For Stephen Alesch and Robin Standefer, the husband-and-wife founders of Roman and Williams, there is no place more inspiring than their home on Long Island’s East End. “We’ve been out in the wilds of Montauk for almost two decades,” explains Standefer. “It’s where we can be our most creative selves—surrounded by nature and away from it all.”
That dramatic landscape also informs the couple’s passion for alfresco entertaining year-round, with each season serving up its particular bounty. “Summer for us means abundance—our gardens explode, and we have more time to dedicate to the making of things,” says Standefer. “The fruits of that labor come to life on and around our table.”
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Robin Standefer, pictured, gathers flowers from the property’s abundant wildflowers, Queen Anne’s lace, and tardiva hydrangeas.
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“I love to make the tabletop into its very own meadow—goldenrod mixed with culinary flowers like fennel or cilantro gone to seed in an arrangement,” she says.
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In keeping with Montauk’s bohemian spirit, Alesch and Standefer embrace a refreshingly laissez-faire attitude toward hospitality—and encourage guests to take part. “We’d rather people arrive when things are still coming together—to be a part of the making—rather than needing them to see everything perfectly in its place,” says Standefer. “They wander with us around our garden while we pick flowers that make their way onto the table or herbs for their drinks.”
Stephen Alesch (left) and Casey Zablocki, a Roman and Williams Guild ceramic artist, tend to the flames.
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“We love grilling over an open fire—everything from fish to meat to vegetables from our garden,” says Standefer.
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The table is set with ceramics by Danish artisan KH Würtz, glassware from Keiko Lee, and vases by Yoshihiro Nishiyama, all available through Roman and Williams Guild.
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The table—made from a 16-foot oak slab that Alesch transformed into a centerpiece for entertaining—is filled with wares by favorite artisans, vintage pieces, and items designed by the couple for their home line, Roman and Williams Guild. “It’s about bringing together pieces, whether old or new, that tell a story of making and a story of materials,” says Standefer.
“Out in Montauk, we use handmade ceramics by our beloved Danish artisan KH Würtz and for this dinner party, we chose handblown glassware by Korean artisan Keiko Lee,” says Standefer. “Silverware is a mix of vintage pieces with flatware that Stephen and I spent three years designing and recently launched. The Bean and Bone collections are crafted in Japan and feel wonderful in the hand.”
Cozy sheepskin throws from Roman and Williams Guild add comfort and warmth to wood benches, allowing the evening to continue on long after the sun sets.
FREDRIKA STJÄRNEThe resulting tableau is at once luxurious and languorous—not unlike the moody, sophisticated world of Roman and Williams, where historical references are wrapped impeccably in a modern envelope. Explains Standefer, “Natural is often associated with rustic and wild, but we love that it can absolutely be glamorous and elegant as well.”
Shop the Story
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Large Wide Rim Bowl by KH Wurtz
$150, rwguild.com
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Short Hair Sheepskin Throw by RW Guild
$475, rwguild.com
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On-the-Rocks Glass by Keiko Lee
$170, rwguild.com
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Round Glass Bottle Vase by Yoshihiro Nishiyama
$490, rwguild.com
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Cactus Sterling Silver Flatware by Georg Jensen
$196, rwguild.com
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Fringe Washed Linen Napkin by RW Guild
$35, rwguild.com
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN VOLUME 13 OF FREDERIC MAGAZINE. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!
