Ina or Martha?
Ina or Martha?
The two entertaining icons that we all grew up with are each having a moment just in time for the holidays! While Martha is inspirational, Ina is approachable. Are you an Ina or a Martha?
INA
She says, “Store-bought is fine,” and means it. The more butter, the better. She loves talking about her husband Jeffrey and all the many meals he loves of hers. Ina’s collection of cookbooks is easily spotted in any kitchen (including mine) because of their colorful spines, and many a meme has been made of her adoration for the perfect cosmopolitan cocktail recipe. During the pandemic, Ina comforted us with her perfectly timed debut of Modern Comfort Food cookbook, and her Cocktail Hour video resonated with millions. Her TV shows take us through her house and gardens and inspire us to make a meal nice but in a realistic way, as if we are casually living on a Nancy Meyers film set. I have spent many hours in the kitchen trying to perfect some of her recipes and am proud to say I think I am close to getting her French Chicken Pot Pie just right. My kids love it, and you can make it ahead. How “fabulous is that?” as Ina would say.
She recently published a memoir titled Be Ready When The Luck Happens, in which she takes us on her journey to fame while reflecting on the challenges she faced to get there. Her “How easy is that?” approach to cooking and entertaining inspires many generations. Ina makes all of us feel like we, too, can create that fabulous pork loin, pasta, or pie.
For Thanksgiving tips and inspiration, this article from Bon Appétit is very helpful. To set the table just right, Elle Decor has provided 60 tablescape ideas to get you started.
I once walked past Ina in New York City and instantly recognized her voice. She was wearing her signature blue button-down with a scarf. I was completely starstruck, told her, “I loved her,” and kept walking, embarrassed I had just had such a fan girl moment. I love all that Ina has taught me over the years. While I am not the favored chef in our house (that prize goes to my husband), Ina has inspired me to try something new, roll up my sleeves, and find my happy place in the kitchen with all the cozy feels and flavors she brings out in all of us.
xx Brooke
MARTHA
Martha came onto the scene and took the world by storm as a feminist doing very stereotypical feminine things. She conquered Wall Street one perfectly planted herb garden at a time. I was completely fascinated by her ambition and, of course, her incredible results. Her documentary is a must-watch if you are also enthralled by her empire and all the drama that came along with it. Not many women build an empire, go to prison, and claw their way back by roasting Justin Bieber and becoming besties with Snoop!
As I planned my wedding in 1999, I used her entertaining book as a bible. I recently re-ordered it after it disappeared when I let someone borrow it. If you are planning a wedding or any party for that matter, I highly recommend it.
It is even inspiring my holiday decor this year. Every detail of my wedding was from that book, and I would do every one of them again twenty-five years later. As the holidays near, I will be channeling my inner Martha. I envision her clipping her fresh herbs with these scissors I found on Air Mail in these Gardenheir clogs (that I love for rainy errands). She probably has on these “casual” cashmere sweats while she snips. I remember a story about her baking a pie for many members of her staff (to make up for her tyrant behavior, perhaps?) So these and these are likely baking while she does other things. She has been brining the turkey for days using this recipe. She will likely do a quick change before dinner into these Khaite boots, these pants, and this sweater. She will cover her outfit with this pretty French apron until the very last minute. She will carve the turkey with this gorgeous Abask carving set. Her table is filled with simple but beautiful Sferra linens so as not to take away from the flower arrangements from her garden that she did at dawn.
Martha loves a cocktail so she will already have this batched to serve when guests arrive. These Smythson place cards will look perfect in these Aerin holders. The lighting, music, and temperature are all perfect. It’s time for guests to arrive. Love her or hate her, I bet most of us would like to spend one meal around her magical table. I know I would.
xx, Jenny
Shop all our Ina and Martha inspirations here. Don’t miss some of our past issues, including 8 Dinner Guests, Packing List: East Coast, and BIG Birthdays. Plus, our 12 Days of Holiday Lists are coming soon. Subscribe now to get on the list!
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