To round out this Lilly inspired week I picked an amazing recipe to share with you from Essentially Lilly: A Guide to Colorful Entertaining. Of course every recipe in this preppy event planning book is amazing so it was just about impossible to pick one. However, with this amazing weather that I have been enjoying I thought a nice summertime cocktail would be the perfect way to welcome in the weekend. So make happy hour a little earlier today and enjoy a glass of this delicious key lime mojito!

Key Lime Mojito
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups light rum
1 1/4 cups freshly squeezed lime juice (half of juice from Key limes, if available)
3/4 to 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust according to your preference)
3 3/4 cups club soda
10 large sprigs fresh mint (about 4 to 6 leaves each)
Crushed ice

Directions
1. Stir rum, lime juice and sugar in large pitcher until sugar is dissolved. Add club soda and stir gently.
2. Divide mint among 10 glasses. Using back of spoon, crush mint sprigs in glasses.
3. Add crushed ice to glasses. Pour mojito mixture over mint and ice, dividing equally among glasses. Serve immediately.

So kick back and enjoy a pitcher (or two) of this delicious summertime cocktail with your friends this weekend. What is your favorite summertime cocktail?

xoxo
Megan

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The shift dress was originally created when Lilly opened up a juice stand in Palm Beach and needed something that would disguise juice stains. Her juice stand was a hit, but even more so was her shift dresses. Then in 1959 the shift dress had its national debut when the first lady, Jackie Kennedy, was photographed for the cover of Life magazine wearing a Lilly. The rest is history. So to continue from my Lilly Party Essentials Post on Tuesday I have put together an amazing Lilly Party that is all about the Lilly shift dress.

From my point of view you just cannot go wrong with any type of Lilly theme or decoration at a party. But when I saw these shift dress party ideas I completely fell in love with this idea and it is perfect for spring (or summer)! To celebrate the classic shift a pink and green party theme is a must in my book. So grab your friends and your shifts and get ready to have some fun!

Shift Decorations
I love the shift dress banner, wall decorations and bags that Melissa Meredith from Southern Vogue created for this Shift into Spring party (where all the inspiration started)! You can create a basic shift pattern out of cardstock to trace and then use whatever color paper you desire to create your shift dresses. 
Shift Cookies
Just like I stated on Tuesday what is a Lilly party without desserts! I found this great shift cookie cutter that you can then decorate in classic Lilly colors and prints. Since there have been so many shifts made over the years (the dress design is over 50 years old!) any pattern or design you choose to decorate your shift cookies is acceptable. Or if decorating cookies is not your forte you can order adorable Lilly shift cookies already decorated online, like the ones below from etsy shop Pea Pods Cookies. She has tons of different Lilly inspired prints to choose from.
Shift Menu, Place Card & Favor
Ever since they came out I have been collecting the Lifeguard Press shift note card sets. These are perfect to use as your menus and place cards for this Lilly party. You can take one shift note card insert the menu inside and print the person’s name on the outside. Since they are already folded all you then have to do is place them at each person’s seat. As a party favor provide each guest with a cute white frame for their note card to fit into. It is the perfect 3-in-1 party accessory!
To help in finishing accessorizing your Lilly Party you can add other adorable Lilly accessories. There can never be too much Lilly! What other Lilly Party ideas do you have?

xoxo
Megan

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When hosting a party one detail that can confuse people is the proper way to set the table for your guests. If you host your wedding reception at a location with a banquet manager they should know and be able to assist you with the proper setup needed for your event. However, if you don’t have a banquet manager it can become quite confusing on knowing what you need to order. So you never have to worry about this issue again I have put together, with the help of the all-knowing Emily Post, a post that will guide you on the type of table setting you should set for your next event.

There are three types of table settings: the basic table setting, the informal table setting and the formal table setting. As with any event information these diagrams may have to be altered slightly depending on the type of event, your location and what you are serving. For any tables setting Emily Post says that there are two basic rules:

1. Utensils are placed in the order of use, that is, from the outside in,
2. Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right.

Start all your table settings following these two rules and you are on your way to following proper table setting etiquette! Below I have provided amazing diagrams that you can follow to help with the rest of your table setup. To get more information on each table setup, click on each diagram or title below.

The Basic Table Setting
Hopefully this will help you and clarify all your event table setting questions for weddings and any other event you may host. My rule of thumb is when in doubt; consult Emily Post (she has an answer for everything!). You can even buy the most recent edition of the etiquette guide today!

What other event etiquette questions do you have and would like to see me do a post on? Let me know in the comments section below!

xoxo
Megan

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With the passing of the amazing Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau I decided to theme all my posts for the week in her honor. She is always an influence in my life and an inspiration in my creativity. For today’s Tuesday Ten post I have put together a list of ten essentials that will turn any party, whether it is morning, noon or night, into a Lilly party.    

Life is a party. Dress like it!
- Lilly Pulitzer


1. Embrace Color
Lilly is known for its pink and green dresses and décor so play off of the brand’s use of bright colors in your event. Even in the non-summer months bright colors will perk up everyone’s day!
2. Go Bold (for Prints)
Choose from the classic stripes, lattice and chevron prints or go all out with Lilly prints when you are accessorizing your event. Lifeguard press offers a slew of entertaining accessories for every type of party.

3. Establish an Informal Elegance
Whether you are hosting a morning breakfast or a black-tie evening the tone you set for the event is very important. You want all your guests (and yourself) to have fun and enjoy themselves, no matter the type of event, so creating that informal tone will ensure that everyone will leave the event having had a wonderful time.

4. Always Remember to Serve a Cocktail
No event could be complete without a cocktail. For your morning events a bloody or mimosa always hits the spot. And if you are unsure of what type of drink to serve a classic glass of champagne will always hit the spot! Don’t forget the cocktail umbrella!
5. Find that One-of-a-Kind Treasure
Just like Lilly was a one-of-a-kind person make sure your event has that one-of-a-kind charm. You can find amazing items to create your event theme around at a local flea market. You can check out this post from Lauren Conrad on how to navigate the local flea market to find that perfect piece.

6. Create Your Menu
The best menus are ones that use fresh ingredients and local specials. I am a total sucker for seafood and fruit anytime of the year, but you can’t always count of these items being the freshest during their off seasons. To make the perfect menu check out what is in season where you live and start from there.

7. Sweet Tooth Staples
Sweets are always a favorite for any event. The perfect sweet for a Lilly lover are Lilly themed ones of course! Colorful macaroons, Lilly cookies and pink and green colored candies are always great options when selecting your desserts.
8. Accessorize
Just like a Lilly outfit, no Lilly party could be complete without some fun party accessories. String up banners, poms, balloons and lights to create an amazing overhead display that is sure to compliment your table décor in all of its Lilly flare.

9. South Beach Venue
When possible the perfect Lilly event is always held outdoors. If you need to rent space heaters and a tent so you can still party like you are in South Beach, I say go for it! Who wouldn’t enjoy a party when they feel like they are down in southern Florida?
10. Have Fun!
And if all else fails when it comes to planning your Lilly inspired soiree just remember this one thing: 
"Just relax and have fun -- and be an individual. It's better that you enjoy yourself than it is to get it right." – Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau

Want some more Lilly event inspiration? You can check out one of my favorite Lilly books, Essentially Lilly: A Guide to Colorful Entertaining, that is filled with more Lilly themed inspiration. Lilly was known not just for her fashion instincts but also for her amazing parties. You will find everything you need to know and more in this book!

What is your favorite Lilly inspired event idea?

xoxo
Megan

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This past weekend the ever amazing Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau passed away in Palm Beach. Her life inspired and impacted so many, especially through her Lilly Pulitzer brand. Lilly inspired me through her drive, passion, confidence and of course her colorfulness. She created a brand that she believed in and had a passion to see it succeed. Lilly is and will always be a role model to live up to throughout my life. 

The Lilly girl is always full of surprises, 
She lives everyday like it’s a celebration, 
Never has a dull moment, 
& makes every hour a happy hour! 
                                                ~ Lilly Pulitzer


She was one of my inspirations in creating this blog and for that I am forever thankful! You too can share your own tribute to Lilly on Lilly Pulitzer's tribute page


Thank you Lilly for all you have given us!

xoxo
Megan

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After finding great PB&J treats the other day it really brought me back and reminded me of how much I love PB&J sandwiches. My favorite way to make a sandwich is to use whole wheat bread, put peanut butter on both sides and then strawberry jelly in between. I have found that everyone has their own “favorite” way of fixing a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. You can have different types of bead, peanut butter, jelly flavors and of course a multitude of toppings. So for today’s party theme post I have put together the perfect Peanut Butter & Jelly Party featuring a PB&J bar that both kids and adults are sure to enjoy!

Before you get to setting up the PB&J bar you have to have some fun decorations to go with the party theme. Coordinate all your décor in peanut (tan) and jelly (burgundy or grape) colors. Use peanuts, jam jars and homemade labels to fully create your party décor like these from Kara’s Party Ideas and Giggles Galore.
And now for the best part; the peanut butter and jelly bar! There are no limitations on how much you can have for this party bar. You can have different types of bread, peanut butter, jelly, and toppings. Here are some great ideas that can get you started on your bar selections.

Bread: White and Wheat
Peanut Butter: Creamy, Chunky, Natural, Flavored (like Chocolate)
Jelly: Strawberry and Grape (with all the extra toppings its best to stick with the basics)
Toppings: Marshmallow Fluff, Apples, Chocolate Chips, Potato Chips, Pretzels, Bananas, Honey, Popcorn, M&M’s, bacon and anything else you can think of!

The New Jersey PB and U restaurant can also provide you with some great combinations for you and your friends to try out. The combinations are endless so Go Nuts!!

Just remember there is no wrong way to make a PB&J, and if you need more guidance on how to make the perfect PB&J check out this video (you really can find everything on YouTube!).
How do you like to fix your peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

xoxo
Megan

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This week is just flying by for me and I cannot wait for this weekend since we are supposed to have amazing springtime weather. (Time to start finding that perfect summer sunning spot!) With springtime weather you will start to see a transition in the event styles to incorporate some classic summertime styles. For a true prep this style transition will include tons of pastels and of course the ultimate southern statement pattern of choice: seersucker. I love this fabric and pattern on just about everything: straws, table linens, suits, dresses, purses, and more! So in keeping with this springtime mood I am in today’s Wedding Wednesday post is all about seersucker! Check out how you can incorporate this classic trend into your event.

When it comes to your stationary that you use for save-the-dates, rehearsal dinner and the wedding the pinstripe detail is the perfect stationary touch. You can send your invitations in cute seersucker pouches, tie your invitations together with a seersucker bow or have the classic pinstripe printed on the back of the invitations. 
No matter what color you choose for your wedding I am sure you can find seersucker fabric to use for your linen choices. You can use seersucker as tablecloths, table runners and napkins. You can also take seersucker patterned ribbon and wrap it around your flowers, vases and even the cake! If you want to get a little more crafty you can even make your own event accessories from seersucker like these napkin holders or a wedding ring pillow for the ring bearer to carry.
And you can’t forget about all the fun seersucker clothes. You can dress your guys in seersucker suits, the girls in seersucker dress, and the flower girl and ring bearer in mini seersucker! The great thing about seersucker is that you can combine multiple colors in this same print.
And you don’t just have to stop there! You can include striped straws, favor boxes, and more to create the ultimate seersucker decorated wedding. Of course as I was putting this together it was giving me tons of ideas that you can also use for any of the horse races that are coming up. The Kentucky Derby, as well as a number of local horse races, are coming up and you will see tons of seersucker at these events.

What is your favorite springtime trend?

xoxo
Megan

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Today is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day! All these random, but totally fun, holidays are the perfect excuse to grab a drink or make something that you normally wouldn’t. Peanut butter and jelly is the most popular sandwich of kids and many adults. When I was younger I was not a traditional PB&J sandwich eater, but my sister and brother were. However I still love fixing one every now and then. So in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly day, pull out that loaf of bread and jars of peanut butter and jelly to whip up a tasty treat! You don’t just have to make the traditional sandwich in celebration of today’s holiday. You can try one of these other PB&J creations. 
Of course there were so many different peanut butter and jelly treats to choose from that it was hard to just pick ten. What treat is your favorite peanut butter and jelly treat to make? Happy Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!

xoxo
Megan

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This past Easter weekend has completely worn me out. This past weekend I headed down to my family’s beach house in Sandbridge for some fun in the sun and to celebrate Easter. I had so much fun helping out at the local Easter egg hunt, catching some rays, dyeing eggs, baking some bunny rolls and adding a little birthday celebration for my sister since we were all together. I had so much fun and brought home a basket filled with goodies from the Easter bunny! Check out some pics from this past weekend below!
The Easter Bunny helper ready to put out the eggs.
On the way to the local egg hunt on the beach. 
They had over 8,000 eggs for all the kids to find. 
Relaxed for a bit and caught some rays at the beach. 
My sister decorated some cupcakes for Easter. 
My Easter basket from the Easter Bunny! 
Easter morning we dyed some eggs. 
I took a stab at making my bunny rolls – (fail). 
And a very Happy 25th Birthday to my sister! 


What did you do this past Easter weekend?

xoxo
Megan

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