Explore the Shore with Luke Ditella

If you’ve never spent a summer down the shore, you’re missing out. Just an easy Seastreak ferry ride from NYC, Monmouth County offers the best of coastal living: laid-back beach days, fresh local eats and the kind of summer rituals that become tradition. We caught up with friend Luke Ditella at his new waterfront home to see how he’s resetting for the season. From poolside hosting to surf sessions and go-to neighborhood spots, consider this your guide to summer in Monmouth County. Because as most Jersey shore residents know, locals summer is just getting started.

Q&A with Luke Ditella

Kassatex: How do you like to reset your home for summer?
Luke Ditella: We don’t do anything major (like swap out furniture) but we like to rotate our details. From candles, rugs and colors to our towels, sheets, all bedding, throw blankets and pillows. We like to use linen in the warmer months and lighter and more vibrant colors.

Kassatex: Are there any summer rituals or routines you follow?
LD: I wouldn’t say rituals but we make the beach, pool and outdoor time a priority. Especially with the kids. We try to cook outside and have them be as active as we possibly can be. Surfing is always a priority.

Kassatex: What are your must-have home essentials for summer on the Jersey Shore?
LD: Kassatex linens, throws and towels. Light scented candles, espadrilles and a good pizza oven.

Kassatex: How does your personal style show up in your summer home setup?
LD: I would like to think through understated simplicity. We aren’t an overly decorated home. But, when you look into the little things, you’ll find extreme details and thoughts. From the arrangement to our books on a coffee table to the choice of the books themselves. We focus on timeless pieces that will always remain relevant and we focus on those few pieces.

Kassatex: What’s your ideal summer day on the Jersey Shore look like?
LD: Up early, train, food with the family, surf, beach time, dinner at 2nd Jetty, time on the deck.

Kassatex: Any hidden gems or favorite coffee spots we should know about?
LD: Coffee- always Offshore. It’s a staple here. Especially in the surf community. Hidden gems food wise – they aren’t necessarily hidden, but 2nd Jetty is the best seafood place around with just the best family vibe and Hearthly Burger is the spot for a burger and milkshake made with all organic/nonGMO and transparency in their food sourcing. Which is massive for us with the little ones.

Kassatex: Where’s your go-to beach or boardwalk to unwind and recharge?
LD: Monmouth Beach is where I spend the most time surfing. Unwinding, right in front of our house, we have a very uncrowded stretch of sand. So, that’s the relaxation location.

Kassatex: Favorite local shops or farmer’s markets for picking up summer staples?
LD: Water Witch Market for small farm meats, veggies as well as fruit bowls and smoothies. Our town has a farmers market quite often so we try to pop into those whenever we can.

Kassatex: If friends are visiting from out of town, where do you take them first?
LD: The pool area at our house has become a little destination. We are extremely fortunate to have the home that we do overlooking the river and ocean. It’s very rare, especially in NJ to have a home with elevation on the water. We tend to try to make our home a go to. If not there, straight to Hearthly if they’re with kids or 2nd Jetty if it’s a night out.