Experts in the art of the party, Hamptons premier catering & event planning team - Art of Eating Catering & Hampton Event Management International {HEMI} - have unique insight into the glittering benefits, intimate dinner parties & extravagant weddings that make up the backbone of the Hamptons social scene.
The husband & wife team of John Kowalenko & Cheryl Stair, who own & operate Art of Eating and HEMI, finely tuned their partnership to rise to any challenge. Since they started catering & event planning in 1986, Kowalenko & Stair have handled parties for the likes of Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Katie Couric, Steven Spielberg, Tommy Hilfiger & Martha Stewart who raved, “The food was great & everything looked beautiful. You could not have done a better job!”
They have also managed corporate events for Manhattan Mortgage, Polo Ralph Lauren, Hamptons International Film Festival & Stony Brook University. Art of Eating & HEMI actively give back to the community by supporting & donating services to many benefits throughout the year. From fashion shows & the Concourse D'Elegance, to breakfasts at the Hampton Classic Horse Show to the US Open & countless galas honoring CEOs, they are experts at developing the most impactful & memorable events.
Kowalenko and Stair are staunch advocates of local & organic produce & organize many eco-friendly weddings in the famed Hamptons. They offer the following tips for green brides & grooms:
DÉCOR & NATURAL SURROUNDINGS
{1} Any way that bamboo can be brought into the theme, e.g., furniture & decorators, is a plus. Bamboo is a great renewable resource & if you've ever had any bamboo, you know just how quickly it can grow. Make tiki huts, bars & other summer theme items out of it.
{2} If spraying for bugs, get a company that uses organics. There are a number of non-toxic bug sprays, including 'skin so soft.' The old citronella candles are always helpful.
{3} Lawn, shrub & tree treatment before & after the wedding to keep the stress level low on the green property are key. We use Roger Feit at Treewise in Montauk, NY - he has organic treatments for the property.
TIMING
{4} Having a wedding or party during the late afternoon will help cut down on electric use, also a fall wedding vs. summer will help with air conditioning needs.
INVITATIONS
{5} Invitations on recyclable paper, napkins, cups {if using paper}.
FOOD
{6} Using local, fresh organic produce is one of the most respectable environmentally sound ways to go. Local fish, cheeses, wines, flowers, chickens, turkeys, herbs & produce are abundant in the Hamptons when in season.
{7} Don’t order endangered species of fish to be served at the wedding. The Audubon Society & The Nature Conservancy will know what current bans exist on LOCAL & imported fish.
Photos: David Seaver
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