There’s something magical about summer entertaining—those long, golden afternoons that fade into the soft light of evening. In the world of effortless luxury, where dinner parties are intimate and the details are considered, a great hostess knows that it’s not just about the food or the drinks, but about creating an atmosphere. It's about curating a space that feels both luxurious and lived-in, where guests can relax, enjoy each other’s company, and feel transported by the setting.
In the Hamptons, where every home seems to hold stories of breezy afternoons and elegantly effortless soirées, the best gatherings are those that feel as if they were born out of the moment—yet are meticulously curated, filled with thoughtful touches that bring the coastal chic aesthetic to life. This is the art of the great hostess: creating a space where everyone feels like they’ve stepped into a scene from their favorite summer movie, where the table settings are as beautiful as they are functional, and where the very mood of the evening feels like an invitation to linger.
The Wauwinet Rattan Collection: Coastal Charm, Timeless Elegance
Enter the Wauwinet Rattan collection—a series of handwoven pieces that effortlessly elevate any coastal gathering, whether you’re in an iconic Hamptons estate or a charming Nantucket cottage. Think Ina Garten's gatherings at her East Hampton home, where the setting is always elegant but never fussy. The table settings are classic and timeless, yet feel so warm and welcoming, exactly as they should.
Here’s how a great hostess would incorporate the Wauwinet Rattan collection into her entertaining to ensure a memorable, beautifully executed summer evening:
A Beautifully Set Table: The Wauwinet Rattan Charger Paired with Natural Bamboo Flatware
The key to any thoughtful tablescape is starting with the right foundation. The Wauwinet Rattan Charger sets the tone for an elegant yet relaxed affair. With its natural handwoven texture and refined, coastal design, it brings an understated luxury to the table that feels just at home under the shade of a pergola as it does in a formal dining room. Layered beneath your favorite white dinner plates or casual summer dinnerware, it adds depth and warmth to the table without ever competing with the meal itself.
Pair it with the Natural Bamboo Flatware, with its natural matte bamboo handles, and you’ve created a table that feels like a scene from Nantucket—a little touch of classic New England style with a modern, coastal twist. It’s the kind of flatware that feels like it’s been passed down through generations, yet still fresh enough for your first alfresco meal of the season. Ina Garten would approve, of course, pairing these pieces with an array of seasonal dishes that sing of the summer harvest.
No summer table is complete without a thoughtful, elegant touch—and our handwoven Wauwinet Rattan Napkin Rings do just that. Naturally textured and timelessly coastal, they bring a warm, organic element to your tablescape that feels equal parts refined and relaxed. Pair them with our Cotton Canvas White Double Eyelet Napkins for a look that’s crisp, clean, and quietly luxurious. The delicate eyelet detailing adds just the right amount of charm, reminiscent of breezy afternoons and heirloom linens, while the rattan rings ground the setting with a hint of island-inspired ease. It’s the kind of pairing that feels pulled straight from a Nantucket dining room—classic, effortless, and endlessly inviting.
Pouring with Style: The Wauwinet Rattan Carafe & Ice Bucket
Every great hostess knows the importance of creating the right atmosphere with drinks. The Wauwinet Rattan Carafe is just as essential for your summer entertaining as the wine itself. Handwoven and designed to keep drinks hot or cold for hours, it’s perfect for chilled rosé on a warm summer evening or hot coffee to enjoy as the sun dips behind the horizon. When you place it on the table, it doesn’t just hold your beverage—it becomes part of the ambiance, effortlessly enhancing the mood of the gathering.
For serving cocktails or chilled water, the Wauwinet Rattan Ice Bucket with Tongs is a must-have. It’s the perfect vessel for adding a touch of coastal charm to your drinks service, whether you’re hosting a casual afternoon gathering on the porch or a glamorous evening affair. Imagine a round of gin and tonics or champagne, ice cubes clinking softly as you pass the bucket from guest to guest. The elegant rattan design feels as though it belongs in a grand Nantucket estate, but it’s perfectly suited for the casual luxury of any outdoor summer setting.
Subtle Details: The Wauwinet Rattan Tray
A great hostess knows that sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact. That’s where the Wauwinet Rattan Rectangular Tray comes in. Whether you're serving coffee on the veranda in the morning light or carrying cocktails from the kitchen to the garden, this tray offers a perfect blend of function and style. Handwoven and durable, it serves as the ultimate base for everything from the simplest of hors d'oeuvres to your signature cocktails, making it an essential piece in your summer entertaining arsenal.
The tray’s cutout handles make it easy to carry, while the natural rattan texture gives it an organic, coastal feel that pairs beautifully with every part of your gathering.
Creating a Welcoming Ambiance
The best gatherings are curated with a thoughtful, almost effortless touch—like a beach house that feels lived in, never staged. By using pieces like the Wauwinet Rattan collection, the great hostess sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. It’s not just about having the best dinnerware or the finest glasses, but about creating a setting where every piece feels intentional—whether it’s the cool glass of water served from a beautifully woven carafe, or the natural warmth of a rattan tray passed from guest to guest.
As you gather your closest friends or family to share laughter, good food, and even better drinks, the Wauwinet Rattan collection transforms your gathering into something effortlessly chic—exactly the kind of summer evening you’ve always dreamed of. From the Hamptons to Nantucket, the essence of luxury is in the details, and these handwoven pieces bring that perfect touch of coastal elegance to your entertaining.
So, next time you find yourself hosting a gathering by the sea, think of it as a chance to bring the simple beauty of nature inside, blending the relaxed luxury of the coast with the sophistication of timeless design. After all, great entertaining isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating moments that feel both beautiful and effortless.