Founder Stephanie Finkelstein and her husband share a passion for entertaining. From relaxed bagel breakfasts to formal five course dinners, they know that the difference between a good party and a great one rests in the little details. That means serving wine from a decanter in which it can properly breathe, arranging bread in just the right basket, and choosing china and flatware that complement the personality of the host.The Elegant Setting is inspired by nostalgia for a time when entertaining was an art. Stephanie yearned for a shopping experience like the one her grandmother enjoyed. Like many women of her generation, Stephanie's grandmother had a special relationship with the stores she frequented. All the clerks knew her, and when they saw something that they knew she would like, they called her to tell her about it. It was a more intimate, personal experience and one that is hard to find today. At The Elegant Setting, she has recreated that personal shopping experience, and uses her passion for entertaining to help clients discover their own.The Elegant Setting was founded in September 2002, as a by-appointment showroom and consulting service in New York City. In April 2004, it opened as a retail store on Southampton's Main Street, in the heart of Southampton village. The 900 square foot shop offers an exquisite collection of vintage pieces that Stephanie acquired from tirelessly trolling through flea markets and auctions around the country. As well, The Elegant Setting carries an inventory of new china and tabletop items that is highly selective, and consists only of brands that Stephanie would put on her own table.