Hosting by the coast.
The water changes the tone of everything. It’s less formal, more intuitive. People arrive relaxed, stay longer, and the evening unfolds on its own. The setting does most of the work—you just need a table that meets the moment. For me, it starts with color. A tablecloth that sets the tone immediately. Placemats that frame each setting and add structure. And dinnerware that looks polished but holds up outdoors: on a porch, by the pool, wherever the night ends up. Then it shifts. Drinks are poured, everyone settles in, and the table comes to life. Glasses catch the late light, napkins are within reach, and the night officially begins.
For the Table
For the Host
A Few Things I Always Come Back To
1) Start with color. Pattern does the work before anything is served.
2) Use pieces made for outdoor living. Melamine and acrylic make hosting easy.
3) Add something celebratory. A round of something cold, champagne, spritzes, anything, sets the tone.
4) Let the evening unfold. The best nights stretch out. Let them.
A good table, something cold to drink, and people you want to be around. That’s really it.
What We Love to Serve
Peel-and-eat shrimp
Fresh oysters with lemon
→ Serve simply on ice with mignonette or lemon wedges
Lobster rolls
→ Toasted buns, buttered lobster, light mayo, lemon
Grilled corn with butter and sea salt
→ Charred, simple, always a favorite
Fig, tomato, and arugula salad
→ Olive oil, lemon, flaky salt
Fruit, chilled
→ Watermelon, berries, peaches
For the Flutes
What Matters Most
Something cold to pour
Something sweet to finish
Enough ice and a table people can settle into.
