Martha Reveals Her Best Holiday Hosting Secrets—Plus the Recipes She Swears By

When it comes to entertaining, especially around the holidays, Martha is the go-to expert for planning lavish celebrations. During a recent E! News interview, she shared her tips for hosting a no-fail festive gathering.

First off, get organized early and create a master plan. "If you're going to have a party, start working on it now—making your list, figuring out when and where things can be made or purchased," Martha told E! News.

And if you're planning Thanksgiving, "I would order my turkey now because it's not too early," she explains. "If you have a good butcher, order your fresh-filled heritage bird now. They're going to sell out this Thanksgiving, and it's so unbelievably difficult to get what you want at the last minute. You can't do it."

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When it comes to the menu, Martha says now is not the time to try something new. "Don't experiment on your guests," she told E! News. "Make something that you've already made and know is good." Of course, Martha recommends cooking some of her tried-and-true recipes, including her mustard-glazed salmon, which she describes as "utterly delicious."

"There are lovely dishes that are very simple," she continues. "My pasta al limone is the best first course you can ever imagine and that takes half an hour." To elevate the quick pasta dish, she tops it with an extravagant garnish: caviar.