Magic in the hamptons
Dinner Party Guide: July 2025
By: Claire Manor
Welcome back to our dinner party series! We did things a little differently this time, rather than planning a theoretical dinner party you could throw, we teamed up with @foodaccountforsabrina and actually threw one. In the Hamptons, no less. We brought all our favorite people together to eat good food, wear cool clothes, and partake in a lot of silliness.
Now we’re bringing one of our most treasured summer nights to you. From the tablescape details to the insane fits our friends put together to the menu we’re still dreaming about, think of this as your blueprint for hosting a night that feels easy, a little indulgent, and makes you start planning the next one the moment you get on the train home.
There was a stubborn grill, some pesky rain, a shrimp cocktail debacle we will not speak of, a battle between a dog and some gum (he lived, not to worry!), and a spontaneous group tequila shot that left everyone running for water, and somehow, it was perfect. If you’re looking for a sign to host something, anything, this is it.
The Tablescape
When asking Julia about her tablescape vision, one thing was immediately clear: lemons were non-negotiable. Not as garnish, not as metaphor, actual lemons, unapologetically strewn across the table like the chicest produce section you’ve ever seen. From there, everything else fell into place: textured layers, thoughtful neutrals, and just enough coastal charm to make you question why you don’t host dinner parties every weekend. This tablescape leans fully into the Hamptons aesthetic, relaxed, natural, and with enough whimsy to avoid taking anything too seriously. Because when a bunch of 20-somethings throw a dinner party, the playlist is all over the place, the seating chart doesn’t exist, and the lemons become the only thing holding it all together.
Hyland Dunes
From You Flowers
Jenni Kayne
Magnolia
Crate & Barrel
The Dress Code
While Julia threw an entire dinner party for sixteen people, I got to take photos of my friends! When I first proposed the idea for this dinner, I spent a lot of time debating whether or not to set a dress code. In the end, I decided against it, I wanted my friends to show up in something that made them feel amazing and truly like themselves. So instead of a traditional dress code, I recreated the looks they put together on their own and wrote each of them a little love letter based on what they chose. And with that, I give you the unofficial dress code for “Magic in the Hamptons,” as styled by my favorite people.
The Claire
If you were wondering, yes, this one is based on me. One of your authors. While I’m not in the business of writing love letters to myself (not publicly, anyway), I will say this outfit is for that friend, the one who always has a camera in one hand and fashion tape in the other. She’s the reason you never have a wardrobe malfunction and always end up with a gallery of fit pics, whether you asked for them or not. Sure, you might grumble about the flash mid-laugh or mid-spritz, but later? You’ll be grateful. She caught every candid, every twirl, every moment you didn’t know you looked good, and somehow made it look intentional. But don’t get it twisted. Just because she’s skilled behind the camera doesn’t mean she lacks ability in front of it. This outfit is equal parts whimsy and edge, here to remind you that putting together an outfit is as easy as breathing for them. Yet, more than anything, she wants the whole room to feel just as confident in their outfits as she does in hers, and the stylist in her won’t stop until she achieves just that.
The Aabi
This outfit is for the girl whose morning hair looks like a fresh blowout. A natural beauty, incredibly photogenic, but most importantly, the kindest and silliest friend you will ever have. She’s fast to laugh, and even faster to compliment. She’s the kind of friend who turns ordinary nights into stories you’ll tell for years. You’ll spend the night giggling over nothing and everything, but will join you for a heart-to-heart or a good cry if that’s where the evening takes you. Much like the girl wearing it, this outfit is feminine, effortless, and undeniably cool. It’s the kind of look you wouldn’t have thought to put together until you see it on her. And suddenly, you’re ordering it in three colors. A unique outfit for a girl with a unique outlook on the world, and it’s definitely the kind you want to be a part of.
The Lucas
This outfit is for the friend whom you can’t even remember when you became friends, but all of a sudden, you realize you have lived in three different cities at the same time, been on multiple vacations together, and your phone has created an entire photo album of them. In fact, the friendship has lasted so long that you have seen their style evolve from scary graphic tees and skinny jeans to classic high-quality pieces and an easy-going, sophisticated feel. And this outfit is exactly that, refined but relaxed, clean but not boring, and rooted in a personal style that doesn’t chase trends but always looks current. It’s a proud moment when the annual closet clears you’ve been doing together since college feel like they’re no longer necessary. You still give your opinion, of course, but now, you rarely have to.
Le Gramme x Olebar Brown
Everlane
Saint Laurent
The Kyra
This is the friend who says yes to your side quest when no one else does. Yes, she will walk to get pizza for the entire group at 2:00 am, and yes, she will take that warm tequila shot with you. She’s the one whose friendships have lasted since childhood because she’s the kind of person you want in your corner for the long haul. Loyal, effortlessly chill, and the first to make a dry, under-the-breath comment that has the whole room laughing. People don’t just gravitate toward her; they stay. Her perfect dinner party look is zero fuss, just a slip-on, no zippers, no intricate boob taping, but it delivers the kind of quiet impact that makes people do a double-take. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t just look good, it gives her the moment she rarely asks for but fully deserves.
The Julia
This girl is probably the most impressive, multi-talented person you know. A future doctor who’s always down to give you medical advice, or casually inspect that weird skin thing you’ve got going on. A private chef who takes on cooking a full dinner for sixteen people. And despite all that, she still manages to be up for a run at 8:00 a.m., fully functional and asking you how you’re doing, with genuine interest and time to spare. She’s always in motion, constantly doing for others, and somehow fitting more into one day than you’ve managed all week. And this outfit is the perfect look for her to step away from the scrubs and aprons for a moment, to feel beautiful just for herself. Because even the most capable person in the room deserves to feel effortlessly radiant and have a moment that’s entirely hers.
The Vivek
This is the friend who’s always showing up in unexpected ways. You need someone to grill the perfect skirt steak? He’s got it. You need him to pose for photos for your article? No problem. From casually knowing how to sous chef to putting together an outfit that’s both perfectly on trend and unmistakably him, it’s easy to see why he has the longest-running relationship in the group. He’s full of small surprises, and this outfit just further proves that. It’s quiet luxury without being cookie-cutter, interesting without being loud, and thoughtful without trying too hard. The kind of look that makes you realize, once again, he’s someone who simply gets it right.
The Chloe
This is a girl who knows what she wants, isn’t afraid to ask for it, and does it in a way that has you wanting to step up for yourself, too. It’s the type of confidence that lets her go on a trip with a group of longtime best friends and have them all feeling like she was the missing piece. Effortlessly making friends without compromising who she is and what she likes, making everyone strive to be more like her. This outfit is exactly that, bold and somehow just nailing the vibe without even trying. She has a way of making every piece of clothing look like it was designed just for her, like she didn’t just wear the outfit, she improved it. And as you watch her turn an ordinary afternoon into something oddly unforgettable, you get the sense that everything feels a little more interesting with her around.
the Mora
This girl is the official memory keeper of the friend group. If you need to know exactly what it was you said three years ago when sitting in the living room watching the finale of your favorite show, she could tell you that and what you ate for dinner. Her memory borders on eerie, but it’s rooted in love. She remembers because she pays attention. Because your moments matter to her. This is the friend who has so much love to give and just always seems to know how to make a situation better. Whether that means she is cussing out the boy who made you sad or letting you cry in her bed the first time you meet, no questions asked. This outfit is the visual counterpart to all her best qualities, something undeniably gothic about it with a touch of romanticism. It’s a look that reminds you how truly amazing she is and how lucky you are to have her in your corner.
the Casey
This is the friend who is more like a sister. She never shies from calling you out on your BS but is always there to make the most mundane days more exciting. This is the girl with the most out-of-pocket nicknames and unhinged alter egos, the one who you never seem to run out of stories about. And while she keeps her appearance polished and impossibly put-together, the number of unhinged videos you have of her on your phone tells a very different story. On the outside, this outfit is all elegance and just the right amount of femininity; most people would never guess how weird she can get, and honestly, that’s part of the magic. Knowing her feels like being in on the world’s best-kept secret, a personality that’s loud, hilarious, and endlessly loyal, but only shared with those who really deserve it. Proof that just because someone looks polished doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of a little chaos.
the Hugo Spritz
Ingredients:
Several mint leaves plus a mint sprig for garnish
1 oz elderflower liqueur
Lime slice or lime wedge
Lemon slice or lemon wedge
4 oz Prosecco chilled
1 oz sparkling water chilled
Instructions:
In a wine glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the lime and lemon slices.
Add elderflower liqueur.
Fill the glass with ice, then pour in Prosecco and sparkling water.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.
the Bread & whipped honey butter
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1 baguette
Prosciutto
Instructions:
In a bowl, whip the softened butter and honey together until light and fluffy, forming soft peaks.
Add a pinch of salt and paprika, and mix until fully combined.
Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Serve toasted or fresh.
Plate with a generous side of prosciutto and the whipped honey butter for spreading.
The checkerboard cucumber & feta
Ingredients:
1 large cucumber
2 blocks feta cheese
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Flaky salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut into half-moon pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the size consistent so they match the feta cubes.
Slice the feta into small cubes, roughly the same size as the cucumber pieces.
On a large platter, alternate cucumber and feta in a checkerboard pattern. Keep them aligned in clean rows, with each feta cube placed diagonally to a cucumber slice.
Lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle generously with flaky salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
The peaches & burrata
Ingredients:
4 heirloom tomatoes
3 ripe peaches
2 burrata balls
Fresh basil leaves
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Flaky salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
On a large serving platter, layer the sliced heirloom tomatoes and peaches in an overlapping pattern. Alternate colors and shapes for a beautiful, vibrant presentation.
Tear the burrata into large chunks and scatter over the top of the salad.
Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a handful of chopped or torn basil.
Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
The Lemon arugula pasta salad
Ingredients:
1 box farfalle
2/3 bag baby arugula
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
5 cloves garlic
Splash of white wine vinegar
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions:
Cook farfalle according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly.
In a small pan, gently sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). Let cool.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chopped arugula, lemon juice and zest, garlic oil, vinegar, and Parmesan.
Toss well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
1/2 cup
The Grilled Vegetables
Sliced zucchini
Sliced portobello mushrooms
Sliced Vidalia onions
Grilled on high heat until charred
Drizzle of evoo
Pinch of flaky salt
Freshly ground black pepper
The Korean marinated skirt steAK
Ingredients:
1.15 lbs skirt steak
1 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
1 tbsp mirin
6 garlic cloves, minced
5 scallions, finely chopped
2 tsp minced ginger
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients.
Place steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and cover with the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat your grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Remove steak from the marinade and let excess drip off. Grill for about 2 minutes per side for a nice sear and medium-rare finish (adjust for thickness/preference).
Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
The Gluten Free Berry Crumble
Ingredients:
1/2 cup gluten-free oats
1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
Pinch of salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a bowl, mix oats, flour, sugars, salt, and melted butter until crumbly.
Wash berries and place in an oven-safe baking dish.
Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the berries.
Bake for 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
1 tub
The Chocolate Chunk Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
1 cup salted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar packed
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
12 oz cut-up chocolate bars
vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, beat until combined.
Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in chopped chocolate.
Scoop dough into balls and bake 10–12 minutes, until golden at the edges but soft in the center. Cool completely.
Once cooled, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies. Gently press and smooth edges.
Freeze for 30–60 minutes before serving.
1 tub