Today on weekend meanderings, it’s alfresco August and I’m swooning over beautiful dinner parties in the Hamptons and vineyards of Northern California + an easy, refreshing Hampton Spritz.
Happy Saturday, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.
Kids are headed back to school. I say it every year and it bears repeating … going back to school before Labor Day is just wrong. Nevertheless, back they go. How does this affect me? Traffic, of course. And parking. When I walk our dogs on the trail in the morning it’s convenient to park at the middle school which is frowned upon during the school year. So we transition to evening walks until the fall time change. Then we pivot to mornings and a parking lot further away, but enough about me.
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Speaking of things happening too early, I heard that Starbuck’s will bring back their pumpkin spice drinks on August 26. Sigh. Last week I said I wasn’t ready to talk about fall … and then our weather warmed up considerably and suddenly I’m craving cool, crisp mornings and sunny, breezy afternoons. Crave it all I want, August is one of our warmest months and we’ve kicked it off with a bang.
August was Snowberry’s time to shine and this month I’ll miss our outdoor spaces more than ever. In June and July we tend to have unreliable weather for outdoor entertaining, but when August rolls around it’s time to pack the weekends with alfresco dinners. This summer I’ll be living vicariously through other people’s outdoor entertaining adventures.
Alfresco August
A couple of swoon worthy parties in the Hamptons caught my eye this week …
World of Ralph Lauren Luncheon at Mulford Farm ~
I must have missed my invitation to Ralph Lauren’s summer luncheon in support of the East Hampton Historical Society’s restoration of Mulford Farm (dating to 1680).
Image: Hannah Turner Harts/BFA.com
Attending a Ralph Lauren summer soiree in The Hamptons tops my list of only-in-my-dreams summer activities.
Image: Hannah Turner Harts/BFA.com
All the beautiful people were there wearing beautiful, stylish things. Naomi Watts, Arin Lauder, and Lauren Bush Lauren nibbled on lobster rolls and stuffed their Ralph’s tote bags with fresh produce from Ina Garten’s favorite farm stand, Amber Waves. And Ricki Lauren’s classic The Hamptons: Food, Family History.
Images: LEXIE MORELAND/WWD
I’m a huge fan of Naomi Watts luncheon look … striped blazer over waist coat and dark wash jeans. And her bag! I think it’s the Ralph Calfskin Tote.
Image: LEXIE MORELAND/WWD
Read – and see – more here and here.
I love the clean, simple green and white table settings.
Image: Hannah Turner Harts/BFA.com
My sleuthing says these are Ralph Lauren’s Garden Vine dinner plate (the green plate is limited in availability which is just criminal), on woven chargers and, Wentworth flatware.
Brunello Cucinelli Dinner at the Wolffer Estate Stables~
Another invitation I missed, dinner at the Wolffer Estate Stables in Sagaponack co-hosted by Brunello Cucinelli, featuring Wolffer Estate Vineyard roses.
Again, the setting is very simple, neutral, classic. And woven placemats bring texture to the setting. They remind me of my whitewashed hyacinth placemats.
No dining configuration captures my imagination quite like a lonnnng, or curved, single table. It’s so elegant.
Image: Sabrina Steck/BFA.com
Guests Christie Brinkley, Candace Bushnell, and Lady Kitty Spencer alongside newsies Don Lemon and Tamara Hall – lookied low-key and elegant in their quiet luxury ensembles.
Images: LEXIE MORELAND/WWD
Read – and see – more here and here.
Swoon.
Image: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
Outstanding in the Field ~
Now that we’ve talked about parties I can’t get invited to, let’s talk about the ones I can. Have you heard of Outstanding in the Field?
Our friend and realtor extraordinaire Dana and her husband Todd recently raved about attending an Outstanding in the Field dinner at a long table between the vines at Tres Sabores Winery in Napa Valley. With a farm-to-table dinner prepared A16’s culinary team. It sounded wonderful and I’ve been daydreaming about attending a vineyard dinner ever since.
Image: Dana Green Team
Now that Jim’s retired our days of wining and dining in the vineyards have come to an abrupt end. If I ever complained – just a teensy bit – about attending yet another boondoggle wine event, I regret it now and take it all back.
Image: Outstanding in the Field
No need to despair, I started following Outstanding in the Field on Instagram and got myself on their mailing list. They host dinners in vineyards, on farms and ranches, in coastal settings around the country. Partnering with local chefs they bring ‘the table to the farm’, don’t you love that?!
Image: Outstanding in the Field
Check out their 2025 calendar of ticketed events here. I’m eyeing a few of the Northern California coastal dinners in November. It’s my birthday month, Jim … just saying.
Hampton Spritz
All this talk about summer dinners in the Hamptons has me craving a Hampton Spritz. There are many variations and I decided to try the Hampton Water version. Hampton Water is Jon Bon Jovi’s (and son Jesse) rose – and sparkling rose. You’ll find the Hampton Spritz recipe on their website here, alongside a ton of other cocktail ideas using Hampton Water. They have a few yummy looking cocktail bite recipes too.
Anyway, Hampton Spritz are easy to make and incredibly refreshing. Simple ingredients including Hampton Water, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, Club Soda + grapefruit and mint to garnish. Cheers!
Versailles Planters
As we inch closer to breaking ground on the little house – big news coming soon – I’m allowing myself to start dreaming about the decor. Inside and out. I’ve admired these versailles planters for a while and feel they could be a wonderful addition to the front porch. The little house will be white, with a stained wood front door, and I think a pop of seagrass just might be the ticket. What do you think?
Current Favorites & Best Sellers ~
That’s what I have for you today.
Oh those swoon worthy Hampton Parties…sound so opulent! A Hampton spritzer will be as close as I can get:-))
August feels like summer’s last Hurrah…the season has been hot and I quite like how linen and cotton dresses are the main players…you have great style Juliet.
Have fun!
XO
Leslie
Hostess of The Humble Bungalow
Leslie, I’ll pulling out all my cotton and linen as it seems summer finally arrived. I didn’t miss the heat … but August is August and we’ll get through it. Cheers! xo
The dinner parties look fabulous. Very inspiring. I noticed they were all careful to have small low centerpieces. Practical and beautiful.
Hi Cristi, isn’t it the worst when a floral arrangement interferes with conversation? Happy weekend! xo
Amazing parties…and that spritz is right up my alley!
Spritz, Spritz, Hooray! xo
Hi. Just wanted to say I really like your new shorter haircut.
Thanks, so much, Linda … I’m loving it too especially when it comes to the blow dry! xo
I love a party! Isn’t it funny all of the parties, business dinners and other activities that while you are in the thick of it seem like a pain. But once retirement comes all of those activities and the fin travels abruptly halts. I really don’t miss the dinners but I do miss some of the travel.
Both of these parties are fabulous! Ralph Lauren is beautiful and classic.
Love this spritz, I have not heard of Hampton Rose and will now be on the lookout.
You have heard me whine, I m tired of the heat. But will enjoy the fun bbq’s and pool days that come with it.
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend Juliet!
xo
Oh, Elizabeth, you truly understand! xoxo
I love your hair. The length and style very flattering on you!
love your hair. The length and style very flattering on you!
Audra! Thank you … that’s so sweet. xo
Hi Juliet! Whenever Ralph Lauren hosts a party, every detail is centered around the location and there’s so much inspiration!
Your Hamtpon Spritz looks so refreshing!
Xx
Juliet what a fun post gong down the rabbit hole of all these pretty parties. RL is always dream parties and beautiful clothes and tables. Those dishes are the same as at his restaurant in blue. Love them too.
I think the Hampton Spritz sounds light and perfect! Have to try that. You look so cute in the dress. I agree with everyone that your hair looks great!
I agree school should not be back until after Labor Day!! It’s still summer..
We had tickets to go to one of those Outstanding in the Fields dinner and then the pandemic hit and it never happened. I would love to do it !
Off to read your Mexico post! xo
Oh my gosh, Kim … where was the dinner you were to attend?! We should go together on of these days. It looks like a wonderful experience. xo