Celebrating our Ten-Year-Plus Employees

On Monday night, my CEO, Susan Lyne and I had the wonderful pleasure of hosting a special dinner celebrating our ten-year-plus employees.  When we first started planning this event, I really didn’t know just how many people fit into that category.  I have to say that I was surprised and quite pleased to learn that there are as many as 72 who have been working with me all these years!  Once we determined how many guests would be invited, Susan and I had to find just the right location to hold this gathering.  We looked at a few different places, and we were very impressed with the private dining room in Daniel Boulud’s newest restaurant called ‘Bar Boulud’, located in Manhattan, right across from Lincoln Center.  (1900 Broadway at 63rd St.)   It’s sort of a modern kind of bistro wine bar that serves casual food.

Once we were all settled in, anyone who wanted to could share their favorite memories of working in the company.  I have to say, the entire room was laughing jovially as these stories were told.  With over 700 employees working today, it was so much fun to reminisce about the early days when we were really a bare-bones operation exploring uncharted territories.  Things became quiet when dinner was served.  We were treated to platters of exceptional charcuterie and a lovely arugula salad topped with fried artichokes.  The dinner entrèe was oven roasted arctic char with braised fennel in an olive oil-herb broth, followed by a most tasty custard cake with brandied cherries.  Once the plates were cleared, I asked the guests to stand and introduce themselves, tell the year they started, and the positions they have held in the company.  It was fascinating to listen to and spending a casual evening with this amazingly talented ‘core’ group of individuals was so special to me.  I really appreciate each and every one of them.

The entrance to Bar Boulud.

Many interesting curios against the wall.
 

My niece, Sophie and my sister, Laura.

Heidi DeLuca, Business Manager and Peggy Knox, Skylands staff member.

A delicious cheese hors d'oeuvres.

Judy Morris and Page Norman Marchese.

Eric Pike, Creative Director and myself.


Beef tartare

A rather cozy private room.


Funny Darcy Miller, Editorial Director of Weddings.

Passing photos around - here I am way back when.

Another photo of me with Mickey Rourke.

Here I am with Fernando Ferrari - Long Time MSLO Employee.

Design Director James Dunlinson being funny

A platter of charcuterie served with condiments and mustard.

Elizabeth Canady, Group Associate Publisher/West Coast.

Eva Scrivo, my glamorous makeup artist.

A salad of arugula, olives, fennel, tomato, radishes, and fried artichokes.

Dora Cardinale - EVP, Print Production

Lily Mei, my long-time housekeeper.

Laura Normandin - Crafts/Deputy Editor.

Oven roasted arctic char and braised fennel in an olive oil-herb broth.

Comments

[Scott R. Davis]

One more reason I'm lucky to live in Hawaii. I get the Martha Blog at 6:00 pm the day before!

[mw]

you look stunning martha!

[Akihiro Ito]

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[Pam from California]

Martha I love black on you. Dig the brown leather jacket looks cool! Always with your handy camera in hand you remind me of a photo journalist waiting for the big scoop Lois Lane comes to mind!. I sure hope someone captured the evening on dvd for all of you to have as a nice keepsake .I am sure you thought of that and had it arranged before hand looks like everyone showed up.

[maurdel]

Wow! Nice meal. I guess carbs really are taboo- Not even a whole grain. I'm not sure I would want to eat all that pork. Oh, was there no dessert? Perhaps a piece of fruit?

[Nan Ashby]

Wow! What a wonderful gathering. That's really like a family reunion. It's so great of you to so care and appreciate your employees with such a delicious dinner. I really enjoyed seeing some of them in your photos.I bet some of their speeches really gave many reminiscences of bygone years with many funny and many devoted times. The food looked delicious. I'm retired but I wish I had been one of them. They are very lucky. Nan

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Sounds like a wonderful evening for all. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into the festivities.
Kathy

[Daisy]

I was very happy to stumble upon your blog! I often refer to you (on my blog) on first name basis - as if I knew you personally. My readers will get a kick out of seeing that you have a blog, too since I mention you often.
Great blog... great reading too!

[jessica~]

I bet you are a blast to work for! Looks like a wonderful evening... (love the outfit you are wearing in the picture with Fernando Ferrari).

[Andrew Ritchie]

What a lovely thing to do! I'm sure that 'core' group loves every minute of time spent working at your company. I recognize a lot of their names from the pages of the magazine: James, Eric, Laura...

You look fabulous sprawled on the trunk of that vintage car, Martha! It's a total pin-up!

xx
Andrew

[Laurie in Dallas]

Martha, you look slimmer than ever and absolutely gorgeous!What a fantastic evening complete with fabulous food,friends and stories. What a fun evening for everyone!

[jenn7]

Martha,
Looks like a wonderful event and what a nice way to celebrate your employees. You have helped me to realize that I am stuck in a job I dread going to each day. I've been here 5 years and it hasn't always been this way. But now it is and I have come to the realization that I need a creative job that I am passionate about... just as I am sure your dedicated employees are working for you. But how do I go about doing this while stuck in Wisconsin? This is certainly not the hotspot of creativity. My passion is scrapbooking and digital arts. How do I find a job doing that here? How do I find the passion doing something I love? Sorry, I know I've gone off course a bit, just a long time reader of your blog and wanted you to know that this hit home with me today. Have a wonderful day!

[theresa gettle]

it is nice to see you and your staff including your stylist and housekeeper. not many employees acknowledge these professions. it is refreshing.

[Trish]

Hi Martha and Laura:

It says a lot about an employer when they are able to keep so many people for such a long time and over the years from watching your TV shows I have seen the many ways you show your appreciation for their hard work. They all look like happy and contented employees to me!

I recognize so many in the photos and it's nice to see Eric, Judy and Laura Normandin again to name a few. I remember Laura's giggle.

I'm glad everyone had fun and the food certainly looked good. I need to get out more though because I didn't know what charcuterie was. I'm still not sure if I do! If you used that word on the show, I didn't hear it. Trish

[Margie]

How fun to belong to the organization for over 10 years. The great stories that evolve over time. I worked for a company with a history in which people who were there on day one were still available for anniversary parties and reminiscence. Priceless.
Congratulations!

[Renee Fitzgerald]

What a wonderful evening! There isn't much better than spending time with good loyal friends and tasty food.

We are all so happy for you and for ourselves! Where would we be without the "Martha" style and inspiration?!!!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, How proud you must be to have so many loyal employees and how great to be able to bring all of them together for a lovely evening! Bar Boulud certainly was a beautiful place for the reunion and the food looks so scrumptous! If only I were younger... If only I lived closer...It' fun to dream! Your photos are wonderful. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Sherey]

What a lovely evening for you and your loyal employees...so wonderful to honor them in this way. And they all look pleased to be there.

You look fantastic Martha...the epitome of polished elegance!

[ShopLittleGifts]

What a wonderful idea. I will definitely do that. Dinner with all 10 year employees. I was just listening to a podcast with Steve Jobs yesterday - he was saying how important it is to scout out talent and bring out the best in them. It's interesting that people like Darcy and Judy started out as interns and assistants before they became who they are today. Realizing potential is really the best part of any job.

[Melody]

I had fun reading about how you honored your 10 year employees - I'm sure you all had a memorable time. Thanks for sharing it with your fans. Here's wishing you all 10 more fabulous years! Melody

[lucy]

Congratulations to all your 10 year employees!! Looks like it was a fabulous gathering!

[Joan Fluor Mason, OH]

Martha,

What a wonderful way to show how much you care about your employees.

I am sure they had a wonderful time and you always seem to have a good time. Love your blog, you look so happy when you come on the show in the morning.

We are really learning alot and seeing some great pictures from your blog and your program.

Thanks so much for your interest in all of us.

Joan Fluor, Mason, OH

[Adam]

The photo of you on the car is classic! I love it!

I must say, ten years at MSLO is very auspicious and, in my opinion, historical. I bet it's an adventure working at MSLO. Do you need scientists? :)

[Janet]

What a great evening and thanks for sharing it with us!

[Metty]

Congratulations to all of your staff members and to you for making it possible for so many people to enjoy their work! May you all share many more happy times together and look forward to another 10 and more. Bravo!!!!!!

[ANA C. DiLEVA]

DEAR MARTHA,
I'M AN AVID WATCHER OF THE SHOW. THE INFORMATION, INSPIRATION AND GREAT IDEAS THAT I GET ARE PRICELESS. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
ON YOUR CUPCAKE SHOW THAT AIRED ON 4-2-08, AT THE END OF THE SHOW, YOU DISPLAYED CUPCAKE WRAPPERS FROM A COMPANY IN MONTANA CALLED PANSEY FLOWERS. I'M NOT ABLE TO FIND IT. CAN YOU SEND ME THIER WEBSITE?
WE HAVE A WEDDING SHOWER AND BABY SHOWERS THIS YEAR.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
ANA C. DiLEVA
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA

[JBrennan]

Martha:

It's great to see how much you appreciate all the hard work and loyalty exhibited by your staff. It's unusual these days to see such longevity in any job.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of them at the 2006 Good Things event. Kevin, let me pet Sharkey and I took Laura Normandin's Holiday Craft workshop. I also met Fritz Karch, who appraised some of my collectibles. He asked me to send him some photos of my Christmas decorations, which I did, along with one of my hand-crafted ornaments. Tell him I said "Hi"!

I like, too, the way you honored not only the MSLO employees, but your domestic staff, as well. I think that's one of the key reasons for your popularity: you know how to relate to everyone!

Best Wishes to all of you for many more successful years!

Joseph Brennan

[Chuck]

Martha you look so beauitful.

[JBrennan]

Martha:

I really enjoyed Friday's end to cupcake week and it's always great to see Dylan Lauren on the show. She's got a great personality for television.

In reference to the comment from "Trish" regarding charcuterie, I just wanted her to know that it refers to a selection of prepared meats (usually pork) which have been smoked or otherwise cooked or dressed.

In reference to Ana DiLeva's comment, the website for the cupcake papers is www.fancyflours.com. (not flowers).

[Joan]

Hi Martha.I live in Australia and love your show. Todays show with Karen Tack with her april fool cupcakes,Tomorrow I will be seeing if I can get her book hellocupcakes,Just hope we keep having your shows here as I cook lots of the recipes,Love reading your blog,

[Brenda Voss]

Martha-I enjoy your television shows and look forward to each program. Your an inspiration to all! Keep doing what you do....

[Mark]

Martha,
Thank you so much for your blog, I love reading about your pets, travel, tips. You and your wonderful crew have taught me so much about all things relating to the house, organizing my family photos, and I can now grow my flower gardens!
Thanks again!
Mark S., Greensboro, NC

[Doris Imlay]

Martha I consider you one of my best friends, you taught me all my survival trades that keep me happy, anything that I need to know I go to your blog. I enjoy your travels so much and do not have to leave my home. Your pets have such a warm spot in my heart. Should I have to be away during your show, its taped for viewing later. How fortunate your viewers are to have access to a such a great teacher that really cares for us.

[Christy]

The picture of Darcy Miller...is she expecting again? She looked like it in what she was wearing. Congradulations!!

[Rachel Fisher]

love all your ideas and pets! My best friends all helped with our friend Linda's daughter's wedding in Boston! See the pictures at www.wadeandjessica.com
It was pure joy!