Capturing Hamptons Chic, A Conversation with Hamptons Social: The Summer Book

After attending Hamptons Social magazine’s Summer Soiree at Gray Gardens Estate, I was instantly impressed by the editors’ inspired vision of Hamptons living. Appearing effortless when entertaining is anything but, and the seamlessly curated celebratory Summer Soiree was abundant evidence of the hostesses’ experience and expertise in elevated entertaining. 

Hamptons Social: The Summer Book is the definitive print guide to luxury living in the Hamptons. Helmed by founder and editor-in-chief Lizabeth Zindel Wells and executive editor Erika Katz, the publication is a highly engaging and visually polished portrait of luxury living on the East End of Long Island. Holding the magazine, filled with beautiful photography and fantastic articles, is a reminder of what makes print publications special, even in a digital world. 

Graceful, gorgeous, and genuine, Zindel Wells and Katz spoke with Hamptons.com about life and fashion in the Hamptons and what to expect from their upcoming release of Hamptons Social: The Summer Book (Now available).

What was the inspiration for The Hamptons Social: Summer Book? 

LIZABETH: I wanted to create a publication that feels like a blend between a coffee table book and a magazine. The Hamptons has a unique culture for magazines and an environment where the printed page still thrives. My vision was to design a luxurious book with a high level of design that would serve as a guide to the Hamptons and be a keepsake for readers.

How did you celebrate the launch of Hamptons Social: The Summer Book’s 2024 issue?

LIZABETH: We hosted a party in partnership with Cadillac and Antonella Bertello’s Baker House 1650 in East Hampton. The evening was scented by Diptyque’s beautiful Citronnelle candles and the garden was decorated with chic furniture and sun umbrellas by a luxury home furnishings brand I adore called Brass & Burl. As guests arrived, they were greeted by Cadillac’s first electric SUV, the LYRIQ. The Baker House is a very unique hotel property because as soon as you step through the door, you are transported into a very European aesthetic and the gardens are home to some of the oldest trees in the Hamptons. The award-winning Tequila Enemigo hosted a tasting, as well as, Blue Rive Caviar. It was a beautiful night of music, food, friends, and lots of fun!

How did you both get started in publishing? 

LIZABETH: I grew up in a family of writers and fell in love with creative writing from a young age. After graduating from Wesleyan University in CT, I moved to Los Angeles and got a job working as an agent’s assistant at Creative Artists Agency. While working there, I was shown a fan letter from a young, lonely girl to Bob Dylan. Reading the letter inspired the idea for my first book, a young adult novel called Girl of the Moment. The story is about a high school girl in New York City who gets a summer internship working for a young starlet and gets pulled into her entourage of mean girl best friends. I wrote the manuscript and then sold it to Penguin RandomHouse in a three-book deal. 

ERIKA: I published the first of the Bonding over Beauty book series in 2011, the second in 2013 and followed it up with Coach Parenting in 2017, all while working as an on-air parenting and lifestyle expert on both national and local television. My getaway has been my home in Southampton for over twenty years, and I always wanted to write about all the special places and people I have come across. So, when Lizabeth and I spoke about collaborating on Hamptons Social magazine, I jumped at the opportunity.

You both are absolutely stunning and beyond stylish – what are your style tips for Summer 2024?

ERIKA: Thank you for the compliment! The occasion should inspire your style. If it’s a party in a garden, maybe it calls for a floral or something long and flowy. For a festive evening at Le Bilboquet, a white dress with high espadrille wedges and lots of great jewelry always looks fabulous.  

LIZABETH: The Hamptons is about looking effortlessly chic and being able to go from a day at the beach to dinner simply and with ease.

What are some hidden gems in the Hamptons that you recommend?

LIZABETH: Some hidden gems include exploring Camp Hero in Montauk, stopping by the Halsey Farm Store in Water Mill for the largest and most stunning sunflowers, going to the tasting room at Sagaponack Farm Distillery, visiting the gardens at The Madoo Conservancy, enjoying the beautiful stillness of Lazy Point Beach in Amagansett. 

ERIKA: I love the farmers market at Agawam every Sunday. It is a wonderful way to support the community, get fresh produce, and support local businesses.

After seeing the soiree at Gray Gardens, I have an idea of how highly attentive you both are to detail. What are the small things that make a big difference when entertaining?

ERIKA: We think guests should feel like they are being treated to something special. Whether it’s a signature cocktail or caviar tasting, we want our guests to know that they will have a transformative experience when they come to a Hamptons Social event. 

Beyond The Summer Book, what are the essential summer reading recommendations for this year?

LIZABETH: I wrote a feature for the magazine on BookHampton’s best beach reads for Summer 2024. I am enjoying some of their recommendations like Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding and All the Summers in Between by Brooke Lea Foster.

Do Hamptons trends “go viral,” or is there something more timeless about decorating and decor in the Hamptons? 

LIZABETH: There is a timeless aesthetic in the Hamptons, but nowadays people want to express their personality in their home decor. They want more color, and more of the unexpected. 

ERIKA: Being by the water, I love different shades of blue. It’s also nice to update the look of your home throughout the year by changing out your throw pillows, blankets, and table linens to match the season. For example, in the summer, I have a blue and white cotton throw on my sofa. In the fall I replace it with a thin pumpkin color cashmere blanket.

The Hamptons Social team is tight-knit. What’s your personal/professional relationship like? 

LIZABETH:  We definitely have a similar aesthetic and we piggyback off each others’ ideas. Having respect and trust in each other’s creativity is what makes for our synergy.

ERIKA:  I actually love when Lizabeth has an idea that I haven’t imagined, and then we work on it, and it becomes a gem. When that happens, it makes the creative trust that much stronger.

What are you most excited about in the upcoming issue of The Summer Book?

LIZABETH: It is exciting to work so intensely on the creative aspects of the magazine and then share it with the world. It is the second summer with the print magazine and it is great to see how far it has come and imagine all the future possibilities. I loved featuring some of our favorite brands and local businesses in the issue, and I am looking forward to seeing how we can support them in growing their presence in the Hamptons. Also, I enjoyed exploring the issue’s theme, “The pursuit of excellence,” which was inspired by this summer’s Olympics. 

ERIKA:  We both interviewed people that fascinated us. I love cooking so meeting and talking with Chef Eric Ripert was a dream of mine. My favorite part of the interview was when I asked him what he always had in his fridge at his home in Sag Harbor. His answer? Lots of good French cheese and champagne! 

You are both accomplished authors and creators in your own life – do you have any personal projects that you are excited about and willing to share?

LIZABETH: I am working on a new YA novel and also adapting one of my previous books into a screenplay. 

ERIKA: I’m working on a podcast and YouTube series of interviews with the world’s greatest chefs. I am fascinated by their stories, what they like to cook at home, and some great tips and tricks for home cooks like myself.