Hospitality is part of Nicky Hilton Rothschild’s pedigree: Her great-grandfather Conrad founded the Hilton hotel chain. And she’s a style icon in her own right, having designed apparel, jewelry, handbags, and footwear. You can even say she wrote the book on style—365 Style, to be precise.
So when Nicky chose One Kings Lane to help update the outdoor entertaining area of her Long Island home, we were beyond flattered.
Nicky opted for the Frances Seven-Piece Dining Set in Linen Indigo Stripe. “It has size and proportion, which allows us to host big or small groups comfortably,” she says. “The fabrics are beautiful as well, which is not always easy to find with outdoor cushions.” The Phoebe Scallop Patio Umbrella (shown here in Light Blue) is a must for sunny days.
Because they’re crafted of durable, moisture-resistant teak, the Highland Box Planters will maintain their classic beauty for years.
The home “is around a century old, and in a quiet hamlet not far from the water,” Nicky says. “It has some beautiful and old trees, plenty of privacy, and is our bucolic escape from New York City.” She entertains outdoors here quite often—“every number from large groups of visiting family and friends to Friday dinner with our three kids”—and not only in summer. “We like to be outdoors well into the fall, as that is when the property is at its best.”
To make the most of the verdant views, “I love moving the dining location around the property depending on the night or day, so that people can eat in a different setting every time over a weekend. It adds variety and atmosphere,” Nicky says. She also takes full advantage of the home’s solarium: “In the winter it can be a snow-globe warmer by a wood fire, and in summer it’s a perfect hangout room with the doors open. It’s perfect for breakfast all year round.” And when temperatures really drop, “we have a few fireplaces in the house for cozy dinners in the winter.”
Nicky describes her entertaining style as “never formal, but hopefully with some style and elegance too! We like to combine served courses and buffet style, as it lets people sit and talk while also indulging our style for serving lots of different dishes for our guests. We like to mix it up and use as much local, organic, and humane ingredients as possible.”
Nicky’s table setting is in keeping with her “mix it up” approach to entertaining. To ensure the look is nonetheless classically elegant, she sticks with a blue-and-white palette, including Rubia Place Mats, Le Panier Cocktail Plates, and Country Estate Napkins. Find the bamboo-handled flatware here.
Nicky gave birth to her son this past summer. She also has two daughters, the oldest born in 2016. When asked how having young children affects her entertaining style, Nicky says, “I allow the kids to be kids and make sure they can eat and then play without expecting them to sit as patiently as adults.” And if you’re skeptical that she’s a hands-on parent, this hard-won advice should convince you: “If you want them to eat veg, serve it as an appetizer when they are still hungry! Serving veg as a side dish doesn’t get it eaten!”
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“I am big on flowers and try to make them seasonal,” Nicky says. Love hydrangeas like these even when they’re not in season? Consider faux options.
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