Over the years, the Martha Stewart brand has done so much more than offer how-to guidance. It has also encouraged curiosity, sparked creativity, and inspired my readers, viewers and followers to "learn something new every day."
I’ve been so pleased by the response to my recent blog about my “Super Fans” - individuals who have not only embraced the Martha Stewart brand, but have also taken what they’ve learned and shared it with others.
In this post - photos and stories from Anthony Picozzi and Jeremy Lambertson. Enjoy!
“Super Fan” Jeremy Lambertson says, “Martha has inspired me to collect more than anybody ever has!” Here’s Jeremy’s aesthetic brown transferware collection. It has always been one of his most favorites and probably longest running collection.
Jeremy is always baking up cookies to pass out to friends and neighbors – a practice he learned from reading my magazines, especially around the holidays.
Jeremy also has a vintage holiday collection inspired by my magazine stories and television shows. He is always adding to it any chance he gets.
As part of his Christmas decorations collection, Jeremy has these 1950s ceramic choir singers made in Japan. He stores them in a vintage dental cabinet and takes them out for the holidays.
Here, Jeremy decorates his home with cut flowers.
Jeremy attended my Great American Tag Sale in 2022. One of his finds was this jadeite glass kerosene oil lamp – signed by me; a one of a kind.
Jeremy had no idea what jadeite was until he started watching my television show, Martha Stewart Living in 2000. He says, “then I knew I had to start collecting it.”
Jeremy and I share a love for peonies. One can never have too many. Jeremy says, “how can you not smile when the peonies bloom.”
Jeremy also learned about flea markets from my shows and the flea market season is always his favorite because one never knows what collection one will start or what one will add to an existing collection. Here’s Jeremy one spring when he picked up this wonderful 1880s stained glass window.
Jeremy baked my confetti cake for a neighbor’s 86th birthday earlier this year.
One of Jeremy’s favorite cookie cutters is my giant turkey from Martha by Mail – we all miss that catalog.
Everything Thanksgiving, Jeremy looks forward to making my mother, Big Martha’s, pecan pie and using the cookie cutter for the top.
So many followers, readers, and viewers have told me they always use my recipes for making Thanksgiving turkey. This turkey must have been cooked using my Perfect Roast Turkey recipe.
Ever since Jeremy saw me using these deeply carved bread boards in my kitchen, he’s always on the hunt for them – they aren’t easy to find.
Here are some of Jeremy’s 1940s papier-mâché jack-o’-lanterns. Every piece tells a story, inspired by childhood memories.
When fall hits Jeremy makes pumpkin scones with crumb topping. I bet there’s a fresh batch on his counter now.
Jeremy says my magazine, Martha Stewart Living, keeps inspiring him year after year.
Pies are some of Jeremy’s favorite things to bake. These are cherry pies, one with a lattice top, and the other with a crumb topping. He says he loves baking, but “the most important step is eating and enjoying.”
Last year, Jeremy traveled to Guy Wolff’s Pottery shop and picked up this pot for his home.
And Jeremy continues to be inspired. He made my butter rum cake from my 100th book, MARTHA: The Cookbook. It is a weekly go to for baking and sharing with neighbors.
Anthony Picozzi is another devoted supporter. He sent me many photos of things he has cooked, baked, grown, and built – so many inspired by me and my Martha Stewart brand. As a longtime follower and fan, Anthony says, I have inspired almost every aspect of his life – from teaching him how to plan and cultivate gardens, how to bake an amazing pie or cake, how to set a table and entertain, or how to decorate his living spaces.” Here he is making vegetable flatbreads from my 100th book, MARTHA:The Cookbook. This is the most popular item in the breadbasket at my restaurant, The Bedford.
Here are the flatbreads made and ready to be devoured. They’re baked with thin dough embellished with thinly sliced vegetables and herbs.
Anthony also has a beautiful bird cage modeled after my own. He added new legs and moldings to it some years ago. It is home to his six finches.
Anthony made this cake to celebrate this year’s semiquincentennial, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago.
This is a cherry pie Anthony made with freshly picked sour cherries. It’s my recipe, of course.
These cookies were made using a recipe fro my Cookie Perfection book. Anthony made it using Ponderosa lemons from his own tree.
Anthony and many of my “Super Fans” have become such talented floral artists and designers.
Anthony’s decorations for Halloween – it will be here before you know it.
A beautifully decorated pumpkin pie. A good tip – never waste those scraps of dough. Use small cookie cutter shapes to make decorations for the top of the pie.
And here’s a wonderfully set Thanksgiving table…
This was another Fourth of July cake made completely from fresh fruit with a watermelon base – healthy and festive.
Anthony loves lilac season. They fill his home with such sweet scents.
Layered gazpacho, one golden with yellow tomatoes and one ruby red with red heirloom tomatoes. He also added cucumber, celery, parsley, and cilantro. He first tried it at my “Super Fans” spring luncheon last year and was inspired to make it soon after returning home.
Anthony calls his garden his “happy place.” Please follow both Anthony @anthonypicozzi and Jeremy @jeremy.lambertson on Instagram and see other projects, dishes and ideas they’ve put to use.
They’ve come to be affectionately known as my “Super Fans” — devoted followers who have embraced every aspect of my work and the Martha Stewart brand. From reading my magazines and following my blog to watching my television shows, cooking my recipes, and enjoying my products, they have all brought the ideas and inspirations I've shared into their own lives and homes.
I met many of these wonderful supporters at my Great American Tag Sale in 2022 and reconnected with them last year, when I welcomed 30 "Super Fans" to my farm for a garden tour, luncheon, and special “Ask Martha” session. Recently, I invited them to share photos of the many ways they’ve used my products, projects, and ideas over the years. They post many of their experiences on their own social media platforms, and over the next few days, I’ll be highlighting some of their content here.
Today, I’m featuring photos from Dennis Landon and Bernie Wong, Kemp Harper, and Brian Utz. Enjoy!
Bernie Wong and his husband, Dennis Landon, purchased many Martha Stewart items through the years, including products from my previous Kmart and Martha by Mail collections. This is their kitchen.
Dennis and Bernie are longtime Martha Stewart brand devotees from Wisconsin. They attended my giant tag sale and then returned to my farm last year for my “Super Fans” day.
Dennis and Bernie purchased a former church and then lovingly renovated and decorated it to be their home – largely inspired by the Martha Stewart brand. Here, they use a variety of green and white pumpkins, which they grew, as well as coordinating white flowered plants to embellish their front steps.
Their own kitchen was inspired by my kitchen. They painted the shelves and cabinets “Bedford Gray,” and built it to have floor to ceiling shelves to display their many vintage dish collections.
They were also inspired to hang their many pots on a giant pot rack above their island. Guess who does that? I do, of course.
The decorative urns on the island are from my Kmart collection. Bernie and Dennis planted them with ferns.
Their kitchen is filled with jadeite colored products – their favorite color. Dennis and Bernie know almost every item from my Home collections.
Dennis and Bernie are also very avid cooks and bakers. They often make delicious cakes and keep them on Martha Stewart cake stands under glass domes.
Their collection of transfer ware started in 1999 after they saw the story in my Martha Stewart Living magazine. If you can spot pieces from my Danish Fern collection – those were purchased at my tag sale.
Whenever they decorate for guests, they always bring in fresh flowers from the garden and display them in the kitchen for all to enjoy.
Bernie says their dining area, which is still a work in progress, has jadeite chandeliers from my collection. And remember these green chairs? They were also bought at my Great American Tag Sale.
And here’s Bernie in his kitchen with fresh picked pears they grew in their garden.
These are my faux bois planters from my collection at QVC. Behind them, an espalier of pears ready for picking.
Among Bernie’s passions is caring for topiaries – a hobby he’s had for more than 20 years, and inspired of course, by the gardening stories in my magazine.
Here’s Bernie in his greenhouse with his beautiful potted topiaries. Please follow Bernie on Instagram @berniewonggreen.
Kemp Harper says the Martha Stewart brand has really been the inspiration behind nearly everything he has done in his home.
His social media platform @thecolonian_on_park shares lots of gardening, seasonal decorating, and home projects. This is Kemp’s new 1824 federal style home. He calls it his own “Turkey Hill.”
This photo was taken when I met Kemp and his husband Kevin at a Turkey Hill tour some years ago.
Kemp has built garden obelisks and trellises from tutorials done at Turkey Hill and shared in the magazine or on my television shows.
There is a more utilitarian area in his backyard with bees, chickens, a vegetable garden and of course, a compost area – all inspired by my farm and projects I’ve talked about or shown on TV.
Kemp says he’s learned how to host and set a table from me, especially for the holidays.
Kemp loves to preserve. Here are some of his canning creations – displayed so beautifully in his kitchen.
He and Kevin dine al fresco using flowers from the garden as centerpieces, and cakes resting on cake stands.
Because of my brand, Kemp says he passionately collects jadeite, Francois Carre outdoor furniture, Wedgewood, and cake stands.
Here is Kemp’s vegetable garden. He created it from a plain patch of grass. The plan was to make it both functional and decorative. The obelisks also served as tomato cages.
Here is a photo of the peony garden now in its third year.
Brian Utz shared these next photos. Brian hosts a weekly podcast show about food, gardening, crafts, decorating, entertaining, and other homemaking topics, and shares posts of his work and lifestyle on Instagram at @morbidhomemaker.
Here at his home, 40 foot long peony rows were newly dug and mulched.
This is Brian’s perennial border at sunset.
Brian collected jadeite and many pieces of gilded drabware from Martha by Mail.
Danish Fern and Faux Bois from my old Martha by Mail catalog are still highly collectible today.
Copper cookie cutters featured in Martha by Mail are arranged around a doorway leading into the kitchen. It is a recreation inspired by the photography in my Martha by Mail catalog.
Brian makes French toast on my new Kitchen Electrics 22-inch by 12-inch griddle next to an apothecary jar from Martha by Mail filled with more copper cookie cutters.
This is my hummingbird cake. My recipe is available online or one can order it pre-made from Goldbelly – five layers of moist cake lightly spiced with cinnamon and ginger, infused with pureed pineapple, shredded carrots, and toasted coconut flakes with a cream cheese frosting.
Brian says, “one thing I’ve learned from Martha is to always be considerate when hosting. If a guest stays at our farm, they’re greeted with fresh flowers from the garden on their nightstand in a jadeite Martha by Mail vase, along with other necessities like an alarm clock and a small silver box for rings or small jewelry.” Brian also learned about the engraved paper coasters from Bell’INVITO, a stationer in Dallas, from my American Made initiative which I started in 2012 as a platform to identify, celebrate, and promote American makers.
Brian also says his career in events planning was inspired by my lessons, tips, and ideas. Here he is with a colleague lighting candles for a rehearsal dinner for 100 at Brush Creek Ranch’s wine cellar in Saratoga, Wyoming.
This photo is of a humble backyard dinner for 20 guests celebrating harvest. Custom stained plywood sat atop straw bales from Brian’s farm created a generous table to host the dinner. An over the table rod and stargazer lights with foraged foliage from the garden helped usher in the whimsy.
Brian says, “prior to being in the industry, these backyard dinners meant one was the host, the chef, the catering team, and the florist.” Brian is ever so grateful for his patient and supportive parents who helped him when needed.
And here, Brian celebrates the 150th anniversary of his farm, recreating my iconic flag cake! His measured just over four feet long. The garden cart was bought from my tag sale and filled with straw and chilled bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Please follow all of these “Super Fans” and stay tuned for my next blog when I feature more devoted brand influencers.
It’s always rewarding to bring a brand’s teams and partners together to celebrate accomplishments, reflect on progress, and share ideas and inspirations for the future.
Yesterday, Marquee Brands hosted a Martha Stewart Brand Summit in New York City, gathering employees, partners, and collaborators for a day of discussion, strategic planning, and networking. I, along with members of our executive team, shared highlights from the past year as well as goals and aspirations for the months ahead. The event was held at Pier 59's event space, Current, overlooking the Hudson River and Chelsea Piers Marina. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues and celebrate all we've done.
Here are some photos from the day. Enjoy!
A brand summit is a focused event where company leaders gather to review branding strategies and marketing innovations. It’s also a good time to meet other partners and collaborators. (Photo by Arianna Tettamanzi)
This year’s summit venue was large, with very roomy, row seating – perfect for a meeting of many minds. (Photo by Arianna Tettamanzi)
Here are some members of our executive team – SVP Brand Management Meegan Colgan, CCGO Rachel Terrace, CCO Home Kevin Sharkey, myself, CEO Heath Golden, EVP Culinary Thomas Joseph, CCO Christian Martin, VP Marketing, Ben Luckadoo, and Justin Meno, SVP Business Development.
Heath was among the first to welcome everyone to the event – employees, partners, collaborators, and friends. It was a full house.
I spoke about the brand’s growth over the years, some of the many things I’ve accomplished since the last summit meeting, and a selection of memorable moments. (Photo by Arianna Tettamanzi)
Meegan also spoke – sharing brand updates, and mentioning this year’s newest partners.
Christian, who oversees content, spoke about the brand’s accomplishments in media.
Everyone listened so attentively to our brand officers.
Ben shared the brand’s marketing analytics and how they have improved over the year.
And Thomas, who has worked with me for many years, reviewed our culinary accomplishments and future endeavors in the food space.
The event also allowed everyone to catch up with others. Here I am with Elisa Marshall, founder of Maman, the American French‑inspired chain of bakery‑cafés. (Photo by Arianna Tettamanzi)
A “step-and-repeat” wall banner was put up in one area for social media photos. Here are Natasha, Heath, and Rachel.(Photo by Arianna Tettamanzi)
This is Robb Ginter, CMO at The Cookware Company, with Marquee’s Chief Business Development Officer, Joe Zarro. Have you purchased any of my Kitchen Electrics? If you go to my shop at Amazon right now, you’ll see pieces from my first-ever kitchen electrics collection! The entire series includes a range of countertop essentials designed to make everyday cooking so much easier! (Photo by Arianna Tettamanzi)
Here I am joined by Kevin and my longtime publicist, Susan Magrino.
Kevin explained the different categories and collections in our Home division, including interesting and informative personal stories spanning the many years he’s worked with me.
Here’s my longtime special projects producer, Judy Morris, with Amy Chiaro, SVP Lifestyle Video Content.
Jodie Laroche oversees Marquee’s social and digital strategy. She’s here with team member Payton Brown.
And here – Marquee’s Chief of Staff Yenelle Jackson and Zachary Sigel, managing director at Neuberger Berman and co‑founder of Marquee Brands.
You may recognize this threesome – Sarah Carey, my longtime culinary content developer, Thomas, and Susanne Rupert, editorial director of my books.
This is my executive assistant Nikki Kranzler with Mary Guzzo, Home director.
Ryan Mesina is VP Creative Services at Marquee Brands, where he oversees the photo and video creative production.
Yih‑Han Ma is co‑founder and chief executive officer of Hint, my new home-management platform, with Matt Krack, operations manager of my Bedford team, and Garrett Gottesman, our Strategic Partner Manager – Public Figures at Meta.
Current provided lunch and small bites including an artisanal sandwich buffet. This is a platter of Tuscan Caprese sandwiches made with fresh mozzarella, arugula, basil, roasted tomatoes, and pesto.
There were also fresh salads such as this lemon dijon haricots verts served with a confetti of peppers, capers, Kalamata olives, and dill.
Dessert included house made brownies, and a selection of house made cookies.
It was a very informative and successful summit. Be sure to follow me and the Martha Stewart Brand on social media – @MarthaStewart48, @MarthaStewartWorld, @MarthaStewartBlog, and @MarqueeBrands to keep up with our many announcements, partnerships, and events.
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