Lilly's 80th Birthday Party Recap!

What a whirlwind of a weekend! I’m still smiling from the wonderful time at Lilly Pulitzer’s 80th birthday party yesterday. Women wearing a kaleidoscope of colorful dresses signed the guest book at the entrance to the party tent at the Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History, eager for the guest of honor to arrive.  I was so excited and couldn't stop smiling; I was practically giddy.

The preppy goodie bags with items from Kiel James Patrick, Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate, and Vineyard Vines welcome invitees to their places at the beautifully designed tables.  Each tablecloth was different Lilly print. 

I loved seeing the vintage Lilly dresses at the Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History before the birthday party started.  Lilly fashions, accessories, labels, and home goods are organized by decade at the museum.  There's even an ultra rare Kate Spade for Lilly Pulitzer bag on display at the exhibit. 

Party guests bid competitively on preppy items in the silent auction, too.  Bidders particularly loved the commemorative plate and the vintage fabric items in the silent auction.  I fell in love with the vintage dress that Hadley donated, but I didn't turn out to be the winning bidder. 

Finally, the moment I had been waiting for was here! Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau had arrived! She looked stunningly vibrant in a pink sweater, Murfee scarf, and gorgeous green earrings. Lilly’s personality is as witty and shining as I imagined it would be. She made me laugh and smile.

I'm EXTREMELY happy to meet Lilly!

Lilly and I talked for a while and she is such a sweet person with a wonderful sense of humor. She thanked me for coming to her party “all the way from Maryland” and told several people who were also at the table that my friend Charity and I had traveled “so far” to celebrate with her. The gracious guest of honor interacted with everyone and made us all feel so special.   She held my hand as she spoke and looked directly into my eyes.  Her words were kind and gentle, yet full of spunk!  She told me that I was beautiful and that she liked my dress.  It's very flattering to hear something like that from Lilly Pulitzer herself!

The signature party drink was a delicious rum drink. Don’t you love the Gosling’s Rum Swizzle?  Lilly told me that the drink was delicious and that I had to try one.  She was right!

Several guests presented Lilly with special gifts and recognition. Lilly was obviously touched by these sweet gestures and her face showed her gratitude.  First grade students from Delray Beach made a book of birthday greetings to celebrate Lilly's 80th birthday.

Kiel James Patrick led the crowd as we sang Happy Birthday to Lilly. Her cupcake from Artfully Baked is so pretty topped with a Lilly tote bag cookie. The pink and green cupcakes for all of the other party peeps were delicious.  My cupcake was gone in about 2 seconds and I later learned that it had a filling...ooops, I didn't notice that when I practically inhaled it! 

The party was a huge success! Seeing Lilly was the highlight of the party, but I also loved spending time with old and new friends. In many ways, the “new friends” aren’t really all that new, since I feel like I know so many people I saw at the party through blogging.  It means so much to me to meet readers in person! 

Lots of bloggers joined the party, too!  Gail, Amy, Jennifer and Wendy all helped Lilly celebrate her 80 candles. 

Here are some of the party peeps...

With Sarah Vickers and Wendy from Life is Better With A Twist of Lime

Lilly lovers with birthday wishes!

With Amy from Forever 29

I'm still on cloud nine after today's party!  It's a memory that I will always treasure.  Thanks for letting me share this incredible experience with you. 

xoxo

Palm Beach