5 Fun Party Hacks That Will Save Your Summer

If the Hamptons have a reputation for glitz and glamour, where bankers charter helicopters to make a splash at plein air fetes in Amagansett, then Montauk is its low-key cousin. It's the spot where you arrive in a woody with a surfboard strapped to your roof and a case of rosé taking up the better part of your trunk.

That low-maintenance vibe is just what drew interior designer and event planner Sam Masters to the tip of Long Island, where he threw a late-summer dinner party for close friends. The decor was a a mix of sophisticated DIY elements — rocks found on the beach used as namecards, placemats whipped up at FedEx — and budget-friendly buys. Click through to hear all of Masters' great advice and see pics from the gorgeous evening. Then, tell us in the comments: How are you celebrating the end of summer?