Bridgehampton -- weather-beaten wooden barns, old and new homes, wide, sandy beaches -- and great food starring Eastern Long Island's famous produce, fresh, plucked-from-the-sea seafood, and local, farm-raised poultry.

A meal at Ellen Wright's home on Mitchell Lane is the epitome of Bridgehampton entertaining. Here's a hostess who knows how to enjoy her own parties. Her secret: an effortless combination of casual and chic. Bridgehampton Weekends features a year's worth of elegant menus that show Ellen's talent for transforming simple fare into extraordinary meals.

In the spring, when it's warm enough for lunch under the crab apple tree, serve a buttery asparagus quiche. After a day at the beach, transform summer's road-stand tomatoes into the ultimate gazpacho. Autumn is the time for sizzling potato pancakes with chunky applesauce, made at a farm just down the road. On the first nippy night of winter, spoon up a warming veal stew with button mushrooms. Ellen also shares a collection of irresistible desserts, quick side dishes, and refreshing salads, as well as ideas for one-of-a-kind table settings.

There are innovative suggestions and inspiring recipes to be learned from every one of her parties: extraordinary holiday meals, festive birthday and anniversary celebrations, relaxed weekend lunches and suppers, appealing dinners for the kids, huge bashes to feed a crowd, and quiet get-togethers with good friends, among other occasions for good times and good food.