hampton hostess

A SECOND LOOK

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:34:00 +0000

Having spent two full days scouring the endless isles at The New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) you would need to hit me with a proverbial bus to get me to stop and look at anything less than spectacular during my last hours at the fair. It wasn't until my weary eyes happened upon a wall of glowing Lucite antlers--so sculptural and luminous that I just had to stop. The furniture and accessory line of Grace and Blake brilliantly combines design partners Gillian Abercrombie and Jamie Dietrich's modern aesthetic with vintage textiles, woods and metals. Founded in 2010, the eclectic line features cast resin deer antlers mounted on reclaimed wood, fluffy feather pendant lighting and tufted Lucite ottomans upholstered with truck tarps from Brazil. I'm smitten with the hip, diverse line--the perfect find at the end of the fair!

Lucite bench

Sweet lab pillows perfect for more casual decors

Love these canvas messenger bags

PINK BUBBLES

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Whether you plan to go "big" for Valentine's Day; flowers, romantic dinner and box of chocolates (Heart shaped, of course) or something a little more staid, I think that a little champagne is always in good taste. I'm a huge fan of Veuve Cliquot's Rose and love the new Sakura blossom ice jacket that cloaks the champagne. Sakura, which means cherry blossom in Japanese, is a harbinger of spring, and the stylish bottle celebrates with a fresh and playful design. Cheers!

A CALMING EFFECT

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:55:00 +0000

I've admired designer Darryl Carter's tailored, subdued interiors for ages. Who wouldn't love an afternoon nap in one of his luxurious bedrooms filled with dark antiques, goose down duvets and soft linen drapes? While a dreamy nap isn't in the cards today, I was thrilled to come across his new line of paint for Benjamin Moore yesterday. One look at his collection (24 colors) of creamy whites and moody grays had me throwing my usual neutrals into the dust bin.

Pinecrest Gray Accent

Gray-Green

Phelps Black

Broxbum White

Falls White

Stratton Khaki

BEHIND THE PRIVET: FURTHER LANE CONTEMPORARY

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Tucked away amongst East Hampton's traditional gable-roofed ocean front mansion's sits a modern masterpiece by star designer Joe D'Urso that brings contemporary beach chic to new heights. Situated on 3.5 acres on prestigious Further Lane, the striking home features a domed observatory, stylish infinity edge pool, secluded tennis court, koi pond and beautiful pergola. A variety of natural grass and vegetation serves to soften the homes strong angular lines and focus on the beautiful oceanfront location. The chic interiors of the 8 bedroom, 7 bath home were conceived by one of my favorite design firms, Fox-Nahem. The design team was spot-on with their clean, nature inspired interiors which utilize natural wood and stone and luxurious materials in monochromatic tones which compliment the beautiful oceanfront views. Beautiful, luxurious, beachy-the perfect summer home!

GAME DAY

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:16:00 +0000

photo courtesy New York Times

Its Super Bowl time! Are you ready for hours of football, a halftime show starring Madonna strutting to Cirque du Soleil and cheeky ads like Matthew Broderick's reprisal of Ferris Bueller? Stop rolling your eyes and take solace in a delicious half time menu thats sure to satisfy your sports fans. Start off with a good for you Red Pepper and Feta Dip served with The Cure, a refreshing beer cocktail with a ginger kick. Certainly no Super Bowl menu would be complete without the ubiquitous platter of chicken wings. I changed my original menu to include an amazing Thai inspired dish of Spicy Lacquered Chicken Wings, a nice change from the Buffalo and blue cheese variety. A dish of Antipasto Salad is a great vegetarian option and slow cooked pulled Pork Sliders with coleslaw round out the menu. Its certainly no day for dieting so go for broke and grab a Butterscotch Blondie Bar topped with peanuts, pretzels and caramel-touchdown! You know I'll be rooting for New York on Sunday, how about you?

Roasted red pepper and feta dip

Spicy Lacquered chicken wings

Vegetarian anitpasto salad

Pulled pork sliders with coleslaw

Butterscotch blondie bars with peanut-pretzel caramel

The Cure Cocktail

Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip

Antipasto Salad

Butterscotch Blondies with caramel, pretzels and peanuts

APRES PLEASE

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:27:00 +0000

We've just finished one of the warmest Januarys in history and for those of us who like to ski, the weather conditions in the Northeast have been more conducive to tanning rather than hitting the slopes. I'm a little disappointed, I was looking forward to skiing some fresh powder this season (not New England ice) but all is not lost. I hear there's a fresh coat of snow blanketing the slopes in Verbier, the chic Alpine village in southwestern Switzerland. In the mood for a quick run? Then grab your passport and follow me to Richard Branson's super-luxury ski chalet, The Lodge. There's room for everyone in the nine bedroom chalet and a dedicated staff ready to draw you a bath, mix you a cocktail or whip up a some raclette for the group. With both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a private pool, mini ice rink and unlimited champagne I don't know if I would ever make it to the slopes!

Love the outdoor pool!

Sleek and sophisticated

A game of pool and beautiful wine cellar

Warm and inviting

Indoor and spa area-gorgeous!

Breakfast with a view

Muted palette and luxurious linens

Great bunks for the kids

See you on the slopes!

BLOG LOVING

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:37:00 +0000

A great big thank you to Beth and Kristy over at Design Chic for bestowing HH with the Versatile Blogger Award. What a great honor! I'm such a fan of Design Chic- whether they're featuring stylish bangles on their Fashionable Friday series or focusing on an emerging Interior Design firm in their In Good Taste Series, you will surely agree that this dynamic duo possess an incredible aesthetic and are truly Design Chic.

"The Versatile Blogger Rules"
-Worship at the feet of the person who nominated you and link back to their blog in your post.
-Share seven facts about yourself that only your BFF knows
-Pass the award on to 15 other bloggers.
-Contact your nominees and let them know you've tagged them.

Here goes:

NYC nightmare-I was hit by a taxi while jay walking a few years ago-totally my fault. I was fine but my Tory Burch flats didn't make it.

I'm a night owl-I can't imagine ever going to sleep before one am. You would think I would get a lot of work done during those twilight hours-not true.

I can't live without freshly ground coffee in the morning. It must be French dark roast-if I don't have it I'm an absolute bear. (probably because I'm up past one.)

I love to swim in the ocean. Give me a hot August day with gentle waves and I'm like a kid that has to be coaxed out of the water. I've even tried my hands at surfing with near disastrous results!

How high are we? I live on the 44th floor of a NYC high rise overlooking the East River. I was afraid of heights before we moved in and wouldn't go near the wrap around windows for weeks. Now I love seeing the city lights and helicopters whizzing by at night.

Youtube sensation? The kids taught our dog Dash to sing "I Love You" years ago, just like the now famous Husky dog on Youtube. I think Dash has better pitch but he gets stage fright so we've had to put his Youtube career on hold.

I'm passing this award on to some of my favorite bloggers. Be sure to check out their sites, I'm sure you will love them as much as I do!

Classic Casual Home

Ragland Hill Social

Tilton Fenwick

The Peak of Tres Chic

Quintessence

BEHIND THE PRIVET-EAST HAMPTON

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:08:00 +0000

I'm reinstating the Behind the Privet series today with a look at a 100 year old Stanford White mansion on exclusive Georgica Pond in East Hampton. What makes this estate so special? It's all in the details. An extensive three year renovation of the two acre property by Jeffrey Colle refined the interiors with extraordinary woodwork custom designed and hand-milled on site and stunning marble tubs, tiles and and counters which were carved from single blocks of stone by Italian master craftsman. My favorite room in the amazing 12,000 square foot home has to be the 30 foot high living room, an homage to symmetry with identical second floor balconies overlooking carved marble fireplaces. The dramatic floor to ceiling French windows highlight the magnificent views of the pond. So stately and beautiful, I'm ready to move in, how about you?

Living Room

Second floor corridor

Foyer

Hallway

Great Room

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Library

Front View

Back View

Second Floor overlooking pond

Pool and balcony

Have a wonderful Monday!

ZEZE BLOOMS

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:46:00 +0000

There are people that like their roses leggy and long stemmed, cultured, elegant and proper. I'm not one of those people. Give me color, in hot pink and deep orange, give me exotic lush flowers in full bloom, give me a bouquet from Zeze please! An Upper East side favorite for over 30 years, Zeze's atelier on East 52nd street is reminiscent of a trip to the South of France. I love to pop in when it's cold outside-the gorgeous blooms provide an instant pick me up and its fun to browse among the garden statues, jardinieres and beautiful oil paintings that line the walls. My first bouquet from Zeze's was a stunning hot pink number from my husband nearly twenty years ago and I still get a thrill when he sends me a little bouquet from Zeze's "just because"-(ok, usually because I remind him!) No matter-I'll take a lovely little bouquet any day.

NIGHT OUT-WINTER ANTIQUES SHOW

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Winter Antiques Show, widely recognized as one of the finest antique shows in America. Held at the impressive New York Armory on Park Avenue, the tony event showcases an eclectic mix of vetted works from 73 vendors ranging from antiquity to early 1960's. It's always a grand evening with groups of curators, collectors, dealers and designers mingling among beautiful vignettes featuring an amazing array of antiques. Even if you aren't in the market, the extraordinary display of American, English, European and Asian antiquities are pure eye candy for any antique aficionado and certainly worth the trip.

Barbara Israel Garden Antiques

L'Antiquaire & the Connoisseur

David Katz Ltd.

The Fine Art Society PLC

Hostler Burrows

Philip Colleck, LTD

Richard Philip

Elle Shushan

The show runs from January 21- 30 with proceeds benefitting the East Side House Settlement—a leading social services agency that services families in the South Bronx.
photos courtesy AFA News

IN THE CLUTCH

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:34:00 +0000

Kate Spade's cheeky Play Hooky tote bag puts that Monday morning sentiment right out there with great style and humor. Her latest handbag collection is full of bold colors and playful designs, just as we've come to expect from the stylish designer. I'm especially smitten with the Travel Edition Magazine clutch, jetsetter chic and cleverly designed to look like a rolled travel magazine. So smart, so stylish- I think it's the perfect accessory for Spring.

Happy Monday!

SUNDAY LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 +0000

I'm loving this Map of the Open Country Of A Woman's Heart by D.W. Kellogg today!

TOUCHDOWN

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:37:00 +0000

Are you ready for some Football? Ok, even if your answer is an unequivocal "no", the Super Bowl 46 game is sure to catch some Madonna fans tuning-in with an expected dazzling half-time show. I'm planning a party with the hope that my NY Giants make it to the play-offs (Go Big Blue!) I've ordered some fun personalized napkins from Plum Party for the day and am putting together a delicious menu that I'll be sharing with you soon.

Happy Weekend!

A CASE FOR COBALT

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Although blue is my favorite color, I never really thought about using cobalt as an interior color until I saw the gorgeous domed roofs that spotted the landscape on the island of Santorini. The deep, bold blue nearly matched the June sky and became the perfect contrast to the stark white exteriors that kept the homes cool. It's true, cobalt is not for the faint of heart, so I started with a set of cobalt tumblers which I mix with more traditional pieces when I'm looking for a pop of color. I've graduated to a few throw pillows in cobalt and am seriously considering a chic Trina Turk outdoor print for the sunroom. I do love the glossy lacquered walls in cobalt that so many designers are adopting with great success-do you dare to do cobalt?

Victoria Hagan

Beachy cobalt blue sofas hold their own with a strong striped carpet

House Beautiful

Moorish details in a blue bathroom

Elle Decor

Aerin Lauder's sons room is sweet and chic

Christina Murphy

White and cobalt, the perfect combination

Miles Redd

Masterful mix of color and texture

House Beautiful

Start small with accessories-I love this cobalt glass collection

Mary McDonald

Cool cobalt and hot pink-chic mix

Miles Redd

One of my favorite rooms. Glossy walls, cherry red doors and a chevron pattern floor-you better be daring!

Amanda Nisbet

Another example of cobalt blue walls done right. The velvet chairs warm the room up.

I love the juxtaposition of old and new-isn't the Marie Antoinette portrait fabulous?

MINI'S TO THE RESCUE

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:03:00 +0000

Patron and Fish Tacos

Everyone loves pigs in a blanket, those mini hotdogs wrapped in puff pastry that even the most disciplined dieter seems to swoon over. But I'm in love with the tiny pigs created by the fabulous caterer Peter Callahan, cheeky smoked salmon bites in the shape of a little pig perched in a meadow of grass--heavenly! Callahan has a knack for taking American classics: grilled cheese, hamburgers and tacos and transforming them into lilliputian sized bites while capturing the unique flavors of the original version. I was first introduced to Callahan's delicious tidbits at a cocktail party in Southampton several years ago. He won over the somewhat jaded group with mouthwatering platters of mini fried chicken bites with Coca Cola and mini burgers with cones of fries, all served ingeniously on chic lucite trays. Just in time for the Chinese New Year, Callahan is offering his version of the fortune cookie-a spicy chicken filled fortune cookie that nests in a custom Chinese take-out box. The order (min. 3 dozen) includes a gorgeous red lacquered tray-perfect for ringing in the Year of the Dragon!

Spicy Chicken Fortune Cookies

Pigs in a blanket

Burgers and fries

Spaghetti and meatballs

Shrimp and artichoke lollipops

CHEVRON HERE TO STAY?

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Veranda

The chevron pattern, immortalized by Missoni, has been a strong design trend for several years. The ubiquitous zigzag design is a versatile print that's found its way onto pillows, lamps, rugs and accessories galore. Designer Madeline Weinrib celebrates the print on a popular rug collection, Quadrille's fabulous collection of chevron prints is very sought after and the retailer West Elm carries nearly everything else one would need in a cheeky chevron print. Is the love affair over? Have we had enough of the saucy stripe?

Markham Roberts

Gorgeous marble in chevron pattern

Alan Campbell

Miles Redd

Quadrille

Ariana Bell

Coastal Living

Apartment Therapy

Personally, I'm still infatuated with the print, especially when it's used as a statement maker, celebrating its bold, brash charm. How about you?

COVER UP

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:09:00 +0000

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days. I went to visit my son in Hanover, NH and made the trip home early yesterday after waking to a blanket of white snow and a grueling five hour drive home. It was suppose to be a quick trip to help him move into his new dorm room, a 9" x 9" space vaguely reminiscent of a Lock Down episode. I knew he wasn't very enthusiastic about my bringing up anything to "decorate" the room for him. I think he was afraid I might wallpaper and hang some curtains, so I limited my purchases to a simple jute rug and bed blanket. He helped me roll out the carpet, its soft fibers covering the beer stains and chewing gum on the industrial wall to wall, but it was the beautiful Pendleton blanket that actually got him to say an appreciative "nice." I had fretted over the design and color of the blanket longer than my last shoe purchase. Since it was the only color and print in the room the blanket had to be near perfect. My choice- a traditional snow white blanket with thick bands of bold stripes called Glacier National Park which was first made in the early 1900's and is considered a classic today. The blankets vibrant stripes and colorful mix are both masculine and beautiful, a timeless classic perfect for my sons new home away from home.

Highly collectable vintage Glacier Park blankets

A post war 1940's advertisement for the Glacier blanket

I love this vintage Indian Summer wood deck chair with a Glacier Park Pendleton blanket

Pendleton's have become so popular that several retailers have begun selling the wool blankets with their own prints-

Modern Twist-Pendleton for Dwell Studio

Washable wool in jaunty stripes from Room and Board

Native inspiration from Eddie Bauer

The Ace Hotel in Portland uses a custom Moose blanket to style a tight bedroom

The Standard Hotel's "Artist" Pendleton's have a groovy vibe.

And the winner of the Katie Ridder book is Allumer* Decor-congratulations!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

OVER THE RAINBOW

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:25:00 +0000

While a cold front has moved into the city and doesn't seem to want to leave anytime soon, I've been looking for any sign of spring. The resort collections to the rescue! Chic cashmere and leather accessories in electric blues, hot pinks and sunny yellows are ready to depart for warmer climates. They look as delicious and refreshing as a double scoop of rainbow sherbet-yum!

Ralph Lauren's classic cashmere sweater

Bottega Veneta

Hot pink suede from Ralph Lauren

Hermes

Bottega Veneta

Jimmy Choo

Groovy suede from Ralph Lauren

Givenchy

What's your must-have Spring essential?

LIKE BUTTER

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Garden green Edelman leather doors shine with smart nailhead trim by designer Miles Redd

When I'm looking for something soft and spectacular for a client project or if I'm in the market for a little design indulgence, I head over to Edelman leather, the destination for couture leather. Where else can you find nearly a dozen difference colorways of light blue, each one more beautiful than the next? The showroom walls are covered with a rainbow of buttery swatches-delicious leather samples waiting to find their way on lucky chairs, ottomans, sofas and walls. Some of my favorite leather touched interiors include...

Designer Kim Coleman used Edelman blue leather on an antique library chair which echos the pretty blue Long Island wall mural.

Joe Nahem covers drifwood ottomans in decadent Edelman blue Cavalini cowhide.

Just a few of the blue leather swatches I came home with for a current project-the colors are simply beautiful!

Edelman leather showroom

Stylish Edelman patent leather tufted sofa by Nate Berkus

Hamptontoe's covers a pretty Regency chair in dark blue Edelman leather

Gorgeous leather herringbone floor

Vintage lipstick red leather chairs!

Eric Cohler's leather covered Parsons tables-quiet luxury

Remember, today is the last day to sign up for the Katie Ridder Rooms book giveaway-

here's how to enter:

1) Visit the The Vendome Press site and take a moment to look around. See the facebook link? Go ahead and "friend" them.
2) Become a follower on Hampton Hostess by clicking the google friend connect button on the right. For those of you who subscribe through email, you only need to hop over to the website to see the sidebar.
3) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment. I'm always happy to hear from you!
4) Like Hampton Hostess on Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway and let me know.
5) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address.
6) The Cut Off date to enter is January 9th, at 5:00PM EST. I will announce the winner the next day, January 10th!

Good luck and have a great day!

SUNNY SIDE UP

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:48:00 +0000

“Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot; others transform a yellow spot into the sun.”

Pablo Picasso

Bold and vibrant, soft and mellow, yellow reminds me of warm summer days and seems to hit the right note with this cold, blah January weather. Wishing you a warm and wonderful weekend, sunnyside up!

Kelly Wearstler

Amanda Nisbet

David Hicks

Cole and Sons wallpaper

New York's finest

Alex Papachristidis

House Beautiful

KWID

The perfect breakfast-

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

first image Jeffrey Bilhuber, last image the Sunny Girl blog

MARKET MAKER

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:52:00 +0000

While I may say I like to "just relax" on vacation, the truth is that by the fourth day I'm beyond restless and no amount of swimming or pool bar posing can quench my thirst for a little adventure. My husband is usually up for a road trip too, so when I suggested that we head out early one morning and look for the weekly market in the little town of La Romana, he was game. I was glad to have his company on the trip-I knew that his excellent command of Spanish coupled with his stealth NYC driving skills (better than most fearless taxi drivers) would prove invaluable as we made our way around a very sketchy neighborhood. I find that one of the best moments of a road trip is the anticipation of what you may find. Will there be gorgeous woven bags, beaded wraps, perhaps a handmade necklace crafted of fine Dominican amber? Unfortunately no such trinkets awaited us at the market that day. The stalls were mostly filled with sarongs made in China and kitschy shot glasses, but I did find some lovely shell bracelets-weighty, tropical pieces that look fantastic with a holiday tan. I took them home and will wear them this summer, my something found on our little adventure.

Do you like to travel off the beaten path on your vacation?

KATIE RIDDER HOME-BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:31:00 +0000

With her masterful use of color and keen eye for detail, Katie Ridder designs beautiful and bold interiors that bridge traditional and modern aesthetics. Her new book, Katie Ridder Rooms by Heather Smith MacIsaac, (Vendome Press) is chock full of design inspiration with beautiful photos organized as a seamless progression through the interior of the home. It's one of my favorite design books of the year and can be yours too!

Ridder's vibrant wallpaper steals the show in this bold bedroom.

Playful violet and pink patterns create a stunning sitting area.

The library features various shades of orange with a clever play of patterns-love the Suzani covered sofa.

The dining room walls pop in bright chartreuse, the perfect compliment to a series of historical bird prints.

A painted weeping willow tree stretches gracefully over an Ikat covered chair.

This stunning book is filled with great design ideas, lavish photos and most important, all the details that complete a room: upholstery, wallpaper, lighting, and Ridder's favorite sources for fabrics, furnishings and finishing touches. A fantastic design resource! I'm sure you're going to love this new design compendium as much as I do. Want your own copy? Here's how you can enter-

1) Visit the The Vendome Press site and take a moment to look around. See the facebook link? Go ahead and "friend" them.

2) Become a follower on Hampton Hostess by clicking the google friend connect button on the right. For those of you who subscribe through email, you only need to hop over to the website to see the sidebar.

3) Click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this post and leave a comment. I'm always happy to hear from you!

4) Like Hampton Hostess on Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway and let me know.

5) Make sure I can contact you by including an email address.

6) The Cut Off date to enter is January 9th, at 5:00PM EST. I will announce the winner the next day, January 10th!

Good luck and have a great day!

CASA CHIC

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Now that we're back from our winter holiday, I've had a chance to review some of the photos from our trip and I've realized two things: Casa de Campo is an exceptionally beautiful Caribbean resort and I dislike coming home from a fun vacation. Of course we had to come home, at least that's what I repeatedly told my daughter as we both dragged our heels through the sand our last day. While I spent an exceptionally large amount of time at the beach (for someone who claims she doesn't like the sun), I also made sure I made my way around the nearly 15,000 acres of tropical paradise and experienced some incredible island architecture and design. While there were far too many chic casas for me to share, here's a bird's-eye view of a few of my favorites-

This estate is simply spectacular-it features a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a private beach. There are several smaller casitas which surround the main house, perfect for guests.

I'm smitten with the estate's elegant neutral palette-soft whites and beiges allow the gorgeous ocean to be the star of the show.

Look at the view!

White louvered doors are so light and airy-a modern take on the traditional dark wood thats typical on the island.

Most of the bedrooms have direct ocean access-perfect for a morning swim.

And this impressive estate which features a traditional island thatched roof and a stunning oceanfront location.

An enormous gazebo with several seating areas, perfect for entertaining.

I love the use of color in this home-sunny terracotta on the gazebo and ocean blue in another outdoor seating area.

The thatched roof brings a rustic island touch to the decor.

Wishing you a wonderful day and a great start to the New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:31:00 +0000

For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.
-T.S. Elliot

Wishing you all, my dear reader's, a very Happy New Year!

FELIZ NAVIDAD

noreply@blogger.com (HAMPTON HOSTESS) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:24:00 +0000

A belated Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! I hope you had a wonderful Holiday weekend with your family and friends. We travelled to Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic for the Holiday and with sketchy internet service and the diversion of gorgeous weather and free flowing rum punch cocktails, I took the weekend off from blogland! If you've never been to the Dominican Republic, I highly recommend adding the island to your "must visit" list. Three ranked golf courses, a stunning beach and tons of tennis courts will keep you busy during the day if you're the sporty type, or if you are like me, a good novel and a beach chair by the water and I'm in heaven!

On Friday night we visited the pretty town of Altos de Chavon where they host a fun Christmas Eve party with a Latin band and Santa and his "helpers"-very festively dressed!

Before I run, I wanted to share the complete Home for the Holidays virtual Dinner Party and thank each of the fantastic contributors for making our dinner such a success!

If you haven't visited our party please click on the link and stay a while!

Carols and Cocktails-Party Resources

Tree Trimming and Holiday Cheer-The Enchanted Home

Festive First Course in Seville-Decadence for Divas

Southampton Fireside Dinner-Hampton Hostess

Sugarplum Dessert Buffet-Design Chic

Jingle Ball After Party in Scotland-Bourbon and Pearls