A Weekend In... Watch Hill, R.I.

WATCH HILL, R.I.: Newport's quieter sister, Watch Hill abounds with rambling manses and old-school charm. Pick up sandwiches on the way in at The Cooked Goose in Westerly (try the "C.M.R." or the "Aphrodite") before hanging your hat at the Ocean House, a beautiful seaside resort that was recently restored to its former grandeur. (Bring dress whites for the regulation croquet court!) Après beach, take a spin on the Flying Horse Carousel and check out the gorgeous yachts docked at the Watch Hill Yacht Club. After washing the sand off, grab dinner and drinks alfresco at the Olympia Tea Room. When you're ready to go, head out by way of rail, air, or sea.

Clockwise from top left: Canvas coal bag by ACL & Co., $68, here; J.Crew plaid shirt, $68, in stores; Cartier Tank Solo watch, $2,300, in stores; Asprey propeller keyring, $270, here; Sperry Top-Sider boat shoe, $75, here; Hermès "Yachting" beach towel in horizon blue, $180, here; Wölffer Estate 2010 Rose, $16, here.

The Afternoon Tea

Last Saturday afternoon, I threw an afternoon party for about forty guests, which it seems is now becoming an annual event. It was a nice way to celebrate the end of my second year of law school (and a good excuse to polish my silver collection). For beverages, there were Pimm's cups with strawberry and cucumber slices as well as "Logan Circle Iced Tea," which was sweet tea vodka and mint lemonade (the only actual "tea" in sight). As seen above, the table featured pink peonies, bright green tennis balls, and pink & green penny candy. For food, I served smoked salmon tea sandwiches ...

Ina's roasted chicken salad on crackers ... (probably the biggest hit of the party -- and remarkably simple to make!)

Palmiers (store bought) and homemade lemon bars ...

Crudité and green herb dip ...

More peonies ...

And simple pink roses. All in all, it was a smashing party, and I had just as much fun planning as I did celebrating.

Thrift Find | Pink Blazer

Found this today at a vintage store in Bridgehampton. Raw silk summer blazer from Ralph Lauren. Probably at least twenty (or thirty?) years old, judging by the tag and the fact that it was made in the USA. Looks very similar to the wide-lapelled Garrison style that RL has been hawking of late. Fit like a glove -- and considering it's in mint condition, pretty fairly priced at $85.

Simply Van

An American Wedding

Call me crazy, but I prefer the way America does royal weddings.