Summer in the Hamptons is all about entertaining, spending time with friends, enjoying our gorgeous surroundings, and toasting the high season in style.  As a former fashion magazine editor I still love to play dress up sometimes, so I recently hosted a fun Shop & Sip fete at my Water Mill home, Maple Shade. About fifty fabulous friends joined my cohost Michelle McCool and me to spend a glam afternoon shopping exclusive designer pieces, getting mini hair & makeup makeovers, indulging in guilt-free delicious bites from Organic Krush, and hydrating with Smoke Tree rosé and my signature drink, a Casamigos Watermelon Margarita.

Back in my NYC magazine girl days, I worked with Michelle McCool (above left with Genie Rice) at Allure for many years and she is now the founder of MCCOOLSTYLE.COM, a luxury personal styling service for busy women who need to look great but don’t have the time to shop. Michelle stacked the racks with pieces from Love Shack Fancy, Stella McCartney, Loewe, Ulla Johnson, Zadie & Voltaire, Shan, Molly Moorkamp and more..

My great friend and favorite design darling of summer Michael Gianelli (above with our gorgeous friend Meg) of East Hampton Gardens created a stunning pop-up shop at Maple Shade of all of his best-selling items of summer.  Everything looked SO beautiful I wanted to keep it all!

Glam guests included: Blair Voltz Clarke, Olivia Song, Anetta Nowosielska, Michele Mcmullin, David & Christy Martin, Debbie Loeffler, Genie Rice, Merrie Harris, Kathy Reilly, Martha McCully, Heather Rauscher, Marilyn Pelstring, Pippa the Pom and more.

None of my parties are complete without a delicious signature cocktail and a lovely chilled rosé. I recently discovered Smoke Tree Rosé which offers aromas of white cherry, white peach and yellow nectarine. The palate is vibrant with flavors of crabapple, quince and crisp nectarine. The finish is dry and refreshing and the bottle design looks beautiful in my garden setting.

The tequila trend is still going strong in the Hamptons and because it was a hot summer day I decided to have refreshing Watermelon Margaritas made with Casamigos Blanco.

Hamptonites love to eat healthy, but still want things to taste as delicious as a decadent dish.  My new obsession is Organic Krush, a modern healthy eatery with locations in Woodbury and a newer outpost in Amagansett. Organic Krush offers extensive seasonal options – from cleanses to juice shots, to full catering of clean, 100% organic, gluten-free, paleo-friendly and pretty food.  Everyone loved it!

My favorite Hamptons makeup Artist Kally Sitaras (below, right) showcased Dr. Devgan’s Scientific Beauty line, with the Platinum Lip Plump being a hit, working its immediate kissable magic. She also provided makeup touch ups using Cle De Peau and Charlotte Tilbury.

Guests received fab Best of Summer Beauty gift bag, curated by Kally Sitaras and Erica Sauer which included treats from Dr. Barbara Sturm, Guerlain, Face Halo, Skyn Iceland and Immunocologie. Discount cards were also included for onsite hair and makeup services by Kally Sitaras and Bronzerie – a mobile, non-toxic, airbrush spray tan company created by Erica Sauer.

My Water Mill neighbor Meck Khalfan also gifted my guests with his super sleek and chic Puku phone charger and headphones which are my cellular savior on long beach days or Jitney rides.

My most unexpected party trick was provided by the dynamic twin brother duo Thomas and David Sant of Pro Shine Hamptons.  My guests were tickled to learn that their cars would be professionally washed by the Pro Shine mobile car washing team while they enjoyed the party.

Lastly, everyone received fabulous gift bags by Bedside Reading which included all of the best summer reads of the season. (see link for details). Thanks to everyone who participated and joined the fun!