Haute Spot

Since summer is the most popular season for shindigs of all sorts, we went straight to some expert sources to get sage advice about hosting smashing celebrations. Read on and find out what Sybille van Kempen, owner of Loaves & Fishes and the Bridgehampton Inn and Restaurant, and author of the new “Bridgehampton Inn Look + Cook Book;” Leeann Lavin, author of “Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook” and the soon-to-be-released “The Art of the Garnish;” Annie Falk, author of “Hamptons Entertaining” and noted as One of America’s Best Party Hosts by Salonnière; and Andrea Correale, celebrity caterer and Elegant Affairs President, all have to say about putting together a most fabulous fête. 

The perfect party starts with a plan, says Ms. Lavin. Before you do anything, first think about what kind of atmosphere you want to shape, she advises. Then make the decisions about food, drink, entertainment and the like. “You want to create a transporting environment, a place where guests feel special, dreamy … from the beginning, middle and denouement” of the party, Ms. Lavin recommends. 

Of course taking advantage of the East End’s special outdoor tableau can ensure that a soirée goes a long way, says Ms. van Kempen, who advocates for “the appearance of an effortless gathering in our beautiful natural settings.” 

But setting the scene takes more than just a fabulous backdrop, warns Ms. Falk. It’s also about guest comfort, which is essential to any outstanding gathering, she says. Especially when entertaining outdoors, taking the time of day and weather into account is paramount, she says. And going the extra mile always distinguishes an exceptional host. “You may want to provide sun hats, sunscreen, and insect repellant or perhaps warm wraps,” Ms. Falk says, adding that for beach parties, she likes to provide a footbath, a stack of towels and a bench for guests as they leave. “Providing these simple comforts tells your guests you care and want them to be at ease.” 

The flow of movement and gathering to and from seating, standing, food, drink, entertainment and facilities also matters, says Ms. Correale. “Control the flow of the gathering by strategically placing the bar,” she encourages. “The first thing people do when they go to a party is grab a drink, so lead them where you want them to gather by placing the bar there.” 

This simple strategy also works to draw people away from spaces that you’d rather not be used. “For instance, if you don’t want everyone in the kitchen, don’t put the bar there. Or if you have a large property and you want your gathering to take place poolside, place the bar there,” says Ms. Correale. 

Since flow is so important, strategic placement of “conversation pods” is a smart thing to do as well, says Ms. Lavin. She encourages hosts to create entertaining compositions that are inviting and where guests can move about and engage in talk, as opposed to all trying to squeeze around a table or stand near a grill. 

Taking movement to a whole new level is the reemergence in popularity of multiple party sites and collaborative hosting, reports van Kempen. “I have seen the progressive dinner — a meal that begins in one place and moves to one or more locations — come back into fashion,” she says. Of course, when planning this type of event, it’s always best to keep those stops fairly close together when it’s a busy Hamptons weekend. Nobody wants to sit in traffic once a party gets into full swing. 

Speaking of some of the intricacies of our environment, make sure to think up a backup plan. And get those permits in place well ahead of time if you’re thinking of throwing a bash outdoors. “Each town, village and hamlet has its own rules,” reminds Ms. Correale, who notes that most beaches have specific guidelines for where, when and what kind of activities are allowed. 

And as for that very last piece of beach party advice to make sure your gathering goes smoothly? “Hire a local professional” if you want it done right, and want to actually enjoy the event yourself,” says Ms. van Kempen. Good advice.