Stephanie Nass, stylemaker and chef, is set to release her first book, “Swing By!: Entertaining Recipes and the New Art of Gathering.” Published by Rizzoli, the book offers 16 captivating ideas for hosting, ranging from a pizza party with homemade rainbow cookies to a sunflower field luncheon. The book is available for pre-order and will be released on September 24. Nass will also be signing copies of the book at the James Lane Fest at Sound View in Greenport on October 19.
Tell us about your background as a chef and caterer and what led you to this point in your career.
When I was in 11th grade in high school in Brittany, France, I took my first formal cooking lessons, and all through college at Columbia, I worked in food establishments when I wasn’t in class. From an early age, I knew that I was passionate about feeding people. Ten years ago, I started catering. For special events, I made custom tableware for my clients, which led me to designing and producing my own. At this point, Chefanie is primarily a product business of tableware with some other home goods and accessories. These days, I cook for social impact, and my forthcoming book is full of recipes.
You’ve thrown events for celebrities, royals, fashion brands, and more. Is there an event that stands out to you that you’re most proud of?
My favorite event of all time will always be our wedding. Every single detail was personalized and special to us.
Tell us about “Swing By!” and what inspired you to write a book.
Social media is a constant stream of bytes that often doesn’t get very deep. The book allowed me to dive into processes and show events more 360-degrees. A sunflower-themed party, set in a field of Long Island sunflowers, for example, includes recipes for cooking sunflowers, step-by-step instructions for how to make a floral runner, how to fold the napkin into a sunflower shape, and more. I include stories of my background and inspiration alongside the gorgeous pictures. The goal of the book is to share ideas.
Let’s talk about the art of the dinner party. Can you share a few tips for entertaining in the Hamptons this summer?
Keep your freezer stocked with good ice cream and the frozen pies from Fairview Farms. This amazing family farm sells pies baked and frozen, so you can enjoy their pies at peak deliciousness at your own leisure.
Make sure that you have enough place settings (placemats, dishes, flatware, linens, glassware, etc.) for the maximum number of guests you can host. Plus, two or three.
Invite your favorite people, especially reciprocating with those who have graciously hosted you.
What is your go-to Hamptons recipe?
I love a garden salad of local ingredients. Red leaf lettuce, sliced radish, sliced carrot, snap peas, dill, scallions, sunflower seeds, and Meredith Dairy’s Feta (with its brine as a dressing!) Sometimes, I grill a protein to go on top.
What does your perfect day in the Hamptons look like?
My perfect day in the Hamptons starts with a walk to the Milk Pail for their coffee slushie. Then, laps in the pool ahead of a nutritious lunch on the picnic benches of Amber Waves Farm. I love the bay, so in the afternoon on a perfect day, I might venture up to Gerard Drive to enjoy the scenery until dusk. Dinner at Moby’s before a cup of Buddha’s Best Berry at Buddha Berry in Sag Harbor. On clear nights, I admire the twinkling stars before tucking in early.
