Palm Beach Entertaining, Mario Buatta, and a Pagoda Pool House

Season is in full swing here in South Florida, and in Palm Beach that means parties, parties, and more parties! It is no coincidence that Lilly Pulitzer – a name synonymous with Palm Beach – famously said, “Life is a party, so dress like it.” Palm Beachers love to entertain, and one of my absolute favorite books is Palm Beach Entertaining: Creating Occasions to Remember. It provides a rare glimpse into the private homes and parties of some of Palm Beach’s most notable hosts and hostesses, along with their recipes and tips for stylish entertaining, whether formal, informal, traditional or avant-guard.

Isn’t it spectacular?! To get you into the Palm Beach spirit, here are a two delicious (and simple!) recipes from the Royal Evening menu:

Coconut and Macadamia Ice Cream Balls with Raspberry Sauce 

The combination of flavors in this desert is elegant and delightful. On another occasion try vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream. It is also fabulous to combine flavors, serving a few balls of coconut ice cream with one ball to surprise the palate. 

Serves 4

3          cups unsweetened shredded coconut
2          cups roasted macadamia nuts
2          pints coconut ice cream
2          cups raspberries
1/2      cup sugar
Juice of 1 lime

Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Place the coconut and macadamia nuts on the prepared baking sheet, place in oven, and toast until lightly golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.Using an ice cream scoop or large melon baller, make 8 balls with the ice cream. Coat with coconut-macadamia mixture and return to the freezer until ready to serve.In a blender, puree the raspberries, sugar, and lime juice until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.Serve the ice cream balls in a decorative glass bowl, passing the raspberry sauce on the side.

This book is soooo good. It also features entertaining tips from Nancy Brinker, Sue and James Patterson’s killer chocolate cake, a Christmas brunch with Mimi McMakin and Celerie Kemble, the late Evelyn Lauder’s avocado-herb salad, and Mark Badgley’s, James Mischka’s cold tomato soup, Moscow Mule, and Gravlaks, and more. Written by Annie Falk (who you will want to follow on Pinterest) net proceeds of Palm Beach Entertaining benefit Children’s Home Society.

Now you may recall this feature from the July issue of Architectural Digest also included The Ross’s Southampton, New York summer house.  The early 1900’s Colonial Revival is just as magnificent as their winter Palm Beach retreat…

I am wild for white Colonial homes with black shutters!

And who wouldn’t like to be greeted by blue and white planters flanking the front door?

The black and white Greek key stair runner coordinates beautifully with the flooring.

A pagoda mini bar/kitchenette in the playroom? Yes, please!

Those floors!!

I’m dying for a close-up of those frog benches… how cute are they??

Picture-perfect, parklike grounds…

So now that you have seen the Ross’s Palm Beach winter retreat and their Southampton summer home, you may be wondering about their primary residence… their Manhattan apartment. It was also decorated by Mario Buatta, and it too is positively magnificent. Click here for a tour!