Ladies Locavore Lunch

Last Saturday at my home in the Hamptons, Sara Gore and I hosted an impromptu Ladies Lunch. It was such an enjoyable way to kick off the season. As we prepared for our guests’ arrival we talked about three key elements of creating an occasion to remember: great food, a fun welcome drink. and my favorite part – designing the tablescape.

Tablecloths, runners, and placemats are brilliant ways to lend color and texture to the table. Using a trick I learned from my friend Kara Ross, I created a runner from fabric remnants. Cost effective, unique and totally unexpected. A theme really ties an affair together so I added a few whimsical elements inspired by the fabric’s color palette – hydrangea blue. And, since summer is the season for beautiful blooms the design included some handpicked beauties from my garden punctuated by lanterns and candles.

Together, we garnished the hors d’oeuvres, prepared a welcome drink, set the table and got ready to share a taste of the Hamptons with our girlfriends. The menu featured the mouthwatering dish pictured here, as our main course: Seared scallops with watermelon and papaya served over crisp salad greens and drizzled with a balsamic reduction.

Inspired by fresh, local produce and a few garden herbs, here’s a peek at the complete menu. Be sure to tune in to Sara’s show Open House on NBC to see the tabletop and join the fun! Our segment is set to air the weekend of 6/13-6/14. In NYC area: 6/14, 8:30am on NBC 4; In Miami: 6/14, 6am on WTVJ; In LA: 6/13, 7pm on KNBC;Check local listings for other cities.

On the Menu

Pama Lemonade, Whispering Angel Rosé and Watermelon Lemonade

Lobster Salad on Buttery Crostini & Truffled White Bean Dip with Crudité

Green Gazpacho soup with Homemade Croutons

Seared Scallops with Watermelon & Papaya

Blueberry Buckle & Hydrangea Cupcakes

For recipes from this lovely locavore’s ladies lunch check out Hamptons Entertaining: Creating Occasions to Remember. And, be sure to tune in to Open House for tips on setting a Hamptons inspired table.