Customer Reviews

Essentially Lilly: A Guide to Colorful Entertaining

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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!

Lilly Pulitzer's name is practically synonymous with carefree living. From the late 60s on, she has championed a way of life that is virtually unrelated in any way to how most people really live and which had as its symbol her ubiquitous, colorful, flowery shifts. As the text makes clear, Lilly doesn't care for following rules and, lucky her, she has the means to do and live as she pleases. The narrative is competently written, echoing closely a recent Vanity Fair profile on Lilly which covered the history of her famous brand and name. One doubts that Lilly herself did much of the writing, as there is very little first person accounting. Rather, the book is presented as a very long interview with Lilly's input as quotes.

The photography in Essentially Lilly is gorgeous. Ocean and garden scenes display the young, beautiful and obviously wealthy (not to mention white - there is nary a person of color in Lilly's world, apparently) frolicking per Lilly's mantra of always enjoying oneself. Lilly's fans will enjoy seeing how the sometimes outrageous prints her clothing line produced stand up through time - vintage sales photos printed next to newer images look just as fresh as they day they were taken.

As for the recipes, well, they're not impressive or complex (WASPs aren't the most enthusiastic eaters/cooks - witness Alexandra Wentworth's "The WASP Cookbook") but they work and that's what's important. The ingredients are primarily fresh fruits, veggies and seafoods which are altered as minimally as possible. In short, they're perfect for the type of Palm Beach life that Lilly loves and encourages - a type of endless summer where it never rains, no one is ever unhappy and you never drop your sandwich into the sand.

One is astonished to read about such a rich (in every sense) life presented with such a lack of irony given current political and economic events. Still, Lilly is so happy and earnest that it's easy to forget when reading Essentially Lilly that very few people actually live as she does and it's hard not to share her enthusiastic approach to life when glancing at the pages of such a lovely book.

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!

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

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.

Yes, Essentially Lilly is frothy, silly and mindless, but like a light angel food cake and berry dessert, that's what summer is about. If you like recipes and entertaining, this book is fun to flip through. One doesn't have to belong to the country club or routinely throw chic parties for a few dozen of her closest friends in order to aspire to such ideas. War and Peace it ain't, but who expected that from Lilly Pulitzer? (Maybe the last name threw some people off.) This is a pretty book with fun party and food ideas, which is sufficient entertainment for a lazy summer day either at the country club, or just dreaming about being part of that scene.

Okay, okay -- probably most of us don't live like Lilly. I don't have a house in Palm Beach or hundreds of close friends. But don't consider this book as "must-follow-instructions" manual. Instead, consider it worthwhile as a relaxing read and inspiration for occasions when you entertain a few friends or family. I like the photos and the arrangement of contents (collections of memories, recipes, and ideas for distinctly different entertaining occasions). I've made only a few of the recipes but they were successful and really good. I think the book is worth the price.

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.

The book was great, and exactly what I wanted and exactly as described. The price was amazing, and worth it. It took a VERY long time to get to my house, try around two weeks, but it was around the Christmas Season, so there is not really any complaints. Thanks for everything!

Lilly is a Wonderful,Ultra Socialite, Palm Beach, Non-Conformist of a lady that is so to be admired for her grace and style!!
Her book brings such a legacy of her wit and wisdom as to how to make one feel comfortable in a home setting!
A wonderful book!
I so look forward to the next edition!!!