The Hamptons has long been synonymous with summer retreats, old money and parties. The stretch of hamlets and villages just east of New York City has maintained its top-notch event reputation for decades, which is certainly helped by its stellar location. Surrounded by water means the Hamptons has tons of beaches and is home to some of the most beautiful estates. In fact, according to Hamptons entertaining expert and author Annie Falk, the short distance from New York and its vibrant farming community makes the spot a “gastronomic gem where one can find fresh-from-the-sea lobster, clams, scallops and oysters, as well as a dizzying variety of just-picked fruits, vegetables and herbs.”
With so many factors falling into place, it’s no surprise that a Hamptons party has a very distinct style and aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean you have to actually live there full-time to get the look.
As one of the go-to people for entertaining in the Hamptons, Falk has written an entire book on the subject, titling it Hamptons Entertaining: Creating Occasions to Remember. Having trained with Roger Vergé at Le Moulin de Mougins in Provence, Falk certainly knows a thing or two about creating unique and memorable parties, whether they be on the beach or in a grassy field. Plus, she’s also a trained cook who learned from Chef Roger Vergé of Le Moulin de Mougins, so she filled the book with curated recipes too.
When trying to replicate the Hamptons aesthetic, Falk recommends going for a “beachy décor” and adding details like “hurricane lanterns punctuated by seashells, sea glass or wildflowers.” Favoring perfectly placed farm-stand flowers, her go-to choices are hydrangeas, sunflowers and dahlias, which she combines on a tray with touches of sand and shells. Complete the look with oversized lounge chairs, fire pits, and maybe some s’mores.
Of course, there are always some common mistakes you will want to avoid when planning the perfect party. The biggest mistake you can make is to “forget the reason for the gathering. Whether it’s a girl’s night in, an elegant dinner party, or a get-together to fête a birthday, all gatherings are celebrations—and celebrations are always grounded in the hostess’s enthusiasm, friendliness and delight in bringing people together.” You certainly wouldn’t want your guests to feel stressed out, so making sure everything is set up beforehand and properly planned is the best way to ensure everyone has fun.
That said, it’s nearly impossible for everything to go right, which means one needs to be flexible. “There is a broad range of fiascos that can and will go wrong at even the most well-planned and well-executed event,” promises Falk. “Perfection doesn’t exist, so if you’re looking for a perfect event, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.” She explains that the fear for many people is within creating something that isn’t perfect.
There can be a lot of pressure in certain social circles to constantly one-up one another, which may seem like healthy competition but can actually be incredibly stressful. Besides, the best parties are usually the ones that give the guests a fun-loving mood, not the ones that are so rigidly structured that they aren’t surprising. “Keep in mind some of the most hilarious memories of parties past often stem from calamity, and it was one of my own mishaps that set me on my path to culinary school,” Falk adds.
Obviously, Falk has been to a lot of high-profile events, but her personal favorites are those hosted by someone relaxed, gracious and attentive. “One of my friends keeps a buzzer near his place setting so he can alert the kitchen if a dish or glass needs refilling; this way he never has to leave his guests.” It all comes back to planning ahead, which enables the host to enjoy the evening right along with the guests to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
