Yesterday evening, on a humid summer Thursday, close friends and loved ones gathered at Aerin Lauder’s Wainscott estate for an intimate dinner hosted by Amy Astley to celebrate Lauder’s latest Architectural Digest cover.
Upon arrival to the party, which started on the hedge-lined lawn, it was clear to see that this house was a home, a sentiment not lost on Lauder, who happily touched on the recollections evoked from a wooden table adorned with family photos. “This table is such a mix of history—moments of the children, my grandparents, close family friends,” cooed Lauder. As she proceeded through the photos, her face lit up at the news that her son had just arrived. The face of a proud mother.
Conversations moved through the room as effortlessly as the hors d’oeuvres being served—surprisingly cozy, familial favorites like pigs in a blanket, placed on scalloped Aerin cocktail napkins. The evening served as a celebratory soiree, but with the intimacy of a private family dinner, a hosting artistry Lauder has forged. Astley, standing by the dimly lit pool, in a Loewe dress, added, “[Aerin’s] main concern when hosting is, are people comfortable, is this working for them?” Next, it’s the styling. “She’s the modern incarnation of a Jackie Kennedy type, and the lineage of Estee comes out in everything she does. Great hostesses, great mothers, great tastemakers, charming, real friends.” She was right—Aerin easily wafted through the room attending to every single guest and desire.
Guests included Derek Blasberg and Nick Brown, Elizabeth Saltzman, Lizzie Tisch, Lauren Dupont, Maddie O’Malley, Mireya D’Angelo, Indré Rockefeller, Isolde Brielmaier, Katie Lee Biegel, and more.
Dinner was served in the airy pool house and came in the form of fresh lobster, breaded potatoes, and farmers’ greens atop tables brimming with Feverfew, September Weed, Tweedia, and Phlox. But, before the first bite, Astley stood to raise a toast. “You’ve outdone yourself with this table, Aerin. You’re a great friend, a great hostess, and I think we’ve documented our friendship through your different houses,” she mused as guests nodded and chuckled. “It’s so fitting that we’re in Estee’s house tonight, and the space tonight is an homage to her—which ties back to the house in Palm Beach.” Aerin looked on lovingly with folded hands and a glimmer in her eye before feasting with those she held most dear.
Aerin home products served as thank you and goodbye for guests to take home.