KDHamptons loves to entertain at home at our beautiful old farmhouse, Maple Shade, in Water Mill.  I’m always looking for fun, new, decadent themes to set the tone of a gathering, and highlight the season’s best flavors [and flowers!].  My most recent concept? Cakes & Cocktails! For this small gathering of friends, I asked super-talented Sag Harbor event planner Sofia Crokos to help me execute the vision. Sofia is internationally known for the magical weddings she plans, not only in the Hamptons, but also around the globe, including those of Robert Downey Jr., and Marc Anthony.  Sofia and I share how you can plan your own Cakes & Cocktails gathering for Labor Day weekend with our party tips and details we share below…

I chose a charming, ladylike look for the table top decor of this party. To plan the design, I set out a large group of all my favorite different types of vintage china and porcelain that all shared a similar design thread, including pieces from Dresden, Deruta, and Versace. The sweetness of the pastel color palette and patterns mimicked what would be served for food and drink at the party.

Sofia shares, “We sourced all local Hamptons treats for this summer soiree. The decorated, glazed brioche style donuts are from Kyle Shanahan’s new Sag Harbor hotspot, GRINDSTONE COFFEE & DONUTS”.  The classic honey glazed, Blueberry Lemon, and Nutella with Toffee Popcorn are an absolute must!” [below]

“We also chose pretty pastel merengues, sweet sugar dusted Russian tea cookies, and cute little cupcakes from Citarella in Bridgehampton.  Lastly, we included fruits and berries for fresh last and pop of color from Halsey Farm stand, and fresh mint and rosemary from Kelli’s garden for the specialty cocktails.”

“Choose colors, flowers, linens, and dinnerware that compliment the food you serve,” says Sofia. “Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns too! For Kelli, we mixed a variety of floral designs as well as adding some beautiful botanical linens created a whimsical element to the garden side table.”

My parterre garden bloomed with five foot tall lilies this summer!

Ready to plan your own Cakes & Cocktail party? Here’s the break down the list of food & drink:

“No celebration is complete without a signature cocktail to clink! Create a fun and refreshing drink for your guests to sip while they nibble their sweets,” says Sofia. “Stay in the colors scheme with a fruity pink champagne punch, rosé sangria, or my recipe for the “Sophisticated Lady” we served at Kelli’s, below. Be sure to also offer one non-alcoholic option as well like raspberry lemonade or an iced mint jasmine tea.”

“Choose one or two larger desserts that need to be cut and served, such as a Strawberry Shortcake or Coconut Cake. The rest of the desserts should be bite sized so guests can help themselves. Lastly, don’t forget to your fresh summer fruits & berries, not only are they delicious but also make for the perfect garnish to a plate or cocktail.”

Recipe for “The Sophisticated Lady” Cocktail

Ingredients: 3 parts Cranberry juice, 1.5 parts Agave, Prosecco/Champagne from MCNAMARA WINE & SPIRITS, and ice

How to Mix: Add ice to the shaker, Add cranberry juice, lime juice, & agave to the shaker, Shake well, Strain into a glass, Top with Champagne or Prosecco, Garnish with flower or a berry

**Photos in this feature by JUDITH RAE photography. For more information on Sofia Crokos Events, please go HERE.