We were already set to go to Southampton when I was invited to the Hamptons Hoedown in East Hampton, happening a week earlier than our scheduled trip. The only drawback? We’d have to fly commercial instead of hitching a ride with a pal of ours. I know. Tragic. But well worth it though. (Only for you Tash!)
Now in its fifth year, The Hamptons Hoedown, a Western-themed bash put on by John and Caitlin Tashjian at their beautiful East Hampton home, is quite the coveted invitation. John, a founding partner in Centurion Real Estate Partners in New York, is a developer and private equity investor whom you may recognize as a frequent guest on CNBC commenting on real estate trends. The other half of this very chic couple is Caitlin, whose 40th birthday was celebrated at the hoedown. Aside from New York’s Patrick McMullen, The Daisy Column was the only other media there with photographer Zoltan Prepszent flying in from Miami to shoot our exclusive photos. Some New York papers tried to get in but were turned away. Have to admit, that was quite a giggle.
It was a gorgeous East Hampton night, complete with full moon, cool breeze and beautiful guests. This included fabulous interior designer Mary McDonald, who recently starred in the Bravo reality show, “Million Dollar Decorators” and had just come from her book signing earlier that night. MARY MCDONALD: INTERIORS, The Allure of Style was published by Rizzoli.
Everyone just loved John’s famous Southern hoedown menu featuring pulled pork barbecue, ribs, smoked sausages and fried chicken, prepared by barbecue pit-master Rich Chinitz.
A huge white tent on the back lawn was decorated with red, white and blue lanterns. It housed the two mechanical bulls, the bars and the dance floor.
New York’s most chic were there – as were many other fab guests who flew in from other cities just for the event – attired in different variations of western duds. A good number of the ladies wore short shorts, not quite the Old West, but as I learned, it’s a tactical, competitive move to get a better grip on the slippery mechanical bull. The boys didn’t seem to mind. Even the birthday girl gave the bull a serious go, even competing against husband John!
The beer pong competition was equally as fierce with trophies going to all the winners in both. This year’s bull riding champion was Liv Odegard, a native Texan, who used her riding skills to take home the Hoedown Trophy. Other Hoedown Trophy Winners were Danielle Krupa (2nd place) and Stacy Tashjian (3rd). Beer Pong Champions were Jay Wainwright and Jayson Jeffries with party host John Tashjian coming in second place with Chad Penman.
John surprised Caitlin with a colorful, beach-themed cake then took over behind the turntables as his alter ego DJ Tash. Seriously, Tashjian is a professional DJ as well! As in, he actually works gigs. Impressive right? The music transitioned from country music favorites to hard-core dance. And we did, late, late into the night!
PHOTOS: ZOLTAN PREPSZENT
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