By far the dreamiest party I have seen this summer… meet the hosts and today’s Dinner Party Series Guests, sisters and creators of the blog Mama & Tata. “Mama” Candice Miller and “Tata” {French for auntie} Jenna Crespi are New York gurus and share their picks for NY’s best services from beauty, fitness, travel, mommy musts, to food {of course keeping the most fashionable selections in mind} on their blog. This summer they threw a soiree of all soirees at their Hamptons home and I was ecstatic that they wanted to share this incredible party with FH readers. Read on for a bio of these trendy gals and learn their inspiration for this beautiful Hamptons Party!

FH: Tell me a quick bio of how you came to start Mama & Tata?

Candice: My sister and I were on a plane coming home from LA, she was pregnant and I was a Mom of 2, and we both wanted to figure out a way to start a business together so we could use our skill sets in a positive way and spend more time together as sisters.  We grew up being best friends, and always shared everything, so we felt we would work great together.  Jenna is a lawyer and had a marketing/business background, and I was a reading specialist, special events director, and style consultant for a women’s clothing store, so we complemented each other and could divide and conquer.  Jenna was always asking me (the “expert”) for advice on all things baby, and we figured if she had all of these questions, so many others were in the same boat.  We got together with a list of all of my favorite spots, including style, beauty, wellness, health and family, and we decided to share our knowledge with the world.  We quickly became the trusted source for all Moms, and our business was born.  Jenna handles the backend, uploading, editing, emails, collaborations and business negotiations, while I handle social media, photoshoots, writing, PR, and creating content.  It works well, and we are loving the positivity that is derived from Mama & Tata on a daily basis.

FH: What is your entertaining style? Traditional, Contemporary, Seasonal? 

Candice: I entertain most nights, so I wouldn’t say I have a particular style, other than “the more, the merrier!”  I love hosting friends and family in my home, especially in summer when we can dine al fresco.  I always mix up my floral arrangements, sometimes very simple and basic, other times more extravagant and colorful.  The only color I strictly avoid is orange, and that’s just because I dislike every shade it comes in.

I love that each dinner or lunch in my home is different, I never offer the same menu twice.  I never feel stressed about entertaining, it’s simply a part of my existence.

FH: How often do you entertain and for how many guests?

Candice: I entertain 2 or 3 times a week, usually for 20 guests, but sometimes up to 60/70, and more on birthday celebrations.  Summertime is when most friends have houseguests, and I really always try to include everyone.

FH: Do you have a go-to recipe or dish?

Candice: I happen to be a great cook, and used to really enjoy it (pre-motherhood), but now I like to spend quality time with my girls on weekends, so I leave the cooking to our chef/close family friend, Jojo.  My favorite dishes she prepares is her BBQ, honey, roasted peach chicken and her truffled lobster salad.

FH: Do you have a go-to cocktail?

Candice: Yesss! Froze is having a moment, especially in my home!

FH: Did something inspire you for today’s table?

Candice: A very dear friend of mine had her wedding this year and it looked like something out of Alice in Wonderland!  It was whimsical, colorful, and happy in a way I’d never seen, and I’ve been to a lot of parties.  I was blown away by the eye candy, and wanted to try and create my own smaller scale version of her masterpiece.  I also have a love affair with gold, so that’s why I chose the flatware. I worked very closely with Anastasia at Sag Harbor Florist and Keren Precel from Simply Perfect Events, so we are a great team when it comes to party decor.

FH: Table top… Share all the deets!!

• Plates: Party Rentals Ltd
• Napkins: LinenMe.com
• Centerpieces/ Vases/ – Sag Harbor Florist
• Chairs & Dining Table: Party Rentals Ltd
• Lights: LuminousDesigns.com
• Chef: ChefJoJocooks

Photography by Marcela Cussolin