Essentially Lilly: A Guide to Colorful Entertaining

by Jay Mulvaney and Lilly Pulitzer

Book Overview

More than just the woman who created the fashion empire that bears her name, Lilly Pulitzer exemplifies an attitude, a casual sort of elegance, a style called "affluence at ease." Lilly and her clothing wholeheartedly embrace color -- she made famous the pink and green combination -- and her love of vibrant hues and bold prints led the New York Times to recently call her "a major force in prep resort wear for forty years."

But Lilly Pulitzer...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060577495
• ISBN13: 9780060577490
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 2.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 10.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Bringing Palm Beach to the Masses

Hold the hot dogs and chips, there's a new backyard barbecue sherriff in town, Palm Beach town that is. This exclusive island is a place where you can actually sport Lilly Pulitzer's outrageously colorful fashions all year round, and still "blend". Inspired by those over the top neon prints, Lilly has created a delightful book that illustrates the lighter side of the island's high society lifestyle. It's sure to have you dreaming up new ideas for get togethers with your family and friends. You'll go from "Movie Under the Stars" night to a "Pizza Pow Wow". Doesn't sound too stuffy to me. Like Lilly's fashions, this book and the recipes in it, are all centered around her beloved island playground, so if you aren't a fan of pink and green, you might want to pass. I won't though, because somehow Lilly manages to bring the casual elegance and jet-set style of Palm Beach down to planet earth and makes everyone feel welcome to the party.

Absolutely Beautiful

Wow! What a wonderful book. Buy it without reservation! Not only is it beautifully written and illustrated with gorgeous summertime photos, it has a nice selection of what looks to be the best recipes for drinks and meals to serve for any special occasion- whether it is a tea party fundraiser or breakfast in bed. Lots of good little tips on how to just make yourself feel rejuvenated- like waking up early before every one is out and walking- either by yourself to hash out the day ahead, or with friends to share some stories. All the pictures are very "Lilly-ed" out- from the clothing to napkins and tablecloths- it is very Lilly. Makes me want to move farther south- maybe even to West Palm! Beautiful & Spirited- would make a wonderful gift but you better buy another for yourself as well!

Like taking a vacation!

This book is so beautiful. The pictures, the message, the recipes. I sat on my deck and read this book and it made feel like I was on vacation. It also made me want to start having family and friends over more. It is a very relaxing read even if you aren't interested in recipes...it is so much more than that. Simply gorgeous!

Great gift!

Gorgeous, fun book. Makes me feel like I'm in Florida. The colors are beautiful and it just makes me happy to look at the book. I've given 2 as gifts already to very happy people.

Enjoying Your Life, Family and Friends

What I love most about this book is how it gives you excellent ideas to bring people in your life together, along with creating a nice "charity tea" where you can invite new people to come together for a worthy cause. The recipes are fantastic, and the pictures are gorgeous. It is inspiring and uplifting to ENJOY your life, while you lavish yourself with everything you deserve. If you are on a tight budget, there are plenty of ideas given where you can improvise and still create beautiful memories. If you don't belong to a country club, you can still play tennis or go for a walk in a beautiful park. As Lilly points out, it is much more important that you enjoy yourself, and BE yourself! Highly Recommended! Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence and Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE