Martha Stewart’s 'Entertaining' returns as demand soars for vintage copies

The long-out-of-print book is being reissued as new fans pay hundreds for original editions.

Martha Stewart prepares the Classic Beyond Breakfast Sausage with spinach and sweet onion frittata on March 10, 2020, in New York City. Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

Martha Stewart has published 100 books throughout her career, but none has remained as iconic as her first, Entertaining. Originally released in 1982, the book has become a sought-after collector’s item, with vintage hardcover editions selling for hundreds of dollars. Due to its enduring popularity, Clarkson Potter has announced plans to reissue the book, allowing a new generation of readers to experience Stewart’s signature style.

This resurgence follows two recent documentaries, The Many Lives of Martha Stewart on CNN and Martha on Netflix, which introduced Stewart to younger audiences unfamiliar with her rise to fame. These films prominently featured Entertaining, sparking a wave of interest among viewers eager to own a copy.

A collector’s item fetching high prices

With Entertaining long out of print, secondhand copies have become a hot commodity. Listings on Amazon and AbeBooks start at $173, while eBay sales have reached as high as $311. A pristine, shrink-wrapped copy has even been listed for over $1,700.

Meredith Hayden, a TikTok personality behind the popular Wishbone Kitchen account, shared in a viral video that she lost four bidding wars before securing her copy. Meanwhile, others have turned to thrift stores, hoping to find used editions at lower prices.

Why Entertaining still resonates

Speaking about the renewed interest in Entertaining, Stewart expressed little surprise. “They have been avidly watching the documentary and were introduced to a new, cool, badass woman who wrote a book in 1982 that appeals to them,” she said.

Originally published when Stewart was a caterer in Westport, Connecticut, Entertaining sold over a million copies. Its newfound popularity has led Clarkson Potter to reissue it, with the updated edition set for release in October. Aaron Wehner, the publisher of Clarkson Potter, confirmed that the book will return in its original form, maintaining its 1980s aesthetic.

For many fans, the book is more than just a guide to hosting. Kathleen Gillespey, 27, from Austin, Texas, wanted her own copy but refused to pay the high resale prices. Fortunately, her aunt, Hailey Gonzalez, still owned her original edition from 1992. “When the documentary came out, I thought, ‘I need to go find this book,’” Gillespey said.

She believes the book’s appeal lies in its visual storytelling. “Julia Child can cook and Ina Garten can cook, but Martha knows how to do presentation,” she said. “That’s why my generation is so into it. We have social media, and we want things to look aesthetically pleasing.”

A new appreciation for Stewart’s legacy

For some younger fans, Entertaining has changed their perception of Stewart. Nick Norcia, 29, a content creator in Los Angeles, admitted that he had misunderstood Stewart’s background before watching The Many Lives of Martha Stewart.

“I thought she was a stay-at-home mom who got famous,” Norcia said. “I had no idea how fierce she is.”

After watching the documentary, Norcia bought a copy of Entertaining for around $200. While he doesn’t use it as a cookbook, he sees it as a source of inspiration. “More like a retro Pinterest,” he explained.

The origins of Entertaining

Before the publication of Entertaining, Stewart had only been profiled in select publications like The New York Times and was not widely known outside elite circles. Her big break came when she catered a party for Gnomes, a best-selling illustrated book. Stewart went all out, decorating with gnome-shaped cookies and dressing her staff as fairies. Impressed by her creativity, Alan Mirken, then-president of Crown Publishing, encouraged her to write a book.

Teaming up with Elizabeth Hawes, a writer for The New Yorker, Stewart crafted Entertaining, setting the foundation for her future empire. The book’s visual presentation was a major departure from typical cookbooks of the era, which focused more on text than imagery.

“I insisted that Entertaining be printed in full color, even though my publisher resisted,” Stewart recalled. “I wanted a coffee-table book that was extremely beautiful but also useful.”

The cover, shot by photographer Michael Skott, epitomizes Stewart’s vision. It features a pristine table setting with turquoise glassware and fresh poppies, with Stewart herself inviting readers into a world of elegance. Inside, the book spans 309 pages of recipes, anecdotes, and lifestyle tips, all complemented by stunning photography.

Why the book still matters

Pages from Martha Stewart's first book, Entertaining, photographed on January 17, 2024. Photo by Austin Steele/CNN

Though Entertaining was created in the early 1980s, its influence remains strong. Stewart’s penchant for collecting cookware may seem excessive in today’s minimalist design era, but her philosophy of creating beauty through effort and creativity continues to resonate.

Roger Black, the graphic designer hired to work on Entertaining, recalled visiting Stewart’s Connecticut estate during production. “I had never seen that many copper saucepans,” he said. “It wasn’t just ten times what I was used to—it was 100 times. Every aspect of her home was perfect.”

He credited Stewart’s drive for the book’s success. “She would absorb every possible idea from people and push them to think bigger and better.”

A faithful reissue for a new generation

Unlike many reissued books that receive updates or modern redesigns, Clarkson Potter has chosen to release Entertaining in its original form. “It’s going to be a straight reissue, which is what I think people want,” Wehner said. “The expression of the moment and Martha’s creativity in that era are perfect the way they are.”

Until its official re-release, fans continue hunting for secondhand copies. Christina Barras, 32, a makeup artist in Los Angeles, managed to track down Entertaining at her local library.

“I use it to get inspiration for hosting,” Barras said. “You learn how resourceful she was. She could make really simple things beautiful with creativity, time, and effort.”

As for attempting Stewart’s famously elaborate recipes? Barras laughed. “I did try making the gingerbread mansion. Mine came out more like a gingerbread dilapidated shack.”

With Entertaining returning to shelves, Stewart’s legacy as a homemaking icon continues—proving that her vision for timeless elegance remains as relevant today as it was over 40 years ago.