Hamptons Home Shops: Who's Staying, Going, and Coming Back
August 29, 2012
Hamptons pop-ups and off-season closings are a fact of East End life. And while we hate to see our favorite stores disappear after Labor Day, at least there’s always next season to look forward to. Here's the scoop on future plans for our favorite home stores:
STORES
Bespoke Global: As a nod to its one-year anniversary, Bespoke Global opened its first brick-and-mortar outpost in the Hamptons this summer. And due to the high level of support and patronage from the community, not only has this home furnishings company extended its stay until the end of September, but they will be returning next year, too. 46 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 251-6077
James B. Fairchild: Though James B. Fairchild only opened this year, it houses perhaps the widest range of items in the Hamptons, from antlers to oil paintings. So it is with a collective sigh of relief we report that this new store will remain open year-round. 619 Hampton Road, Southampton, 259-3731
Lexington Clothing Company: This Stockholm-based company opened its first US anchor store in the Hamptons this summer. Good news continues for fans of the New England-inspired home furnishings and clothing shop, because it plans to stay open throughout the year. 73 Main Street, East Hampton, 855-539-1993
MONC XIII: The antique furniture and elegant décor of MONC XIII have already become an East End fixture after premiering this season. Happily, the haute home store plans to stay open and serve its Sag Harbor clientele all year long. 40 Madison St., Sag Harbor, 808-3333
POP-UPS
C. Wonder: C. Wonder brightened up the East End this summer, and we've heard its signature neon bikes and preppy clothes will be back for summer 2013, although the exact location is to be decided. 5 Main St., Southampton, 287-2645
JAM Paper & Envelope: When JAM lost its UES lease this year, it opened a pop-up in the Hamptons instead. Although this craft lover’s dream store plans to stay until early October, as of yet the company has no definite plans to return next year. 68 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 204-0666
—MEGAN WILLETT
Mary Giuliani's Small Bites, Big Stories: Ultimate Party-Prep Playlist
August 28, 2012
FROM LEFT: Paul Morrisey, Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin, and Tim Buckley.
Not sure about you guys, but my favorite time to listen to music is when I’m cooking or getting my house ready for a party. And I don’t just listen—I turn up the volume super high, sing, dance like an animal, throw my arms up in the air, and rock a high kick if the moment takes me.
I made this playlist last week and cooked for hours while my dogs and my husband watched a movie and ignored the crazy lady singing into the wooden spoon and dancing around the spinach dip (me).
Wanted to share the list with you in case you feel like rockin’ out in your kitchen while you prep for a Labor Day party:
AH MARY - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals (actually, anything GPN is perfect anytime)
CAN’T YOU HEAR ME KNOCKIN’ - The Rolling Stones
SAVOY TRUFFLE - The Beatles
JUDY BLUE EYES - Crosby, Stills, and Nash
SING FOR YOUR SUPPER - The Mamas & The Pappas
WATERMELON IN EASTER HAY - Frank Zappa
ONE BIG HOLIDAY - My Morning Jacket
CAN YOU DIG IT - The Monkees
THE WEIGHT - The Band
LA VIE EN ROSE - Edith Piaf
DR. JOHN - Getaway
WHISKEY IN MY WHISKEY - The Felice Brothers
COOK OF THE HOUSE - Wings
STRANGE FRUIT - Billie Holiday
ALICE’S RESTAURANT - Arlo Guthrie
PARIS - Grace Potter
POPSICLE TOES - Michael Franks
A SUNDAY KIND OF LOVE - Etta James
—MARY GIULIANI
Mary and her husband Ryan launched marygiuliani.com in 2005, based on their shared love of entertaining, food, and hospitality. The figurehead of the company, Mary creates parties and mingles with the absolute crème de la crème of the Hollywood and fashion scenes. Her clients look to her to break the traditions of entertaining norms and to provide them with party ideas that are one of a kind, out of the box, playful experiences.
Her schedule is jam packed from morning to night when she’s on the party circuit. Mary is the exclusive caterer for J. CREW, Madewell, and Christie’s. Her client roster includes: The Rolling Stones, Bradley Cooper, Sheryl Crow, Natalie Portman, Sephora, Conde Nast, Hearst, Time Inc., Stella McCartney, Warner Brothers, Universal Pictures, and many more. In 2011, Mary executed 27 events in one evening across Manhattan for Vogue’s Fashion’s Night out and her company produces over 600 events a year. Biz Bash also honored her as “Caterer of the Year” in 2011. Follow Mary on Twitter: @mary_giuliani
Elvira Grau's Simple Tips for a Hamptons Labor Day Party
August 28, 2012
A Hamptons Labor Day Party is a way to celebrate the end of summer, stylishly and stress-free. Celebrity event planner and entertaining expert, Elvira Grau of Space Odyssey USA, drew on her experiences with Hamptons clientele for these easy party tips:
Celebrate Summer Memories:
Labor Day parties are all about remembering the best summer moments, and what better way to reminisce than by displaying all your favorite summer photos?
For décor inspired by the season's best moments, create elegant collages, large decorative albums, or put together a slideshow that will display all of your favorite pictures from the past summer. This will create an art gallery effect throughout your home or backyard.
Encourage guests to contribute, too. For those who bring camera phones and digital cameras along, set up a photo booth, and have a photo printer so guests can print up their favorite party snaps.
A take-home gift is always a nice touch. Purchase small picture frames so that each guest can take home their photographs.
Incorporate Summery Pops of Color:
With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer, it’s prime time to pay homage to this season's bright and bold colors.
Pick your favorite bright hue, then pair it with complementing tablecloths and flower centerpieces. Sunflower centerpieces with light orange linens create a stunning sunset effect.
To easily personalize the centerpieces, place pictures on long skewers, then arrange them among the flowers to incorporate your own memories inside the bouquet.
Plan a Simple Menu to Feature Summer Flavors Best:
When planning your menu, it’s all about great basics that will satisfy all palates. Here’s how to highlight the flavors of summer, simply.
Sliced chicken or skirt steak prepared on the grill is easy, appealing, and features that fantastic summer flavors we’ll miss come winter. Pair a lean protein with truffle mashed potatoes or risotto for a little added luxury.
Stick to a variety of simple sides that guests can pick and choose from, buffet-style. Throw summer vegetables on the grill with a touch of oregano and drizzled olive oil; or toss fresh spinach with sliced beets, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, and oil for a light summer salad. Classic corn on the cob is another fantastic addition.
Finish off with a light and fresh dessert. Pair strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with some homemade whipped cream, or opt for light Cool Whip for a guilt-free treat. If it’s more an indulgence you’re after, poached pears or baked apples with a bit of sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream are just the thing.
—ELVIRA GRAU
Elvira Grau is a Russian immigrant who built her business from scratch starting in Englewood, NJ. A happily married mother of four, Elvira proves that women really can have it all and is a firm believer that hard work can lead to the "American Dream." She founded Space Odyssey USA in 2005 when she discovered an empty, 26,000-square-foot warehouse and envisioned a one-of-a-kind, fantastical entertainment and private events space. Entering into its seventh anniversary this September, Elvira has hosted over 7,200 events at Space since its inception. The destination for some of the biggest and most outrageous celebrity events, birthday parties, and celebrations, Space Odyssey USA is run by Elvira with her husband, Emmy award-winning television producer, Jim. Prior to creating Space Odyssey USA and launching her entertaining career, Elvira was a successful marketing and public relations executive, handling Fortune 500 clients.
My East End Favorites: Naturopathica's Barbara Close
August 27, 2012
Naturopathica founder and CEO Barbara Close leads a beautiful life—not only is she behind Naturopathica's healthy, clinically proven skincare products and an acclaimed East Hampton spa, she’s also a full-time Hamptons resident. Below, Close gives an insider's look at East End favorites:
“As a year-round resident, summer in the Hamptons means enjoying the bounty of the season while avoiding the traffic jams and crowds. I probably should not reveal the list below as I will have to create a new list by next summer. Oh well….”
Favorite Restaurant – The lunch truck behind The North Fork Table and Inn (57225 Main Road, Southold, 599-8897) is sublime. Heavenly lobster rolls, Berkshire pulled pork sandwiches drizzled with a charred tomatillo sauce, and delicious vegetarian items.
Favorite Nightlife Spot – Stargazing events at the Montauk Observatory (668-2428). It's not every day you can take in a Perseid Meteor Shower, and Montauk provides an unparalleled spot to view the heavens outside the city.
Favorite Event of the Summer – North Fork Historic Preservation is a fabulous event and auction that raises funds to preserve the historic homes of the Orient and its surrounding area.
Favorite Farm Stand – The Sag Harbor Farmers Market (Bay St. - at Burke St. in front of the Break Water Yacht Club - 212-644-2604) has fresh coffee, delicious Riesling, and expert recipe advice.
Favorite Place to Shop – JANGEORGe (11 Madison St., Sag Harbor, 899-4848) is an amazing new interior design store in Sag Harbor.
Favorite Best-Kept Secret – Off-season in the Hamptons—the absence of the crowds amplifies the beauty.
—BARBARA CLOSE
Dream Design Scheme: Whimsical Hamptons Doorknockers
August 24, 2012
Inspired by a love of water and nature, Michael Healy is the force behind some of the world’s most luxe doorknockers. This solid brass surf clam sets the tone for an East End beach cottage.
Surf Clam Door Knocker, Michael Healy ($120). michaelhealy.com
Home to the Hamptons Classic and Bridgehampton Polo, a horse doorknocker gives guests a taste of the area’s affinity for everything equestrian.
Equestrian Horse Door Knocker, Pottery Barn ($19). potterybarn.com
Show everyone who crosses your threshold that they’re “anchoring” themselves for a weekend of fun and relaxation.
Anchor Door Knocker, Michael Healy ($100). michaelhealy.com
Since dragonflies are usually seen near ponds, harbors, and streams, this is the perfect nod to the Hamptons’ water-focused lifestyle.
Dragonfly Door Knocker, Restoration Hardware ($79). 69 Main St., East Hampton, 907-1300
Welcome guests whimsically with a sporty golf door knocker.
Golf Putter Door Knocker, Michael Healy ($100). michaelhealy.com
A doorknocker adds the finishing touch to a Hamptons home, doing for your door what jewelry does to complete an outfit. When selecting which piece of “jewelry” you would like to adorn your front door with, pay homage to the vibe of your Hamptons lifestyle, display your East End interests, or subtly show guests they’ve reached the beach.
—LISA EHRLICH
Hamptontoes is a blog by interior designer Lisa Ehrlich, who shares her musings on all things interior design related, along with tidbits for living a happy and stylish life. Stay tuned for bi-weekly blog posts on décor, entertaining, and her take on the Hamptons.
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