Beachcomber: The Summer Colony

The invites were coming faster than you could reply this week. The weather was lovely, although a bit cool at night, but that certainly did not put a damper on the festivities, which were numerous.

I know it is only Memorial Day and I shouldn’t be this way, but would someone tell me what invaded our lovely town this past weekend? Horns blowing, U-turns on Jobs Lane, everyone speeding—is this really necessary? I thought we came out here to relax!

While stocking up on some last-minute supplies on Friday, I was shocked to see how busy town had become, virtually overnight. It was easier getting reservations for dinner that night than a parking space. I ran into Rudy and Lydia Tuzet, who came up from Miami for the weekend. Also spotted was the always elegant Julie Kammerer, who just arrived from Palm Beach, where she tells me it has been unbearably hot.

Kites filled the sky over Coopers Beach Saturday afternoon for the second annual Kites for the Cure, Joan’s Legacy. The Joan Scarangello Foundation was established to conquer lung cancer and is committed to finding a cure by funding innovative research and increasing awareness. “Kites for a Cure is the perfect kickoff for the summer in Southampton, a wonderful family-oriented event on behalf of a worthy cause,” according to Mayor Mark Epley, who was enjoying the sights.

The day was perfect kite-flying weather, a bit breezy, but with cashmere sweaters everyone was comfortable. Mary Ann Tighe, board president, and her husband, renowned plastic surgeon Dr. David Hidalgo, flew a kite in her sister Joan’s honor.

Others seen showing their support: Co-Chairs Tess Wachs and Roxanne Donovan, Ralph and Joan Ammoratti, Melanie and John Wambold, and Darren Farlow, the new president of the Southampton Hospital Foundation. Chuck and Ellen Scarborough strolled down to join the festivities with their adorable pooch, Oliver.

I brushed off the sand from the beach, made a quick change, and it was off to the grand opening of Nancy Corzine’s fabulous new Southampton boutique on Main Street. The shop’s décor is done in a tasteful palette of off whites, with hints of Nancy’s signature fabric designs. Nancy’s eye for the smallest detail is impeccable, as evidenced by the wonderful assortment of accessories that adorn every tabletop.

Toasting the opening were: jewelry designer Judith Ripka; Connie Ann Phillips of Vogue; Tod Merrill, editor-in-chief of Town & Country magazine; Pamela Fiori, with husband Colt Givner; and up from Palm Beach was everyone’s favorite fashion reporter for the Shiny Sheet, Robert Janjigian, escorting Isolda O’Hanlon.

Once the mayhem of the holiday weekend subsides, Nancy’s shop is a must for those wishing to spruce up their digs.

The next stop was Jason Binn’s annual Memorial Day kickoff party for Niche Media. This month’s cover girl, Kim Cattrall, breezed in looking stunning as always: can’t wait to see her and the other gals from “Sex and the City” on the big screen. As always, Jason knows how to bring out the stars. Seen nibbling on the hors d’oeuvres from Elegant Affairs were: Russell Simmons, Beth Ostrosky, Susan Lucci, James Lipton and Kyle MacLachlan.

To my surprise, Jill and Bobby Zarin from the reality show “Real Housewives of New York” were in attendance. Also from the show were Alex McCord and her husband, Simon van Kempen, very busy “networking.” Having seen bits and pieces of the series, it is no wonder they were at opposite ends of the party.

Architect Campion Platt gave a cocktail party and art walk in the sculpture garden of East Hampton’s Longhouse Reserve for his wife, Tatiana. Guests included Ann Hearst and husband Jay McInerney, Robert Wilson of the Watermill Center, Lenor and Jack Larsen, fashion designer Nicole Miller, Michael Burrell, and international real estate developer Jana Bullock. Who could forget that fabulous party, “Midsummer Dream,” that she held at the wonderful Norman Jaffe-designed beach house on Meadow Lane last year? By the way, Campion received an award this past winter from The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach for his outstanding restoration of their historic colonial house on Seaspray in Palm Beach.

The evening wrapped up at Social Life magazine’s bash at their new Water Mill estate, hosted by publisher Justin Mitchell and the magazine’s cover girl, Whitney Port of MTV’s “The Hills.” Guests spotted enjoying the Taittinger champagne and hors d’oeuvres by very busy Andrea Correale were: MTV hostess Susie Castillo; Donnie Klang of “Making the Band”; Frances Hayward, founder of Bekind and a champion for animal rights; Elaine Sargent; and author Mark W. Smith. Of course, Jill Zarin made an appearance here as well, and I overheard her tell a guest that since the show has aired, she can’t leave the house without full makeup. The price one pays for all that publicity!

Sunday was the annual Memorial Day weekend party at the home of Pandy Biddle and Yves Hentic. This year marked their 19th consecutive party, according to Pandy. Our hostess looked colorful in a silk print parrot blouse topped off with teardrop turquoise-and-diamond earrings. The nibbles and cocktails flowed all evening as guests gathered around Yves’s prized bar.

All the usual suspects were there, including former “Beachcomber” Kristi Witker and her husband, Dick Coons, Lisa Crawford, Ken and Crystal Meszkat, R. Couri Hay, Sandra McConnell, Ann Madonia, Jeanne and Jim Ferrer, and Samantha Orleans.

By Monday, I was so exhausted from the weekend, I decided to take it easy and have a quiet evening at home with friends. I hope you all did the same.

Don’t forget: Next weekend is the Planned Parenthood benefit, hosted by Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper at their home in East Hampton. See you there!