A busy day: a book signing and dinner with Jasper Conran
Tuesday was an especially busy day for me. After taping my television show and attending several meetings, we went to the Williams-Sonoma store in the Time Warner Center in New York City for a book signing for my new book, "Martha Stewart's Cooking School Lessons for the Home Cook." There was such a nice turnout and I asked funny Joey Kola, from television, to come and warm up the crowd and everyone liked that. I really enjoy these book signings because I learn so much from the people who attend.
After the book signing, we headed downtown to my company headquarters at the Starrett-Lehigh Building, where I was hosting a dinner for one of Britain's most renowned designers, Jasper Conran. Jasper designs everything from high fashion to wedding gowns to costumes to furniture. He is also a top designer at Wedgwood and has recently introduced his latest bridal line of fine china, flatware, and crystal. Interestingly, Japer was hosting a party for me last summer, but I wasn't allowed to enter Britain, as you may recall. I am told that the guest list was impressive: Mick Jagger, actor Richard E. Grant… Oh well, maybe next time!
Thanks Martha for posting the booksigning photos. I wish Joey could travel with you out to LA, last booksigning we waited nearly eight hours in line out here in CA we could have used his smiling face and hyperness to keep us alert and happy lol!
I hope we get good cookies this time around, last time someone gave us Peppridge(sp) Farm and they were stale lol! I think Raspberries and everyone tossed them as we exited your signing, ugh not homemade by a long shot but they were free.(Borders went all out even handed them to us as we walked past still in the box and the person handing them to us used bare hand no gloves ugh!
This time we will be at Barnes and Noble maybe they are a little classier sure hope so!
I am glad you are enjoying the book signings must be wild to sign thousands of books by the end of your book tour and still be able to use your hands - amazing, take care of those hands Martha~
So looking forward to meeting you again if only for a few minutes.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | October 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I love the tshirt at the book signing that said, 'I want to be Martha, the lady can do it all'. I ahve been thinking that for a while too!. I am exhausted just looking at what you fit into your day. Although I now find I am living vicariously through you - inspiring and I always love the photos.
Strangely two weeks ago I saw Richard E Grant in Brisbane, Australia. It was 7.20pm and he was swearing under his breath and looking quite agitated. I only realised later that he may have been lost or otherwise extremely late getting back to the theatre - the play he is in opened at 7.30pm. he must have made it in time. Wonderful actor! I am sure there will ve another party!
I ordered my book yesterday - soon I will be wearing a t-shirt that says - 'Martha taught me how to cook!'.
Posted by: Lilly | October 24th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Lovely event. Please come and visit us in sunny, warmer Arizona =).
Posted by: sushi2 | October 24th, 2008 at 12:10 am
I can't wait to get through the book! I picked it up on Tuesday and am devoting time to the lessons this weekend. Thank you for a wonderful book! Any book signings planned for the Charlotte, NC area?
Posted by: Karen | October 24th, 2008 at 2:38 am
I am absolutely loving your new book, Martha. I couldn't sleep last night, so I got up and started reading it. I can't wait to get back to it. Thank you!
Posted by: Nature Woman | October 24th, 2008 at 2:46 am
Martha,
Please come to Boston for the book tour. I bought your Baking Handbook and simply use it all the time. I will buy this Cooking School Book for Christmas. Unfortunately, Michael's Crafts, where I bought the Baking Handbook with their weekly 40% off coupon, no longer carries books!
I would love to have Joey Kola sign the back of both of my books. He adds so much to the program. He is so enthusiastic and funny and warm. I am a big fan of Joey.
Good luck with the book and the tour!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | October 24th, 2008 at 3:10 am
wow - love the dining room, it's gorgeous! Looks like you had fun at your book-signing too!
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | October 24th, 2008 at 4:02 am
Hi Martha,
I enjoyed seeing Jasper Conran on the show Thursday. He's a real talented guy and I found him interesting. I always wonder where these people get all of their great ideas, like you also for instance. I'm glad you share yours; I mean who doesn't get the best ideas from Martha Stewart.
I mentioned yesterday that I thought your new book would be a huge success. I think sometimes comments get stuck in limbo somewhere. Anyway, congratulations and I'm glad you are enjoying the book tour. Maybe I will see you somewhere down the line. Trish
Posted by: Trish | October 24th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Hi Martha, when are you coming to San Francisco? I need to buy at least 5. It would be an awesome Christmas present... Please come to SF.
Posted by: susy | October 24th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Hi Martha, Thanks for this lovely blog. It's like an extension of your wonderful TV show yesterday. How great that Joey Kola was a part of your book signing. He sure looked like he was having fun! That dinner party for Jaspar Conran sure looked like fun, also. Pierre's food looked scrumptious. It looks like everything you do turns into a fun event. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | October 24th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Martha,
I would love to meet you at a book signing, are you every coming to Chester Co Bookstore in PA? I will be in your audience during the LIVE Halloween show - would you sign my book then? I am a BIG fan of your, and a fellow teacher, dog lover, baker, gardener, scrapbooker and crafts person.
Posted by: Jeanie | October 24th, 2008 at 6:15 am
I'm so glad you have a sense of humor about being house bound!
Hope New Orleans treats you well!
Posted by: Sarah | October 24th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Martha,
I read about, and admired pictures of, your book signing in New York on Melissa Morris' blog. Any chance you'll be coming to Seattle?
Also, when will you be selecting blogs for your contest?
Warmly,
your fan Lecia
Posted by: Lecia | October 24th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
All the pictures are great. I must say I like the ones of you sitting at the table visiting with individuals who are expressing their glee of having your new book.
The food just makes me so hungry that I wonder how my gingersnap cookies will ever equate to being called a snack.
Posted by: Margie | October 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Oh, Martha, that looks like fun. I'm sorry, but I can't make it to New Orleans for the book signing tomorrow, darnit. I saw the new Macy's in Lakeside last time I was there during the Ike evacuation. NOLA has been without Macy's since Katrina, I'm told. (I'm afraid to go into my local Macy's, I don't have room for more huge pots that seem to follow me home!)
Martha, please come to the Baybrook Macy's, (Emeril was here recently) and give us plenty of notice. If not Baybrook, then the Galleria. Heck, any Macy's would be fine, but I'm close to Baybrook. My boss knows that if Martha's coming, I'm taking the day off--so would you sign a slip for me to give him???
Hope to see you in Houston soon. My book has been ordered, and once again, thanks for everything.
Amy in Houston
Posted by: Amy in Houston | October 24th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I wish I was there.
I love what Chef Pierre prepared that night. I just might do fish and risotto on an upcoming party.
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las vegas | October 24th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Martha, loving every minute of your shows...would hope you come to Oregon sometime. Also, love to cook and have dog & cats too....thanks for just being you!!!!
Posted by: Carol | October 24th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Uggh! I missed this book signing! Martha, can you do one more book signing in NYC? YOu have such a large fan base here! I am looking forward to the new book.
Posted by: Susan | October 24th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
It was great seeing you at Columbus Circle. And you truly looked fabulous. Thank you for sharing your time with us.
Posted by: Feng Shui Consultant Ken Lauher | October 24th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
My books came in the mail yesterday (Thank you Amazon Prime) and I think you need to show people a handful of pages from your book because it is INCREDIBLE! The pictures, the diagrams the layout it's by far the MOST functional cookbook/learning tool I've ever seen. Now was this book we saw in binders on your blog room work area?
Posted by: Cass | October 25th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Martha,
Congratulations on your new cookbook. I have not had a chance to purchase a copy yet, but since I have all of your previous books I plan on buying one. When will you be in the Twin Cities so I can get you to sign it?
If you or your readers are looking for a great Italian cookbook may I suggest the one that I wrote, "Carmela's Cucina". Included are recipes from 3 generations of great Italian cooks, my grandmothers, mother and my own recipes from the cooking classes that I teach and from the culinary tours that I lead, and also from our family restarurant. The recipes are easy to prepare using fresh ingredients and our very true to our southern Italian heritage.
Buon appetito,
Carmela Tursi Hobbins
Posted by: Carmela Tursi Hobbins | October 25th, 2008 at 2:38 am
It was great finally getting to see you in person at the book signing at Macy's in the New Orleans area. You looked "just like Martha"!!. One suggestion, next time when you write a book, please write one that is not so heavy to hold while we wait in line for your autograph! Thanks for telling me the name of your new puppy. The book is great.
Posted by: Becky | October 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I can't wait to buy your new book. I love to cook too! The pictures are beautiful. I especially like the table place setting with the name card, and of course, the one with the cookies that look so good!
Posted by: Sherry | October 25th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Dearest Martha - I have purchased 2 copies of your newest cookbook and have my ticket for the Dallas book tour. I am really looking forward to meeting finally you in person!
Questions:
1)May we bring any of your other cookbooks in our collection for you to autograph? and
2) Will there be an opportunity to have a photo taken with you?
I have been a "fan" of yours for many years and find you a true inspiration. Due to recent your show with President Clinton, I am getting ready to make my commitment, as well as educating others to "get with the program".
You make all of our lives richer for being who and what you are. Thank you!
Posted by: Lydia | October 25th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
My nephew is getting married soon & they both love to cook. Your new book is a perfect wedding shower gift for them. Actually I believe I will buy myself a copy too!
P.S.
I love the new season so far, of the television program!
Posted by: dawn | October 25th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Martha,
Getting to see and speak with you yesterday in New Orleans was the highlight of the last two months. I was up late last night reading your new book and am going to start with lesson one today.
I am a Louisiana native and a middle school principal in a community that has been hard hit from both Hurricanes Rita, Gustav and Ike. We are trying to get our school back up and running at full speed but we are also working on helping familes rebuild their own lives. I am seeking donations of cooking/kitchen supplies to help familes get back to normal. The community had somewhere between 4 & 8 feet of water in their homes and most have lost everything (many were just getting their homes back from the Rita espisod). I spoke with a very nice representative from Macy's that handles your line and she suggested that I submit my request to your blog. Your visit was great but any help would be fantastic.
Posted by: Sharon | October 26th, 2008 at 3:27 am
I'm sure this book is WONDERFUL! All of your books are so helpful. My first Martha book was the Wedding Book back in the 80s... amazing book and soooo beautiful!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | October 26th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Dear Martha, I live in Brazil and some years ago we had your tv show in our country. Unfortunately, it doensn`t happen anymore. The contact I had with your wonderful ideas, is across the website. Here in Brazil we love you and would like to have your tv show again . Would it be possible?
Posted by: Cleide Parente | October 26th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
The risotto looks AMAZING!
Posted by: Jen VanSuydam | October 27th, 2008 at 6:57 am
What a simple, elegant, and stunning dinner presentation! Less can definitely be more!
Posted by: james saavedra | October 28th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Martha,
Thank you for meeting my mother and I in Michigan on Wednesday 10-29-08, It will be one of the highlights of my life! I was wondering if you are going to put out a book on your farm in bedford, simular to the one you did for Turkey Hill? Thank you for making a dream of mine come true
Brandon
ITD Physical Therapy
Posted by: Brandon Jones | October 30th, 2008 at 3:28 pm