You can’t go wrong with Cavaniola’s Gourmet. • Photo by Lindsay Morris
As every local can attest, the East End of Long Island is a beautiful place to be every single day of every single year—but boy does it come alive in the summer. During June, July and August, there’s something magical about even the light out here—and we’re not just saying that because these are the months during which we sip plenty of Chambord, Finlandia, and Herradura.
We’re saying it just because it’s true. The East End is a wondrous place to live—and, during the summer, it’s the perfect place to party.
That’s why we’re so proud to partner with Chambord to offer you a collection of tips to help you celebrate the season’s arrival in style. Here’s everything you’ll need to capture the magic of the East End at your next party.
1. Let Them Eat Local
Nothing says, “The world is your oyster” like a summer spent on the East End. • Photo by Lindsay Morris
Every memorable party—on the East End or elsewhere—has at least one thing in common: amazing food. Luckily, the East End is home to an abundance of amazing producers and caterers to help deliver that admittedly tall order. From Townline BBQ to Cavaniola’s Gourmet, Art of Eating to Hamptons Aristocrat, catering options are endless out here—and so delicious you’ll wish their portions were endless, too.
A Pro Tip for Dessert: Make your own ice cream sandwiches using Tate’s cookies and Joe & Liza’s ice cream. We promise these will taste as good as they look.
2. Don’t Forget Flowers
No Hamptons-style party is complete without flowers.
If you’re going to host a garden party, it’s important not to forget the garden. Spruce up your tablescape with some fresh-cut flowers either from your own garden or a local florist. Mason jars make the perfect vases for backyard gatherings. For something more formal, try these vases from Noah Glass.
A Pro Tip for Choosing Blooms: If the East End has one signature flower, it’s this: Hydrangeas. Stock up on the billowy blue flowers and you and your guests will be transported straight to Southampton—even if you’re actually in Sayville.
3. Make the Music Memorable
Stream the sounds of summer. • Photo by the Style Traveller
A hot summer’s day calls for hot summery tunes—and every party on the East End has them in abundance. Make sure your party is not an exception to the rule by putting together the perfect Hamptons party playlist. Not sure where to start? Check out our own playlist here (and in playable form below). Just don’t blame us if you find, after listening, that you physically cannot stop singing “Despacito.” To that we say: Welcome to the club.
A Pro Tip for Sourcing Songs: A week or so before your party, contact your guests and ask them each to name at least one song guaranteed to get them dancing. If their answer is “vodka,” don’t laugh; just stock up on Finlandia.
4. Give Guests Something to Instagram
Pink drinks call for pink pool floats. • Photo by Marcy Blum
What’s the point of a party if not to eat, drink, and show everyone pictures of yourself being merry on Instagram? Help your guests find the perfect shot by stocking your pool with fun floats (all the rage on the East End). If you’re partying without a pool, invite your guests to cozy up around a fire pit.
A Pro Tip for Extra Floaty, Photogenic Fun: Get your drinks their own unicorn floats. Yes, really.
5. Serve Chambord Cocktails
Say cheers with Chambord. • Photo courtesy of Chambord
And finally—last but certainly not least—no party on the East End is complete without a signature cocktail. For that, we always grab a bottle of Chambord. Our favorite drink? Chambord Vodka Lemonade. We promise, with these ingredients, it’s exactly as good as it sounds:
- 0.5 ounces Chambord Liqueur
- 1.5 ounces Finlandia Vodka
- 3 ounces Sweet’tauk Lemonade
Just shake the the Chambord, vodka, and lemonade with ice and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge and toast to another gorgeous summer on the East End.
A Pro Tip for Tequila Drinkers: Try this recipe for Black Raspberry Margaritas:
- 0.75 ounces Chambord Liqueur
- 1.5 ounces Herradura Silver Tequila
- 0.75 ounces Pomegranate Juice
- 0.5 ounces Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 Raspberry
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a margarita glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
