hostess with the mostess

A Refined Palette

Lisa Selby, mother of two young daughters, and her fiancé, Christopher Heath, decided to entertain at their Water Mill rental house on Labor Day weekend. They invited friends for a cozy dinner. Guests entered the property, passing by a perennial flower bed in full bloom, making their way to a poolside patio covered with twinkling candles. Moonlight replaced sunset before the party began, reminding guests that fall was just around the corner. Candy-colored cashmere throws dotted the outdoor sofas, just in case anyone got chilly. Branches of white coral grew mysteriously from glass bowls that reflected the light. Lisa's colorful Pucci gown echoed the tones of embroidered Ankasa cushions, newly purchased from Bev Cardo's Quogue store. As the terrace filled up, the gentlemen gathered by the coral-skirted bar, and the ladies held court on the sofas. Hors d'oeuvres were passed around on trays that echoed the cheery theme, some coral, some turquoise, and some lime green. French fries in paper cones were obviously a huge hit.

Indoors, large square cushions beckoned one to sit, while turquoise acrylic tables topped with pink and coral bowls filled with roses and multicolored candies stopped the dinner traffic. Suntanned girls in summer prints and handsome men in blazers with pink shirts all added to the effect.

When dinner was served, the group moved through the house to the back terrace and was wowed by the sight of one long banquet table covered in turquoise chintz and studded with silver julep cups spilling masses of hot-pink roses. Finding their places, the guests settled in for a delicious dinner. Who doesn't like fluffy mashed potatoes, browned to perfection, and tender chicken cutlets? Wish that summer nights could go on forever? Join the club!