There is a bit of the voyeur in all of us and the best way to get your behind-the-hedges real estate fix is to join the East Hampton Historical Society 2016 House & Garden Tour.  Houses will be at their holiday finest, and it’s a chance to support the history which gives the Hamptons such character (think back before you turned on the hot tub with your smart phone.)

By Heather Buchanan
 
While it was a beautiful summer evening at the home of Robin and Robert Leacock, the air was filled with snow birds.  A luscious cocktail party with delicious nibbles from Sant Ambroeus gathered together nature enthusiasts to support the Audubon Islands Sanctuary in Palm Beach.  Campion & Tatiana Platt, Katie Carpenter and Robin Melanie Leacock hosted the fundraiser.
Katie Carpenter explained of the project, “There are six precious island full of natural vegetation in the Lake Worth Lagoon.  Audubon said we’d …

Symbols of strength, ancient wisdom, and fierce familial loyalty, elephants are beloved creatures.  In their honor World Elephant Day will be celebrated in the Hamptons this weekend with a special cocktail reception and film screening.
On Friday August 12th Trunks of Love a reception for Veterinarians International (VI) will be held at the beautiful Baker House 1650 in East Hampton.  The VIP event chaired by Antonella Bertello, Georgina Bloomberg (honorary) and Cornelia Guest includes a short film and honorary award presented to Christie …

Say good bye to normal. As soon as you enter through tiki torches into Fada: House of Madness you know for sure you’re not in Kansas anymore.  The annual fundraiser of the Watermill Center is a feast for the senses with performance art, music, black salt rimmed glasses of tequila cocktails and of course a cornucopia of fashion.
 

As soon as you enter into the gardens at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, you are transported to a magical place of peace and tranquility surrounded by gorgeous gardens and sculpture. Think of it as nature’s Valium.  At their recent benefit, Serious Moonlight, a chic crowd came out to support LongHouse and its many programs.  Artists, philanthropists, socialites, and just cool people turned up in fantastic fashion and also were wowed by the silent auction.

 
Some of the best shopping this weekend is at the East Hampton Antiques Show  at Mulford Farm to benefit the East Hampton Historical Society.  All different design periods are represented with chic items ranging from indoor and outdoor furniture to fine art, jewelry and even an amazing captain’s costume that would make Johnny Depp jealous.

By Holly Buchanan
And the beat goes on….
This year The Hamptons Tea Dance returned in all its glory thanks to the combined efforts of The Center, SAGE and Callen-Lorde.  The event’s future was uncertain after The Empire State Pride Agenda closed its doors.  But three other LGBT organizations stepped in to continue the perennial favorite event.  In  a year where the LGBT community has faced such tragedy, it is a bright day indeed to see show many supporters coming together in love and …

The Hamptons Tea Dance returns to Nova’s Ark Project in Water Mill on Saturday, July 16 from 4-8 pm.
In the past, the event was hosted by the Empire State Pride Agenda.   But when ESPA announced they were ceasing operations, many people were worried about the fate and future of the event.

A few reasons to buy a ticket to the East Hampton Historical Society House & Garden Tour:

You know that you try to peek over the hedges to look at your favorite houses, admit it. This way you are actually invited in.
The EHHS does fine work to keep this Village as lovely as it is and it deserves your support. Unlike Snapchat some things are meant to last.
As much as you love your family, by Saturday you need to get the heck out …

Photos Christopher Wells
Buyers in the Hamptons want the ultimate experience in their own home be it a private golf course, equestrian center, full spa, helipad, bowling alley, or even a roof top tennis court.
Architect Philip Rossillo and Builder John DeVito of 456 Development Group launched their latest project, 100 Crescent, during a Sunset Cocktail Party to benefit Autism Speaks on Saturday, August 22, 2015 in Water Mill, New York.  In this case the roof top cocktail venue was a tennis court.
You might …

This Friday and Saturday, August 21 & 22, Urban Zen in Sag Harbor is celebrating Haiti in the Hamptons with Haitian artisans Caroline Sada, Chandler Busby, Karine Faubert Villard, Magalie Dresse and Paula Coles.
In 2011, Donna Karan began collaborating with a handful of Haiti’s best artisans and today, she and Urban Zen are working together with Haitian communities to build a sustainable model of philanthropy and commerce.
A portion of proceeds from the event will be used to continue the Urban Zen Foundation’s …

By Heather Buchanan
Think of it as a fantastic literary mosh pit. An enthusiastic crowd of 2,000 mingled last Saturday with 100 authors at the 11th Annual Authors Night Benefit for East Hampton Library under a tent of titans of words. Considered one of the nation’s leading annual literary celebrations, the night begins with guests interacting with their favorite and new authors to get books personally inscribed, take selfies, and ask one another in excited hushed tones, “Who’s your literary crush?”

By Holly Buchanan
Love did indeed win last Saturday as the rain held off and everyone celebrated at the Empire State Pride Agenda Hampton’s Tea Dance.  This year party goers had a lot to celebrate with the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same sex marriage.
Nathan Schaefer, Executive Director of Empire State Pride Agenda talked about the huge win. “It was a watershed moment. I cried for about 24 hours.  But there’s still so much work to do.”
Current ESPA priorities include transgender rights, health issues …

With the traffic, crowds, meltdowns over egg white omelets at delis and more mindless entitlement than the court of Louis XIV, there is one oasis in the Hamptons guaranteed to ensure serenity – the LongHouse Reserve. This sixteen acre oasis of verdant sculpture gardens and exhibits can calm even the most extreme type A personality. At their annual fundraiser “On Gossamer Wings,” guests were greeted with the soothing sound of strings, a cold glass of champagne, and a luxurious walk through beautifully …

The best of the past comes to the present at the East Hampton Historical Society Hamptons Antique Show on the grounds of Mulford Farm.
Rest assured no fuddy duddy stuff here. Only super chic furniture, décor, jewelry, art, linens and even a few fantastic vintage water skis.

With more than 50 art and antiques dealers there’s something for everyone both indoor and outdoor. Also stop to chat as their knowledge is vast.
The focus of the show is on vintage decorative items for the home …

There are a few magical moments when the Hamptons transform into a worthy wonderland – namely the best Hamptons fundraisers.   These fantastic events not only raise money for various causes but create memorable evenings.   Think of it as tax deductible decadence.
A few HipHamptons tips:

Find out how you can get involved beyond writing a check.
Ladies remember flats and wedges are your friends. Stilettos only work if you are aerating a lawn.
Silent Auctions are goldmines of great items at discount prices.
Bring your business card …

Throw your hands in the air!   Get ready to raise the roof on the best Hamptons Tea Dance ever!  Join the Empire State Pride Agenda Saturday July 18 for an epic party and historic victory.  Love Wins!  Join in the celebration Saturday July 18 from 4 to 8 pm at the Ark Project in Watermill, NY.
There’s dancing, there’s fun, there are activities for the little ones.   Join hundreds of supporters and friends of the Pride Agenda! DJ Lady Bunny returns to …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos By Mike Heller
There was something in the air at Stony Hill Stables on Saturday as a team of girls in pink shirts lined up and mounted their ponies, faces determined as they headed to the ring.  That something was confidence.
For young women and men, the bond formed with horses gives them a foundation of trust, responsibility and communication. Horses and the Hamptons go together but the costs of riding can make it feel like a tale of two cities. …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos courtesy of WFLI
There is an amazing energy around a gaggle of girls who believe there is a bright future before them.
Dressed in wedges, high heels, flats, lace ups, gladiator sandals, and sneakers, this diverse group of young women in Girls FLI T-Shirts was abuzz Saturday evening at the Instagram-worthy Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton for a fundraiser to benefit the Women’s Fund of Long Island (WFLI).
Executive Director Stacey Scarpone commented, “Founded over 20 years ago and serving over 100,000 …

For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-kick-off-we-are-the-change-tickets-16519597561

 Stony Hill Stables of Amagansett, owned and operated by the Hotchkiss family for more than five decades, is proud to announce the annual Benefit for the Stony Hill Stables Foundation. Now in its fourth year, the Benefit Cocktail Party for the Stony Hill Stables Foundation will be held on the evening of Saturday, June 20, from 6pm – 8pm on the pastoral grounds of Stony Hill Stables, located in Amagansett on bucolic Town Lane. Attendees will enjoy a special Dressage Exhibition performed …

2014 East Hampton House & Garden Tour
Benefiting the East Hampton Historical Society,
Cocktails and Tour Welcome in the Holiday Season

Opening Night Cocktail Party: Friday, November 28 (6 – 8:30 p.m.)
House Tour: Saturday, November 29 (1 – 4:30 p.m.)

The East Hampton Historical Society is proud to announce its 2014 House & Garden Tour, showcasing some of the finest examples of architecture in the Hamptons.  This year’s tour – comprising five noteworthy homes & gardens – is scheduled …

Always a creative and positive force, Susan Rockefeller is a documentary filmmaker, author, jewelry designer and avid conservationist. Her lifelong admiration and respect for the seas led her to get involved in ocean protection.  That passion now translates into her new Dive Deep jewelry line carried by London Jewelers in East Hampton and Southampton which is sure to inspire your inner mermaid.  HipHamptons dives in to learn more about her inspiration:

You are a true renaissance woman: filmmaker, philanthropist, jewelry maker and a …

While the Hamptons may be at their worst with summer traffic and meltdowns at delis because egg white omelets are improperly prepared, they are at their very best when it comes to fundraising for important causes.  Actress Julianne Moore hosted Sunset Cocktails on Mill Pond on Saturday Aug. 9th to benefit Children’s Health Fund at the beautiful home of Ovation Travel’s Paul and Lisa Metselaar (I was seriously coveting their rose garden.) The event raised over $140,000 for Children’s Health Fund, the …

Sunset Cocktails on Mill Pond
In support of Children’s Health Fund

WHAT: Sunset Cocktails on Mill Pond in support of Children’s Health Fund | Cocktails, Hors D’oeuvres, DJ, Live Auction

WHEN: Saturday, August 9th, 2014 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

WHERE: Private Home, Watermill, NY

WHO:
Co-Hosts: Julianne Moore & Bart Freundlich, Gianna & Chazz Palminteri and Lisa & Paul Metselaar

To purchase tickets, please visit ChildrensHealthFund.org/Hamptons or call 212.452.3340

By HipHamptons reporter Holly Buchanan
Every year at the Empire State Pride Agenda’s Hampton Tea Dance I think two things:
#1 – There’s no way this party can get any better
#2 – There’s no way DJ Lady Bunny’s hair can get any bigger
Every year I am proven wrong.

By Heather Buchanan
Hamptons Style has a new destination and it’s the 2nd Annual Holiday House Hamptons Presented by Hamptons Cottages & Gardens.   For anyone who hasn’t seen the amazing re-incarnation of the Bulova Watchcase Factory you must visit the super chic new loft condos and townhouses at Watchcase Sag Harbor (the development is already 60% sold out.)  The show house will be open to the public daily through Monday Sept. 1st and proceeds will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

Hamptons fundraisers are not only the place to see and be seen but a great testament to the generosity of the community to support local and national organizations.  Here’s a round up of HIpHamptons favorite Hamptons Benefits 2014. Even if you can’t make the date, you can find other ways to contribute or enjoy these cultural institutions.  A few wardrobe musts: wedge heels, creative attire as many of these events are themed, layers you can add or shed in case it’s warm …

The East Hampton Historical Society is proud to announce their 2013 House & Garden Tour, showcasing some of the finest examples of historic and modern architecture in the Hamptons.  This year’s tour – comprised of five unique homes – is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
A kick-off Cocktail Party on the evening of Friday, November 29, welcomes in this year’s highly anticipated House Tour. This annual event, now in its 29th year, is traditionally held over Thanksgiving weekend, …

This Saturday August 17th three of our favorite things come together – Pink, Paddle Boarding, and Posh Parties.  Raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the 2nd Annual Hamptons Paddle & Party for Pink features special guests Gabrielle Reece and Laird Hamilton and is Co-Chaired by Maria and Larry Baum and Lisa and Richard Perry.
The day starts with a paddle board race at 8am at Havens Beach in Sag Harbor.  A very special sunset fundraising party will be held at the …

It’s a whole weekend of PINK.  The Ellen Hermanson Foundation which created a legacy to support women with breast cancer and established a center at Southampton Hospital will get you walking, running, dancing and even eating to help the cause.
The Pink Apron event on Saturday August 17th features delectable from celebrity chefs then on Sunday August 18th there is the 5K run/walk Ellen’s Run starting at 9am.  For more information and tickets. www.ellensrun.org.

The James Beard Foundation Chefs and Champagne® New York 2013 held Saturday at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack has become a destination like Woodstock for foodies but with much better behaved attendees.  It’s an all-star lineup of 35 of the top chefs of New York, the East End and beyond, and for the devoted tasters they wish it would go on for days.
Libations included Champagne Charles de Cazanova Brut NV, Wolffer Estate Vineyard Wines, and beers at the Taste of Belgium Café …

Goodness knows there’s a lot of commitment phobia going around the Hamptons this summer.  Well there is one event where you are encouraged to play the field, explore different options, and spread the love.  When there are thirty five top chefs in the house, this is no time for monogamy.
The James Beard Foundation Chefs & Champagne® New York will be held at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack this Saturday July 20th with a VIP Experience starting at 5pm and the main event …

Not even the threat of rain could affect the size of the crowd or DJ Lady Bunny’s hair at the Empire State Pride Agenda’s Hamptons Tea Dance.
There was a lot to celebrate this year with two victories in the Supreme Court, including the defeat of DOMA.   The plaintiff in that case, Edie Windsor, put in an appearance at the event was a huge crowd favorite.

For the art lover there are is a special silent auction which ends July 7th at the Vered Gallery in East Hampton that allows you not just to look but to buy.
Vered is celebrating the 15thst Annual Independence Day Silent Auction which continues thru July 7th.  Vered’s Auction closes at the Last Bid Closing Party Sunday, July 7th 3-5pm. This year the auction will benefit The Chabads of East Hampton and of Southampton.

There are a vast array of items to choose from.
The 2013 silent …

In a season of glamorous Hamptons fundraisers some stand out.  Because it’s personal.   For women of many different generations their first love stories involved a trip to Planned Parenthood.  At the Planned Parenthood benefits many successful women recount how the organization is still near and dear to their hearts.  For many women the only the health insurance they can afford is high doses of Vitamin C.  It is essential to support organizations such as Planned Parenthood which serves so many in this …

By Heather Buchanan
Greetings at the third annual Harvest East End Food and Wine Classic went something like this:
“Orlmmm, yermm, hold on a sec and let me get a napkin.”  With so many delectable edibles and fine wines, it was literally hard to get a word in edgewise. Organized by Merliance and the Long Island Wine Council and presented by Wine Spectator, Harvest East End was the epicurean destination, held this year at the regal Hampton Classic show grounds.

What’s Your Hamptons Summer Bucket List?  Here’s some not to miss moments.

EVENTS:

Harvest East End – Saturday August 25th 6p to 9p
Here is the food version of speed dating. No need to commit because you have so many delicious options of local food and wine from top chefs and vintners. Benefitting the Group For The East End, Peconic Land Trust, and East End Hospice this epicurean festival is a true delight. Be sure to check out …

By Heather Buchanan
If you ventured under the tent for the East Hampton Library Author’s Night 2012 on Saturday you were treated to a vast array of literary talent.  You simply felt smarter.  With so many accomplished authors in one place you had to do a bit of speed dating, or perhaps more aptly speed reading.  Each of the 120 writers had a tale to tell ranging from novels to biographies, memoirs, cooking, decorating, self help and children’s books.  The event which was …

By Heather Buchanan
If you’ve never descended down the rabbit hole to Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center’s annual gala, you have missed one of most coveted experiences in Hamptons fundraising.  This year’s Big Bang proved that the creative spirit is alive, well and being nurtured, raising over $1.5 million for the Watermill Center’s year round artist residency and education programs.  With input from all these creative minds this was no business-as-usual benefit under the big top.

There was na’er a plastic glass of cheap wine …

Your first clue was the number of Rolls Royces parked out front that there was a veritable who’s who of the art, design, and Hamptons social set at the Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer Gala.  This year celebrated the “creative spirit of the East End” on July 14th by honoring director/choreographer Patricia Birch, visual artist Chuck Close, author/historian Barbara Goldsmith, interior designers Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper, musician G.E. Smith, and choreographer Paul Taylor.

By Holly Buchanan
“I have but one regret in life, that I didn’t drink more champagne.” John Maynard Keynes
Well, that’s certainly a fate I don’t intend to share.
Giddy is the only appropriate word to describe what I felt walking into the James Beard Foundation’s 2012 Chefs & Champagne® New York at the bucolic Wolffer Estate Vineyard.  Ah, so many inspired, delicious dishes, fabulous champagne (and wine) and so little time.   It was like speed dating for foodies – a whirlwind tour of over …

The Empire State Pride Agenda set a new record of 1500 attendees to support the LGBT rights organization at the Hamptons Tea Dance on July 14th which celebrated its 20th Anniversary.  We clearly must have started coming when we were six.
Not only were there impressive leaders of business, design, the arts, politics and finance, there were some serious white gogo boots we were envying.

By Heather Buchanan
Hamptons fundraisers are supposed to be like children – you love them all equally.  But we know that’s not really true.  Everyone has favorites. The James Beard Foundation Chefs and Champagne® New York on Saturday July 21st is consistently is a top pick for the finger-licking good food, top notch bubbly and wine, spectacular setting, silent auction that has your Master Card maxing out, and great camaraderie.  Chefs may be known for their egos but when you see them all …

ArtHamptons July 13- 15, 2012 at Nova’s Ark Sculpture Field in Bridgehampton features $200 million worth of art: 3000 post-war and contemporary works from 80 galleries from 10 countries.
Tongues and tails were wagging over artist and showman Kevin Berlin’s “Tiger Training For Beginners” where art, the cause of tiger conservation in the wild, and four gorgeous naked girls painted with stripes meet.  The tigers, Jenni from Texas, Tessa from Sag Harbor, and Ksenia and Alina from Siberia said it’s the artists job …

By Heather Buchanan
Photos by Owen Hoffman for Patrick McMullan Company

It wasn’t only the lightning that set off sparks in the tent for the 650 Hamptonites who came out support the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education at Love Heals at Luna Farms in Sagaponack, raising over $300,000.  Unlike the senior blue-blazered crowd found at many Hamptons benefits, this was the sizzling social set.  You know an organization is dedicated to safe sex when they make sure every goody bag contains a “Proper …

Wednesday July 4th – Montauk Grucci Fireworks on Umbrella Beach
Any town beach is good viewing.  Go early for parking and bring a picnic – this is hugely popular.  Remember your flashlight or your iPhone flashlight app.
www.montaukchamber.org

Men’s Lives at Bay Street Theatre – July 3 – 29
If there is one classic play about the Hamptons it is Men’s Lives when fishermen and not financiers ruled the Hamptons.  This is the 20 year revival from Sag Harbor’s own Joe Pintauro based on the book …

2012 HAMPTONS BENEFITS
It’s a full Hamptons Fundraiser season benefiting many worthy causes. Here are a few ways to make the most of each event:

Take time to learn about the cause and find out how you can further get involved.
Note there are often ticket discounts if you are a member of the organization.
Some events have a cocktail hour or junior ticket which is less expensive.
Buy in advance – there may be a discount and some Hamptons benefits do sell out.
I’m going to …