19 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 of your life 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 wine and check out these 19 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. Welcome Baskets or Totes
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.
You can also put together welcome baskets just like Hollis does for her guests, packed with a beach towel, a personalized notebook, a favorite bottle of wine or tequila, and other thoughtful gifts tailored to each guest.
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 (think oranges and pinks like the girl's shopping day dress code) classic to Lilly Pulitzer who actually 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. Make Your Own Parfait Bar
Follow Hollis Shaw’s lead and make some homemade salted caramel granola. Set up bowls of berries, honey, and yogurt so your guests can make their own parfait.
Pro Tip: Set up 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, just like Hollis did to welcome her stars.
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. Blackberry Galette
Just like Hollis’s Friday night dessert, serve guests a warm, seasonal blackberry galette with fresh whipped cream or scoops of vanilla bean ice cream.
13. 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
- River – Leon Bridges
14. Shell & 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.
15. "Caroline's Confessional" Video Corner
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.
You can also hire a photographer to capture photos of you and your guests, or bring a polaroid camera and have guests take photos throughout the weekend.
16. Cover Band
When the sun goes down, recreate the vibe of Nantucket’s famous dive bar, The Chicken Box! Hire a fun
17. Pajama Dance Party
Trade your heels and a night out for cozy matching PJs and have a dance party just like the five stars do on Friday night. Optional: Rounds of tequila shots.
18. Make Your Own Pizza Party
For a fun, easy, and interactive dinner, set up a DIY pizza making station with individual doughs and a variety of pizza toppings like different cheeses, garlic, sauce, fresh basil, prosciutto, hot honey, figs, and arugula.
19. 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.
