Hi there! I started this series not long ago and feature various style setters from time to time, whose work and style I greatly admire. If you missed out on my previous two posts, click here. Today I am thrilled to present Kelli of KD Hamptons fame. Kelli is living the good life as a full time Hamptons resident and as a result, has created a very popular lifestyle blog and Instagram account showcasing just how fabulous the Hamptons living really is.

She is also a contributing editor to several high profile publications including a weekly gig at one of my faves, Hamptons Magazine. Stay tuned because yours truly will be in an upcoming issue! Keli is a master entertainer and like me, shares a love of flowers, making things pretty and blue and white! She is a definite style setter.

I was able to sit down with Kelli and get an “insiders take” on all things entertaining and Hamptons, specific to her brand and the enviable Hamptons lifestyle. If you don’t follow her already, you simply must- hers is absolutely one to follow. Click here to visit her blog and here to follow her on Instagram. And without further ado, take it away Kelli…..

_______________________________

To celebrate summer KDHamptons.com founder Kelli Delaney hosts al fresco affairs at her 1880 Water Mill farmhouse, Maple Shade, with her husband Dr. Mark Kot. Kelli’s website showcases the alluring people, places, beauty, and happenings of the East End, and entertaining in style is the calling card for this popular Hamptons hostess. Her signature recipe? “Incredible food, fabulous flowers, lavish tabletop decor and a great guest list should all flow seamlessly together to create an unforgettable night. I prefer to host more intimate dinner parties where I can spoil my guests with decadent details.  Everyone makes new friends, breaks their diet, toasts champagne, and stays too late.

__________________________________

Are you a lifelong resident of the Hamptons?

No, in the Hamptons full time for 8 years and previously I lived in NYC for 15 years working as a magazine editor at top national magazines including: Allure, Glamour, and US Weekly 

If you had to live anywhere else where would that be?

Charleston, my family lives there and I think it is the greatest city in the US right now. We have been looking for a pied a terre to spend some of the off season months there. Incredible architecture, design, culinary scene, friendly people, great culture and history, and wonderful weather. 

 

How do you like to style floral arrangments at your parties?

“One of the many rewards of being a Hamptons home gardener is that I basically have my own floral design shop in the backyard. Our property is hugged by rows of blue, white, and pink hydrangea, and my parterre garden is full of peonies, roses, lupine, and lilies which can all stand alone in arrangements or compliment each other in a mixed bouquet.

I rarely use glass vases for arrangements, and instead opt for porcelain ginger jars, or vintage china I collect from Hamptons antique stores and estate sales.”

Best tip for making your guests  feel welcome on arrival?

A signature drink should be offered right as guests arrive. Cocktails should be served for one hour only, and have passed “small bites” food rolling through the entire time.

RECIPE: SIMPLE SUMMER LIMEADE: (the same as making lemonade)

1 liter Casamigos Tequila or Belvedere Vodka in a large pitcher
1 quart of fresh squeezed lime juice
1 quart of Simple Syrup
1 handful of fresh mint

* water to taste

 

Any secret weapon to share?

Always have a sexy playlist prepared in advance in case guests feel like having a late night dance party.

 

What’s the number one rule every hostess must remember?

Spoil your guests with incredible food, and lots of it, served beautifully. At my dinner parties and events it is assumed that every ingredient possible will be sourced from the local farms, fishermen, and purveyors.  If it’s a small group at home, I will cook and for larger events I work with my loyal local caterers like Janet O’Brien to create a “Hamptons Hearty” menu.

My go to main course? Filet Mignon, which is the best cut of meat, and can be served at room temperature, which is a hostess’ dream because you can let it sit until you are ready to slice and serve. I like to pair steak with Panzanella Salad. Who can get enough of grilled crusty bread from Carissa’s Bakery tossed with local farm tomatoes,  fresh basil, chunks of Mecox Dairy mozzarella, and dressed with an EVOO and Creme Balsamic glaze?

 

What is your favorite hostess gift to give?

My favorite Hamptons hostess gift is the fabulous green blue & white melamine serving platters and matching utensils from The Enchanted Home. They are perfect for chic poolside entertaining.

 

To seat or not to seat?

Don’t have a seated dinner with place cards in the Hamptons. We are still “at the beach” and nobody wants to be stuck next to someone they don’t vibe with.  Keep it casual and let guestd sit where and with whom they choose.

 

Someone is visiting the Hamptons for the first time, name three things they must see or do? 

• They should attend the Watermill Center Summer Benefit, a world class interactive performance art benefit set within acres of mystical gardens.
• Take a drive all the way from the end of Meadow Lane to the opposite end of Gin Lane to sneak a peek at the most beautiful oceanfront homes of Southampton
• Pop in for a big picnic load up of farm to table portable prepared foods at Round Swamp Farm in Bridgehampton and spend the day at Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, always rated the #1 Beach in America.

 

How, in a few sentences, would you describe the Hampton’s lifestyle? 

The Hamptons is a very unique and exclusive enclave to live in. The rare combination of acres and acres of rolling farm land located within minutes of the ocean and the most beautiful beaches and coastal homes in the US is really incomparable to anywhere else. Hamptonites like to live in comfortable, low key luxury with a focus on home, garden, family, and farm to table dining.

The “high season” is from Memorial Day to Labor when appox 200K more people descend upon the Hamptons for the summer which brings lots of craziness and fun, and the off season is centered around wonderful seasonal traditions like pumpkin picking, and celebrating the holiday season.

And last but not least, please tell your favorites-

 

Beach? Coopers Beach

Restaurant? Sant Ambroeus, Southampton

Farmstand? Halsey Farms, on my country road in Water Mill

Place to stay if you are visiting? The Baker House, and The Inn at Windmill Lane

__________________________________________

OK,  who’s ready to visit the Hamptons!?? Makes me want to jump in the car and go and having spent the month of July off and on in East Hampton I can attest to just how fabulous this incredible seaside enclave really is. It is the best of all worlds…truly!

And now you have your very own expert right at your fingertips, be sure to follow both her fabulous blog and Instagram account. Even if you can’t visit the Hamptons, following along with her blog and Instagram, is really the next best thing:)

Thank you Kelli for bringing us inside your wonderful life in the glorious Hamptons and of course for sharing your beautiful entertaining tips. I have to admit, you have me in the mood to throw on a caftan, crank up some fabulous party music and start planning a summer party:) Thanks to everyone else for stopping in, until next time……..

** Follow Kelli Delaney on instagram @kdhamptons and her monthly columns in Hamptons magazine and Ocean Home magazine.

PS We are getting in so many gorgeous pictures depicting all the great pleasures of summer for our Summer Love contest (to start around Aug 10th) There is still room to send in yours, but they are coming fast and furiously so don’t wait too long! Click here to find out how to enter