Ted Kennedy Watson of the company Watson Kennedy is known for his whimsical but classic approach to design. A lover of bold colors, preppy design and nuanced touches, we could not think of anyone more perfect to help us give inspiration for relaxed outdoor living. Ted was kind enough to open up his beautiful home, Hawthorne, in Hudson Valley, and give his tips for creating a magical and beautiful day of Summer entertaining. A consummate entertainer, Ted loves to create beautiful day long experiences for his guests and visitors. Today, we will be exploring how Ted sets tone of his weekend guests with a series of low-key but beautifully crafted culinary experiences throughout the day starting off with lunch! As Ted said during our talk “this is a tale filled with laughs, love, delicious food & wine, cocktails, more laughs, more snacks and possibly a nap!”
Ted and his husband spend 2 weeks each season at the Hudson Valley house. The East where this house sits has 4 very distinct seasons allowing them revel in each unlike their home in Seattle . Often they invite friends up from the city on their visits, and since the drive is 2+ hours from New York City, they offer folks to spend the night, so guests arrive ready to relax and ready to kick their feet up.
As we mentioned, Ted loves to set the mood right from the start by greeting his guests with a beautifully laid out lunch outdoors during the Summer. Taking cues from his home, Ted created a soft palette of white and green, his favorite color, that perfectly compliments the menu (see below). He then layered in our lovely monogrammed glassware, linens, glass hurricanes and woven chargers. Then of course came the food in a “country-style” that featured the best of locally raised produce and products.
Menu
Tomatoes with mint, sea salt & Grove 45 extra virgin olive oil
Super lemony orzo pasta with feta
Baguette with butter and Fleur de Sel
Papillon rosé
Since people might arrive at varying times, they like to make a big platter of pasta. In this case Ted made his Super Lemony Pasta, which is from his first book. It’s a super easy and tasty way to feed people without worrying about keeping anything warm as it cam be served room temperature. Ted also loves to serve it on the outside picnic table across from the pond with the wind blowing ever so lightly where the conversation just flows … much like the rosé!
Check back next week when we share Ted’s entertaining tips for throwing the perfect evening Summer party and his tried and true signature cocktail for Summer.
Items featured: Belgian Flax Linen Napkin (Cactus) // Water Hyacinth Place Mat // Hyannis Lantern // PB Premiere Stemware // Great White Rim Dinner Plate // Bosphorus Clear Glass Vase // Antique Sentiment Flatware // PB Glass Votives
Beautiful table setting. The menu sounds divine! Glad you’re relaxing for this gorgeous weekend weather! Mucho love to you both and looking forward to our time together…xo
Hello,
What kind of flowers are in the bosphorus glass vase?
Love the Teds!!
Take your wallet when you visit one of his stores in Seattle. So many amazing things to look at and purchase. Much like going to Pottery Barn.