18 Nantucket-Inspired Ideas for a Five-Star Weekend Party
Alyssa Van Aman
Editor
Whether you’re obsessed with Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel or are binge-watching the hit Peacock adaptation, we have all the ideas you need to host a Five-Star Weekend party of your own! Gathering your best friends from every major chapter in a dreamy Nantucket setting= couldn’t be more perfect for a bachelorette party, a milestone birthday party, or chic summer dinner party.
We’ve rounded up everything you need to pull off the ultimate coastal celebration, no matter the occasion. So grab a glass of Whispering Angel and check out these 18 ideas for your Five-Star Weekend party!
1. Serve Champagne and Rosé
It wouldn't be a Five-Star Weekend party without chilled bottles of Veuve Clicquot and Whispering Angel rosé. Display your bottles in woven rattan wine coolers and serve the wine in elegant coupe glasses for that coastal-chic aesthetic.
2. L.L.Bean Boat & Totes Welcome Bags
Welcome your guests upon arrival with iconic L.L.Bean Boat and Tote bags monogrammed with their initials and fill them with weekend essentials like sunscreen, custom weekend itineraries or party menus, and local gourmet snacks.
3. A "Coastal Grandmother" Dress Code
Encourage your guests to dress for a Nantucket weekend. Think coastal grandmother vibes with neutral linen attire, oversized straw hats, nautical stripes, and pops of soft blue inspired by ocean views and blooming hydrangeas. Lightweight wraps, cable-knit sweaters, or matching monogrammed sweatshirts are a must for those cool breezy nights. You can also opt for bright, beachy florals classic to Lilly Pulitzer as they teamed up with Peacock to create a special curated Five-Star Weekend collection!
View Coastal Grandmother Party Guide
4. Hydrangea Floral Arrangements
For decor, lean into Nantucket's iconic hydrangeas for your centerpieces or accent arrangements throughout the space. Keep it classic with crisp white hydrangeas, or add a splash of color with soft blues and pale purples.
5. Coastal Tablescapes
Set your dinner table with a crisp linen tablecloth and add woven placemats, elevated glassware, and your floral arrangements. If you really want to channel those coastal vibes, take dinner down to the beach or create an outdoor setup with string lights and plenty of cozy throw blankets.
6. Oyster Shell Place Cards
Carry the coastal feel to your tablescape using calligraphed oyster shells at each place setting for your guests. They'll bring a custom detail to your dinner table and give everyone a thoughtful keepsake to take home at the end of the weekend.
7. On the Rocks™ Premium Cocktails
For effortless elevated drinking, stock your bar with pre-mixed, high-end cocktails like On the Rocks™ craft drinks served over large ice cubes. You can also hire a
8. Nantucket Morning Buns
Follow Hollis Shaw’s lead with an early-morning run for fresh Nantucket morning buns or bake your own using this recipe. Pair them with a DIY coffee or espresso bar, or hire a mobile coffee cart to serve iced lattes to your guests.
9. Bacon Rosemary Pecans
A nod straight from the Hungry with Hollis repertoire, bacon-rosemary pecans are perfect as a stand-alone snack, an addition to a charcuterie spread, or a pairing with evening cocktails.
10. Grazing Board
Channel Hollis’s lavish hosting style with an over-the-top grazing board complete with artisanal cheeses, fresh figs, nuts, honeycombs, crackers, and summer berries. Set it out as the centerpiece so guests can casually graze while sipping on their drink of choice.
11. Seafood & Raw Bar
A classic raw bar spread is a must-have at your Five-Star Weekend celebration. Lay out fresh oysters on the half shell, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and littleneck clams over plenty of crushed ice. To really impress your guests and keep things simple, hire a caterer or local shucker to run a fresh raw bar station at your event.
12. Meatloaf Sliders on Japanese Milk Bread
Bring Hollis's signature recipe to the party with mini meatloaf sliders served on Japanese milk bread. A bite-sized nod to the viral dish that put Hungry with Hollis on the map—just don't forget the pickled cucumbers and special sauce!
13. Peach Cobbler with a Hot Sugar Crust
Just like Hollis’s Friday night dessert, serve guests a warm, seasonal peach cobbler topped with a crunchy hot-sugar crust and big scoops of vanilla bean ice cream.
14. Beach Acoustic Musician
Hire a local acoustic guitarist to play beachy, laid-back covers to really set the vibe. Make sure to request some of the songs featured in the series itself like:
- Dreams – The Cranberries
- Summertime – The Sundays
- Flowers in Your Hair – Lumineers
- Light On – Maggie Rogers
- More Than Words – Extreme
15. Pearl & Sea Glass Bracelet Station
Set up a craft station where guests can create their own custom beachy jewelry using pearls, sea glass beads, and shells. It’s a relaxing afternoon activity that doubles as a personalized party favor.
16. "Caroline's Confessional" Video Corner
Like Caroline does with her confessionals, set up an area in the house with a camcorder or phone for guests to record thoughts, advice, or funny late-night messages that you can edit into a quick highlight reel. This is especially perfect for a bachelorette party so you can watch the video together on the last day before everyone heads home.
17. Cover Band
When the sun goes down, recreate the vibe of Nantucket’s famous dive bar, The Chicken Box! Hire a fun
18. Nighttime Bonfire
Wrap up your party with a beach bonfire (or backyard fire pit) complete with cozy blankets, supplies for s'mores, and of course some late night wine or cocktails.
Find more party themes and ideas here on The Bash.
