The Hampton JOURNAL
Our Place By
THE BAY The Hamptons is our sanctuary in the autumn months. The streets of these coastal towns are quiet, the season’s colors bright and vivid, and the sky a crisp blue. We spend our weekends here with family and friends, venturing out to the market or vineyard, or just curling up at home. It is our beloved autumn getaway.
Fresh autumn hues LAYERING FALL’S COLORS Soft and fresh, our bedding this season comes in a special shade of pale green – a modern take on a color found in the aged furniture and wall paintings of classic American homes. Even the patterns are all-American – inspired by vintage prints – but mixed with our signature blue and white.
Good morning‌ SUNSHINE Brunch is a cherished weekend ritual, especially in the Hamptons. The area’s many cozy brunch spots serve up strong coffee and rich breakfasts. But our favorite spot is at home, with eggs from the market and a wool blanket in our laps.
Early HOUR MAGIC There is nothing quite like waking up on an autumn weekend swathed in soft flannel sheeting, and knowing you don’t need to go anywhere. Our flannel sheeting brings warmth to the bed with a brushed surface and a soft white check pattern that is a perfect match to nature’s subtle colors. Weekend mornings are a time to enjoy long and lingering breakfasts with family or spend some time alone, curled up in a favorite chair and reading the newspaper.
AROUND THE TABLE A great weekend routine is the same in almost every home. Everyone rises at their leisure, and eventually meets in the kitchen – some bringing their favorite soft wool throws from the bedroom. It’s a time for homemade breakfasts prepared in comfy cotton pajamas – fluffy pancakes, cheese omelets, fresh orange juice and ripe berries from the farmers market. There is talk of what the day might bring, but there is no stress here. It’s a weekend in the Hamptons after all.
Today´s agenda: WIDE OPEN
Autumn is the season to be outdoors. Nature’s transformation and the burst of seasonal color create a special kind of coziness – the kind you don’t mind bundling up for. It’s the season for long walks in the woods under a clear blue sky, and lingering meals by candlelight spent out at a favorite local place or right here at home.
ENJOYING NATURE’S COLORS
Fresh fall moments
This new season ushers out the Hamptons’ crowds, and ushers in an autumn full of activities to fill your weekend days. You can go antique shopping in the village; biking along the empty and picturesque island roads; or wine tasting at the quiet and rural vineyards in the North Fork. Or simply grab a blanket and sit outside with a strong cup of coffee and some good company.
The
HARVEST Season A VISIT TO THE MARKET
Picking up fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables at the farmers market is a beloved Hamptons’ tradition – no matter the season. The locally produced food has such a lovely, vibrant color and flavor, it only makes sense that your meals will be inspired by what’s on offer. Sun yellow squash, orange pumpkins, deep purple eggplant, and ruby red apples. These same colors have inspired our tabletop collection this season. Napkins, tablecloths and placemats all perfectly matched for a colorcoordinated dinner setting.
RUSTIC AUTUMN DINING A visit to the local farmers market is only half the fun – it’s preparing a meal for family and friends with those fresh ingredients that’s the real pleasure. Our favorite autumn meals are the ones you can serve at the table outside, set with seasonal linens and with enough soft wool blankets to keep everyone warm throughout the evening.
The Hamptons OUT AND ABOUT A TOWN WORTH A VISIT East Hampton is full of history and charm. Settled by the English in the mid 17th century, it is a town that honors its past with two of our favorite landmarks. No one passing through East Hampton can miss the Hook Windmill, which dates back to 1806 and has overlooked passersby from its spot on North Main Street for nearly two centuries. Just down the street is another favorite monument – the 18th century Clinton Academy. The former school and Georgian-style house embodies the timeless and rich heritage that we love about the Hamptons.
OUR FAVORITE CHECK-IN For a good night’s sleep with the food and drinks to match, look no further than The Maidstone. This East Hampton hotel – run by our Swedish friends Sophie and Per Bonér – is close to the beach and Main Street, and even offers loaner bicycles so you can explore. This gem is housed in a quintessential East Hampton house yet has a Scandinavian design sensibility. With 19 individually designed rooms and cottages, it’s charming yet comfortable, and intimate yet private. The hotel calls their special style ‘Scandinavian Cozy.’ And there is no better time than an autumn weekend to enjoy it.
Afternoon MOMENTS
As much as we love spending time out in nature, we need quiet afternoons to enjoy the great indoors. It’s a time to curl up with soft velvet shams or to stick our feet in a pair of fur-lined slippers. These hours can be quiet times to read a good book or spent with family and friends over a board game.
FAMILIAR SCENTS
Straight from the kitchen
The seasonal scents of the Hamptons originate at the local farmers market, but are transformed in the kitchen at home. Our new scented candles bring those familiar aromas inside – tasty Black Berries, lush Fig Trees and romantic White Roses.
In the autumn months, nature bursts with colorful reds, oranges and golds. Bring these hues inside by decorating with leaves and twigs – they go perfectly with a subtle palette of gray, beige and navy.
My very own
QUIET HAVEN The bedroom is a private sanctuary that reflects your personality – and the mood of the season. This autumn, we’re styling the master bedroom in a sophisticated and elegant manner – with chic white and gray in our high-quality sateen. It has a quiet and masculine elegance that compliments nature’s vivid colors.
Eating out in THE HAMPTONS OUR FAVORITE DINING SPOT The next best thing to eating in is going out, and in East Hampton, Fresno is one of our favorites. Co-owned by Michael Nolan since 2004, Fresno is always abuzz with loyal patrons and Michael, who makes his rounds to ensure that all feel taken care of and welcome. Guests crowd inside the masculine, wood-beamed space or outside on the patio. The food has an old world sensibility and is well known in the East End. They use only the freshest of local ingredients – some so fresh that it just came off the boat.
4 questions for Fresno’s
MICHAEL NOLAN Favorite dish on the menu? I love our Whole Roasted Fish, for example locally caught Black Sea Bass. Describe your clientele in three words. Loyal, discerning, foodies. Favorite season in the Hamptons? Late summer into fall… the weather, local produce and seafood are all at their peak. Favorite local ingredient? No doubt: bay scallops.
Warming
TERRY CLOTH Few things feel more luxurious than a thick terry cloth towel. This is the season to pick a classic solid hue like white, navy or gray. Or be a bit bold and choose autumn’s new stripes in aqua and light blue, red and orange, or the more subtle beige and black.
CLAMBAKE AT THE BEACH A clambake is a tradition that’s as New England as it gets. Tradition states it should happen at the beach, but we love a great backyard clambake. Throw your fresh lobster, mussels, crabs and steamers into a pot over an open fire. And decorate with seasonal placemats and napkins in Oxford cloth. It’s a night to spend huddled around the fire with family and friends, holding onto a bit of that summer feeling – and a cozy wool blanket.
The sea is one of our favorite places. But come fall, the bay is a much more tranquil and quiet place to enjoy nature – and a gentle breeze.
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