty Goldstein and his lovely wife Mary
Our CFO Howard Hochhauser and his wife Cindy
Photo Illustration Director Heloise Goodman and her husband Andrew Thomas
Weddings Editorial Director Darcy Miller Nussbaum and her husband Andy
My Property Director, Mike Fiore
Howard Christian and Bunny Williams
What is Chevy talking about?
Gardener Erika Hanson and Community Relations and Events Coordinator Erin Furey
My neighbor and photographer Peter Michaelis 
Gael Towey and my assistant Kate Shillo
Chevy and Grainne Bailey
Peter Macgill and Grainne Bailey
Chevy’s Daughter Cydney, Jennifer Juzaitis , Errol Rudman, me and Chevy Chase 
For more photos from the party please take a look at our radio blog.
What a great idea! I absolutely love flowers and wish that I could see those peonies. I'll bet they're beautiful.
Posted by: Nik | June 14th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Wow your peonies are fabulous. I especially loved the way you arranged them. The peonie is a beautiful flower; so fleet in it's presence like the scent of an iris or honeysuckle vine that the wind sent your way..The summer is natures love song.
Posted by: theresa | June 14th, 2008 at 4:45 am
What a delightful garden party. The peonies are beautiful. A brilliant idea to celebrate such a wonderful bloom. I am about to celebrate my birthday (next week actually) and will (as usual) be using all your recipes in my celebration, including your brilliant baked ham (a standard for me), crab cakes, and the chocolate ginger cookies and outrageous chocolate cookies from your cookies book. Thank you for leading the way.
Posted by: Ingrid Moyle | June 14th, 2008 at 5:05 am
My, all these tempting tidbits for your upcoming book! Now we MUST all purchase it, if only to see all the particulars of the Peony Party...totally lovely and usual...next should be a tulipmania party next spring!
Posted by: Gilda | June 14th, 2008 at 6:23 am
It looks like you had a GREAT party with a beautiful and fragrant theme.
By the way, do your cats come out to the gardens as they did at Turkey Hill? I don't see you blog too much about them. Sharkey and Francesca probably like to chase them around the property!
Posted by: Brian | June 14th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Looks like a wonderful time !!!! The peonys a beautiful, mine are also in full bloom in northern Ct. !!!
Posted by: Paula | June 14th, 2008 at 7:40 am
I LOVE what Gail Towey is wearing. It's so country-club chic. I am going to run right out and get a little bright cardigan to go over a pretty dress I already own. Everyone looks very nice too but there is something about her ensemble that really stands out.
Posted by: Charlotte | June 14th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Peonies are my all time favorite flower. Yours look absolutely exquisite. I envy your peony garden. How wonderful to be able to go out every day and cut as many as you'd like! Any suggestions for starting one on a smaller scale? Thanks for sharing, Martha!
Posted by: stacey | June 14th, 2008 at 8:37 am
What a great blog! Peonies are just beautiful. You have a lovely home and gardens.
Posted by: Maureen | June 14th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Wow, those peonies are spectacular. Growing up, my neighbor had bushes and bushes of peonies, so we were always spoiled to have some of those gorgeous big blooms on our table. now living in Chicago where there are few such gardens in the city limits, I really miss them.
Posted by: Erin @ The Skinny Gourmet | June 14th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Stunning, as I'm sure the new book will be!
Posted by: Matthew | June 14th, 2008 at 11:09 am
What a wonderful party it must have been. Your Bedford home was the perfect spot for such an occasion
Posted by: Dedric Clark | June 14th, 2008 at 11:31 am
If my garden looked like your gardens do, I'd like to share with friends too. Everyone seems to be enjoying a peony party; you think of everything. I am anxious to see your new book when it comes out which will be....?
Enjoy your weekend. Trish
Posted by: Trish | June 14th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Thanks..
Posted by: mirc | June 14th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
We just moved from the north (MD)to the south (Charleston, SC) & of all the flowers I had in my MD. gardens that I miss most are my peonies! It was a pleasure to see your beautiful peony gardens. Thank you.
Patty Eckels
ps-if you have an idea how I can grow them here, let me know!
Posted by: Pfatty | June 14th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Wow wish I could grow them .....
Posted by: Lorrainwe Williams | June 14th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Wonderful photos, love the one of you in your hat picking your flowers. Reminds me of MSL days. These couples look so relaxed and happy no wonder being in such beautiful surroundings. Chevy looks to be talking about a plane landing or taking off aye!
Love the pix of you and Pierre you must have told him he is getting a big fat raise just before someone snapped this pix right lol!
Send some flowers my way here in CA ours are dying in the 100 degree heat~
Many blessings to you Martha & staff.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | June 14th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Looks like a fantastic party, Martha! I have both of Bunny Williams' interior decorating books: "An Affair With a House" and her latest "Bunny Williams' Point of View." They're both exquisite books with lots of advice to share. Looking forward to your new one!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | June 14th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Yipeee..... a new book. When??????
Posted by: Angie D | June 14th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
What fun! This is my first time viewing your blog and I so enjoyed seeing you in your element. It looks like you really do have great parties!
Posted by: Laura Martens | June 14th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Martha,
You look so relaxed in your peony garden with your hat!
Glad the rain held off for your peony party! What a spectacular event! Your new peony bed is so beautiful that I can't imagine what the peony scent emmulating from the field is like? Wow!!
Can't wait for your new Entertaining book..great guests. Nice to see old faces who have been with you a long time! (Gail, Stephen, Darcy). Chevy looks great too.
Thanks for sharing,
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. :) | June 14th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I love to go through your site and like reading the blog too. I am diagnosed with cancer and this really is nice to see all the things you do all the time on your property there. When my days are bad, I sit here and this makes me forget about things. The peonies were fabulous. We just adore them too. They are nature's best and most beautiful. HOpe you have a wonderful summer and looking forward to seeing the July shows!
Posted by: Noreen | June 14th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Dear Martha,
Thank you for sharing your peonies with us. I love the ones I have... and now I want MANY more. The snapshots of the party were great.
Huge Chevy Chase Fan!!! Thanks for all the laughter!
Posted by: Jannell Chandler | June 14th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Hi Martha, What a beautiful peony garden party you had at your magnificent farm in Bedford! Everyone looks so relaxed and happy, especially you. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous. I love the photo of Sharkey, who also looks happy and relaxed. Can't wait to see your new Entertainment book with all of those magnificent photos from your special parties. Have a great weekend. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 15th, 2008 at 1:28 am
What a fabulous party! Who but Martha would think of having a party to celebrate such a grand flower as the peony. I enjoy looking at all the beautiful people who attend your party. Martha thanks for giving me a peek into your life and teaching me to celebrate the good things in life. I look forward to another great book from Martha Stewart. I will be sure to buy a copy.
Posted by: Robin | June 15th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Oh they are soo beautiful. I wish I could smell them from here. All different wonderful colors. How nice to have a peoney party with all your friends. Thank you for sharing it with us. I loved looking at your pictures.
Linda
Posted by: Linda | June 15th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Martha! In my experience, ants have always followed my peonies like crazy... so I've never been able to cut them to have anywhere near food (or people, really!). I was told that the ants and the peonies feed off each other. Is there a way to avoid this? Or is it just an old wives tale?
Posted by: Jennifer | June 15th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Spectacular---I am also enjoying the peonies blooming here in Washington State. Thank you for sharing!!!!
Posted by: Michaele | June 15th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Some people have it all.
Posted by: Angela Willis | June 15th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
A great celebration! The buffet table is gorgeous and so are all the lovely guests and, of course, the hostess. Nice that the weather cooperated, too.
My peonies are all in bloom and while it's a small bed they are very well established and are so tall now. How i love peony time!
Posted by: Sherey | June 15th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I have peony envy!
Wow! Like many others on this site, I am a HUGE fan of peonies. My garden seems so insignificant in comparison, but the beauty and scent of the peony is palpable regardless. If only they could bloom all summer. I guess that's what adds to their value - we only get a few short weeks of their intoxicating scent and mesmerizing beauty.
Posted by: Lisa Vasile | June 15th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Hi Martha! Your garden seems infinite, the peoonies look absolutely gorgeous, and you look radiant!
Posted by: Tina in Boston | June 15th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Hi Martha- I love the peony decorations!
Posted by: Jennifer Fancher | June 15th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Those bouquets are just beautiful and the food looks great. That is also a very pretty picture of you, Martha.
Posted by: Debbie | June 16th, 2008 at 1:11 am
What a lovely day.
Peonies,My grandmother's favorite flower as well.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: Karen | June 16th, 2008 at 1:53 am
WOW!!! Love your fresh pictures with the beautiful beautiful peonies in your amazing garden.
Sharkey looks so so cute!
I am sure that the food was delicious, can't wait to see your upcoming book on elegant entertaining. We love you Martha.
God Bless
Rowaida Flayhan
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | June 16th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Martha, what a beautiful and fabulous party! You are most definitely the guru on entertaining! I'm so excited for the new book. My favorite picture is of you standing by the table surrounded by those magnificent Peony arrangements! Hope you're having an excellent break!
Posted by: Brian Utz Jr. | June 16th, 2008 at 3:16 am
Beautiful! I am terribly jealous of all those magical peonies-its winter here and I have six long months until I see them again.
Posted by: Clare | June 16th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Please tell me how to reproduce peonies. My neighbor has some neglected plants and would I would love to grow peonies in my garden.
Barb B
Posted by: Barb Bamonti | June 16th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I want to cover Sharkey with kisses! So cute!
Posted by: Ladymissgailo | June 16th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Martha, I enjoyed seeing you on the Next Food Network Star. What a nice surprise!!
Posted by: Matthew | June 16th, 2008 at 10:27 am
peonies, people & parties, a perfect photo piece, gotta luv those peonies....tks lovely martha
Posted by: charmayne | June 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I love the bold pink table linens on the food buffet. They showcase the peonies just like like a vibrant blue top brings out the beautiful eye color of the person wearing it.
-Inventing Matilda
Posted by: Inventing Matilda | June 16th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Martha,
Can't wait for the new book! Those peonies look spectacular. You are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Martha,
Can't wait for the new book! Those peonies look spectacular. You are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Martha,
Can't wait for the new book! Those peonies look spectacular. You are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Martha,
Can't wait for the new book! Those peonies look spectacular. You are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Martha,
Can't wait for the new book! Those peonies look spectacular. You are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Martha,
Can't wait for the new book! Those peonies look spectacular. You are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Martha,
Can't wait for the new book! Those peonies look spectacular. You are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Desiree' | June 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Stunning!!!
Posted by: Edi Gardner | June 16th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Wow, everything looks so pretty!!!
I have an OT question for you, Martha. My mother, my aunt and I absolutely love all things French. I didn't get an opportunity to see Disney's Ratatouille while it was at the theatres, so I want to have a small "Ratatouille" themed party and invite several ladies, including my mom and my aunt.
So far all I have planned is watching the movie and serving homemade ratatouille. It's got me wondering . . . if Martha were throwing a "Ratatouille" party, what would she do?????
Posted by: Nina | June 16th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Your peonies are wonderful! I'm not much of a gardener, especially living in an apartment building, but I can certainly appreciate beautiful blooms!
Posted by: Laura Nelson | June 16th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
The peonies are stunning, I can only imagine how beautiful they smell. Looks like a lovely party - and how nice the weather cooperated.
Posted by: Liz | June 16th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Loved the pics and peonies....a side comment, Martha today with Rosie you were sooo hungry....why don't you have a cup of tea in a Royal Albert tea cup while you are doing the show...it would encourage all of us to take a cup of tea even while working...it is a good thing....and....will curb your hunger until lunch...I like two cups personally.....love you and your show....
Posted by: Cheryl | June 16th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Your peonies are absolutely gorgeous. It looks as though you have a support system to keep them standing. Can you tell me about the system that you use? Thank you for sharing the pictures with us.
Posted by: Shirley Gray | June 16th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I love seeing pictures of the faces behind the names. I also can't wait for your new book on elegant entertaining. You'd be surprised to hear how hard it is to get a copy of your original book on Entertaining over here! Hmph!
Thank you once again, such a great post.
Cherry xoxoxo
Posted by: Cherry Menlove | June 16th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
A Peony party it's a verry good idea!
Posted by: Mkitlinska | June 16th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Had a smile on my face throughout the entire Party!
Especially like that last shot with the sunset behind the trees!
Oh, such a beautiful Party! Thanks for the cyber visit.
Martha, you are especially Beautiful.
Posted by: Gladys Marie | June 16th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
The peonies are gorgeous and their arrangements are spectacular!
Posted by: Linda Lum DeBono | June 16th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Those peonies are amazing! Gosh I can't wait to have a garden like that. Coming from asia, I've seen peonies but never a great field like that. Can't wait to see your next entertaining book.
Posted by: ShopLittleGifts | June 16th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I grew up with a peony garden and loved them. I have a question, I've always pronounced the name
pee-knee...but I here a lot of east coast people say pe-own-nee.
What's correct?
Posted by: Poodlepoo | June 17th, 2008 at 12:03 am
I can't wait to see the rest of the photos. Peonies are my favorite flower and I finally found the variety I wanted and planted them earlier this spring. Unfortunately, when the few buds finally bloomed, it was the wrong peony!!! Oh well, I'll try again next year!
Posted by: Renee Fitzgerald | June 17th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Your peony field just blows me away. It was a lovely day for a party too, just lovely. xo, suzy
Posted by: suzy | June 17th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Thank you for taking us outside. Now that it's summer, it would be wonderful to stroll through the gardens of your properties and to go sailing on you lovely boat. Let's get out of the studio while the season's permit us. It's a breath of fresh air!
Posted by: K.B. | June 17th, 2008 at 10:21 am
What a great party, Iove peonies,they are my favorite flower. A what a better way then to throw a party for your staff to enjoy such a beautiful flower...you know how to treat your employees. Cheers, David
Posted by: David | June 17th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Your garden is beautiful. I try to grow peonies here in the north and although they are nice, nothing compares. And you Martha, are looking younger in every blog I have seen recently. May I borrow your trainer for a couple of months?
You inspire!
Posted by: Theresa | June 17th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Oh, how I love peonies! Everything and everyone looks fabulous!
Thanks for sharing!
peace,
amy
Posted by: amy | June 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Hi, Martha,
A peony party sounds lovely! Ours are all gone now here. The rains and winds have blown the petals away. Now I have plans for next year.
I'm looking forward to your new book.
Glad to see Sharkey!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | June 17th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I had an "Eloise" moment when I saw the picture of the buffet table: "THINK PINK!" I'm sure it was a fun gathering, especially with Chevy. I can't wait to see the spread in your future book. "Elegant entertaining," you say? I'll HAVE to get my hands on that one!!
Posted by: Kim Wylie | June 18th, 2008 at 8:04 am
I have peony envy! Living in Southern California in my zone it is much too hot and I absolutely adore them! Your party looks lovely!
Posted by: fifi | June 20th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
LOVE peonies. They are some of the most beautiful flowers, and people often forget about them. My mom grows peonies in Seattle, can't wait to visit.
P.S. My twin sister (who is graduating CIA in October) and I want to work for you!!!
Posted by: Olga | June 20th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
That is so embarassing that Britain will not let you in
Posted by: Liz | June 20th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Peonies have always been my favorite flower. I had a beautiful bush with the most amazing huge peonies and my brother was killing weeds and killed my peonies. I was heartbroken. I don't have a big place or garden like yours but I love what I have .
You lead such a full and interesting life Martha. You must be a good person to be so very blessed.
Posted by: Carol Staggs | June 28th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Peonies are my favorite flower. I was not able to have them at my late summer wedding last year because their season was already over. Our wedding was beautiful, but I am still recovering from not having a peony bouquet. Maybe an annual peony party is the perfect remedy for this.
It looks absolutely wonderful.
Posted by: Julia | June 28th, 2008 at 3:22 am
Martha love,love you peony garden i have been looking for them so i can some at my house have not yet found them, i probably find them when the season is over.thanks for sharing your pictures.
Posted by: lorena | July 9th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Came back to visit your peony party... and decided to paint...
In the garden with Martha... http://fififlowersdecor.blogspot.com/2008/07/in-garden-with-martha-painting.html
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | July 13th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Martha, I love Peonies. They are my favorite
flower. I live in South Louisiana, where Gustave hit on 9-1-08. I guess we can't get
them here. Do you know how I can get them?
Posted by: Harriet | September 17th, 2008 at 5:09 am
You have selected my absolute favorite flower, I adore how femenine the peonies are. Thanks for sharing your georgous photos.
Mandy
http://homewithmandy.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Mandy | September 18th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Yes Thats is a good idea
Posted by: sohbet | October 4th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Hi Martha- I went to your entertaining section because I loved the beauty of this party and like the contrast of it to your show today on hotdogs! When you called a hotdog gorgeous I did LOL! I am glad you did the show. On the west coast we have a hotdog place called Caspers Hotdogs, spelled with a 'C'. It is great if you ever get a chance check it out, they are in Hayward and Oakland California. It is a very old establishment, they use onion and tomatoes, relish and mustard. They are the best ever! Also in St. Louis, MO there was a great place called Woofies. No kidding, great dogs! Any way, thought you might want to give these two a taste!
Posted by: Jennifer Fancher | October 13th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I love peonies - I live in California now and don't have the environment to grow these. We own a farm in Oregon and are working on selling our CA home an moving to Oregon near Mt. Hood.
I hope we an grow peonies. If not, I am going to regularly import them......It is truly a spectatular display thanks.
Posted by: terry | November 15th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Hi Martha,
While looking for peonies on the internet, your name appeared. I wish I could have attended that party, as I admire you and love peonies. I'm looking for deep red peony bulbs to plant along the seawall at our home in western michigan. Do you have any ideas as to where I can purchas them?
Posted by: Jerry Gartzke | April 25th, 2009 at 10:16 pm