Martha Stewart's Very Good Things: Clever Tips & Genius Ideas for an Easier, More Enjoyable Life

by Martha Stewart

Hundreds of clever tips, solutions, and easy ways to elevate every day, from America's most trusted lifestyle authority, in one must-have handbook

Inside these pages Martha shares all her best good things--the original life hacks for the home--to make your life easier, more fun, more delicious, and more efficient. These practical tricks cover all areas of Martha's domestic expertise, including decorating, organizing, homekeeping, cooking, entertaining, and celebrating. From clever ways to solve common problems (use file folder dividers to organize cutting boards and sheet pans in your cabinets) to time-saving tricks (keep a pail stocked with cleaning supplies for easy access and portability to stress reducers (color-code kids' bathroom gear to make mornings less hectic), every one of these ideas will make you wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" Also included are ways to use what you have (a Parmesan cheese rind will add great flavor to soup), streamline your stuff (use certain kitchen tools for many different purposes), or just make life a little more luxurious (add elegance to your table with DIY place cards). Whether functional, delightful, or a little bit of both, these are the details that enliven and inspire every day--that's a good thing!

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Cookbooks, Crafts, Self Help, Food, Adult

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2021

About the author

Martha Helen Stewart is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality. As the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, focusing on home and hospitality, she gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, merchandising and e-commerce. She has written numerous bestselling books, was the publisher of Martha Stewart Living magazine and hosted two syndicated television programs: Martha Stewart Living, which ran from 1993 to 2004, and The Martha Stewart Show, which ran from 2005 to 2012.
In 2004, Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case; she served five months in federal prison for fraud and was released in March 2005. There was speculation that the incident would effectively end her media empire, but in 2005 Stewart began a comeback campaign and her company returned to profitability in 2006. Stewart rejoined the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2011 and became chairwoman of her namesake company again in 2012. The company was acquired by Sequential Brands in 2015. Sequential Brands Group agreed in April 2019 to sell Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, including the Emeril brand, to Marquee Brands for $175 million with benchmarked additional payments.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girl, Martha. I have been a fan for... ever. I realize in reading this compendium of the best of her "good things" that I have incorporated more of them into my everyday life than I would have expected. Her brand is often mislabeled as making things that don't need made - i.e. homemade marshmallow when the bag will do, but her trademark "good things" are usually simple and super practical. I found a few new things to try and really enjoyed reading the book filled with little ways to improve house and home.

[Shanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for lifestyle/home improvement books and this didn't disappoint. Lots of brilliant and inspiring tips and tricks.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know me, you probably know about my love of Martha. (If you did not know this, welcome to the inner sanctum.) It’s true and deep and goes back about 30 years at this point. I first fell in love with her magazine. I have that issue somewhere from summer 1991. You could read about how to care for chickens or the history of McCoy pottery or the best way to care for cast iron. Her first cookbook got me through my first apartment and beyond and even today I check in with her for that chicken pot pie recipe, a new Christmas-themed craft, or how to get out a stain.

She knows how to organize and lay out a home, too. I’ve watched The Home Edit, and those women can really make a closet look like a show room, but Martha can make your living room look like a Cape Cod cottage, and that’s probably more my vibe. She’s well read, she knows food, and she’s a badass.

This particular volume is more or less a best of, many tidbits that I remember from the past: a reminder of how a tiny bit of paint as detail can transform a room, how to set up a gallery wall, how to waterproof your shoes, how to organize your jewelry, how to feed a crowd of people, or how to really go all out for Halloween. Maybe one day I’ll be able to stop carting my vintage magazines around from move to move, but for now, I am keeping all of my Martha on my shelf and in my heart.

[Christiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I have to read a Martha Stewart book to remember that, like, I cannot be Martha Stewart. This is still true upon reading this book (but I'm happy for the people who are together enough to do more than heart and arrow pens or origami egg holders, which are both admittedly youth program ideas and the only reason I could maybe have enough self discipline to learn how to do these things).

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most popular monthly features in the magazine "Martha Stewart Living" is "Good Things"--a collection of easy projects and clever tips that, according to Stewart, are "simple, smart, and sensible" in presenting novel ways to enliven homes and gatherings using easy-to-find materials. MARTHA STEWART'S VERY GOOD THINGS culls the best of the best from more than 30 years of "Martha Stewart Living," resulting in a beautifully designed, lovingly photographed and immensely entertaining book.

The lushly illustrated book divides these tips, projects and ideas into six broad chapters: Decorating, Homekeeping (making household chores more manageable), Organizing, Cooking, Entertaining and Celebrating (holiday-specific tips and DIY projects). Happily, most of these projects and tips are extremely simple and explained in a single paragraph. Recipes usually have four or fewer steps. The projects are attractive, functional and surprisingly easy. Creating a floating bedside shelf is simple and useful, wallpapering stair risers adds excitement to a staircase, and replacing bed headboards with curtains mounted on the walls is innovative. The Cooking chapter focuses on time savers and eliminating waste. The Entertaining chapter highlights cooking-for-crowds favorites, grilling game changers and fuss-free desserts.

Sprinkled throughout are "Classic Good Thing" tips that should have readers muttering, "Why didn't I think of that?" For instance, a rubber band stretched over an open paint can to wipe excess paint off a brush. And only a fool will not photocopy (and laminate) the two-page stain chart which gives individual solutions to removing stains caused by grease, grass, wine, ink, blood and more. Stewart's beautifully designed and easy-to-use handbook is a very good thing.

Hundreds of clever tips and projects for making life easier are collected from three decades of "Martha Stewart Living" and illustrated with vibrant and tempting photos.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Martha Stewart and I loathe DIY projects, so I had predictably mixed feelings about this.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were many old favorites along with her newer good things. Martha isn't for everyone, but she is definitely someone to look in on and see what she is up to.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must-have Martha book to go with my other Martha and organizing book!!! :)

[Emma Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially, a big Martha Stewart magazine with no ads I borrowed from my local library.
There’s a fair of amount of sound advice. Beautiful pictures, and uplifting encouragement for decorating as well as general home care
A paperback Pinterest board. Good thing indeed

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pre-Pinterest Vibes

I remember loving Good Things in the MSL magazine days, but this collection was meh. Time to level up the crafts bc Pinterest and TikTok have brought us FORWARD!

[Pat Lampe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of ideas, tips, diy projects, recipes, and other tidbits of useful information. I enjoyed the articles and the photography. Fun book.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmm, I'd have had a better time reading thus if we weren't still rooted in a pandemic world where I can't entertain. Nice artsy stuff to splurge on when I am once again living a carefree life.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t need tips on polishing copper serving pieces, caring for dry-clean only garments, or keeping my table linens crease-free. I won’t be hiring a carpenter to build custom built-ins under my stairs, or making ice cubes out of “surplus champagne” to add flavor to soups. No, I won’t be having any dinner parties or houseguests during a pandemic.

So why did I grab this? The same reason I read DIY blogs and use Instagram: for inspiration and escapism. To cheer me up. I was hoping for accessible ideas about cleaning, gardening and decor and this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Rounded up to three stars for the pretty pictures.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of the ideas in this book are rehashed from previous books, or appeared earlier in the Martha Stewart Living magazine, but this is a nice compilation nonetheless. A couple of the easy ideas that I was most taken with, was cooking a whole chicken on a sheet pan on top of thickly sliced (chopped) rustic bread with thyme sprigs and peeled garlic closes so the drippings make the bread toasty, not soggy, and the skin will crisp up all over. Bread!! So simple! Another was to gather the stray pine needles that fall off the Christmas tree or wreath and scoop them into a small, handmade sachet to perfume linen drawers. I'm also inspired to (once again) try my hand at starting a small indoor herb garden. This time will be different! This time I'll remember to water! And not all of it in one week! I'll actually try to fertilize my little plants this time and not just hope that they thrive on my good intentions! And once they are doing well and I have some lovely cuttings, I'll try spray painting one of my many empty wine bottles white to use as a lovely vase. Thanks Martha!

[Kayla Chittum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but Very Good Things just didn’t land for me. While the concept is nice—celebrating simple pleasures and beautiful moments—it ultimately felt more aspirational than relatable.

Many of the ideas, DIYs, and inspirations seemed geared toward an upper-class lifestyle, making it hard to connect with on a practical level. Rather than feeling inspired to try things myself, I often felt like I was flipping through a beautifully styled catalog of things I’d admire from afar.

That said, the photography is lovely, and the overall idea of slowing down and appreciating “very good things” in life is a meaningful one. I just wish it had felt more accessible and applicable to everyday life.

Overall, it’s aesthetically pleasing but not very engaging or useful for the average reader. A nice idea in theory, but not one I’d revisit.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to Martha Stewart's tips for a better home. I've yet to cook anything she's suggested, but when it comes to home organizing, cleaning, decor, etc., she's a master.

This book is organized and designed in an easy get what you need and come back later for more way.

Many of the items have been featured in her former magazine, but some are new.

There are six categories: decorating, homekeeping, organizing, cooking, entertaining, and celebrating.

If you live in a studio apartment, a large home, or on a farm, you are bound to find something that works for you in this book.

Martha's a home icon for a reason.

[Msimone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This compilation of mostly easy and sometimes fastidious projects all share a quality of beauty in présentation which élevates objects such as wreaths and cookies to objets d'art. You'll find examples of practical household tips that are no brainers, but which you may have never thought about. The photographs that accompany the "very good things" listed in the book are very attractive and they certainly prompt you to try them out. In all, the compilation is less of a home run, than it is a good game.

[Michele Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha has done it again! She has written a book containing loads of home decorating, cooking, and entertaining activities for folks of varying skill levels. There is something in this book for everybody as long as they’re not completely homeless and living under a bridge. Being that I am not handy, my favorite activities were the:
- “Instant Entryway” on page 45.
- “Slip-Proof Kitchen Towel” on Page 56, and
- “”Dollhouse Cabinet” on page 102
The only quibble I have is that some of her suggestions were recycled from previous articles and shows.

[Lori Kresse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this only two stars because I got Martha Stewart's magazine for many years and these are just items from the magazine compiled into a big book. In the magazine, at least there would be details about where you could buy the items highlighted in the "tips." Can't do it with this book, I suppose since many of the references would be dated or non-existent. If you have never read Martha Stewart's magazine, you could find some interesting ideas here. But this book just seems like a money making scheme without putting in much effort. Wish trees didn't need to die to make this book.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent book full of handy hints for any person trying to figure out how to get things done around the house. No one can do it all and who wants to? Keep it shelved with your cookbooks ( along with a pen or highlighter close by) Pick and chose what works for you. Full of tips for living on your own no matter what age. Tried and true helpful tips beneficial for young people starting out on their own. easy simple ideas that are tried and true. I like to jot notes down in reference books like this. Cooks Country Magazine and America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks have tons of handy ideas also.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever you might think about Martha Stewart, there's a reason she can still publish books and still has a following. And that reason is simple: she has GOOD ideas. This book is full of them and I already implemented one of them (keep a glass with a little soapy water in it beside your sink--it makes a little bit of dish soap go a long way). Many tips that are practical, others that are beautiful, and this book even contains patterns to pull off some of her recommendations. Go Martha, go!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from Martha Stewart. If you need help with the homemaking/entertaining part of adulting...this book is for you. So many amazing tips and tricks pulled from the Martha Stewart Magazine, all compiled in one place. Lots of crafts to do, recipes to make, and entertaining to be done.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I read all 500 very good things. Lots were things I’d never do. Wallpaper the insides of my drawer. Stitch names on to elm leaves to use as place cards. Organize my craft supplies (I don’t have craft supplies).

But. There were lots of interesting tips on food, drinks and entertaining. Martha must have had great parties. Three stars.

[cbalexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Junk to diamonds

The first few things in this book look a lot like what you oohed and awed over when your kindergartener brought it home. The last part of the book presents like a primer for the royal family ... Financially out of reach. I don't know anyone but Martha (or Charles and Camilla) in this middle class.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably haven’t had a subscription to the magazine in over 20 years, but it was neat to see some new creative ideas in the spirit of those I once loved about the magazine. Might even implement one or two.

[Sharron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great gift for someone in their 20s or 30s if they are moving into their first home/apartment. And even for those who don’t fall into that category, there are useful tips to be gleaned by perusing this title.

[Janie Dawes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased two books to give one to a friend. We each do this often. I enjoyed reading and marking page numbers of Really Good Things. Loved most the use of Natural and homemade cleaning solutions. Great gift book.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank goodness I found this book. I had been struggling to create a welcoming entrance nook in my beach house for when my guests arrived without me there to greet them. :)
Sarcasm aside, it was fine to borrow from the library for a flip-through, but there wasn’t anything new.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha is still the "go-to" girl for me when it comes to the best recommendations in food, entertaining, and homemaking. This book has some great tips on all of the areas above. Now I have to go find that Gomasio (a Japanese sesame salt) that she touted. I must have it.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that all these tips are all compiled in one place. It is one of my favorite sections in the magazine. What a delight to read, some of which I remember seeing but quite a few new-to-me additions.