ESSENTIALLY LILLY: A Guide to Colorful Entertaining

For country clubbers, Lilly Pulitzer's dresses are the ultimate in preppy chic. The designer's frocks, which feature primarily pink and green floral designs, were made popular by both Jackie Kennedy and Palm Beach socialites, and are still the clothing of choice among East Coast tennis and golf enthusiasts. Now Pulitzer, who prides herself not only on her dresses but also on her ability to throw a swinging shindig in her Palm Beach backyard jungle, has jumped on the here's-how-to-entertain-with-style-and-grace bandwagon, joining Kate Spade, Martha Stewart and others. Pulitzer and Mulvaney organize their bright, coffee-table–sized volume by event, from casual occasions like sailing, campfires and breakfast in bed, to more official affairs, including bridesmaids' luncheons, "G&T" brunches and beach suppers. The recipes feature standard summer fare, such as Beer- and Lime-Marinated Flank Steak, Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers, Key Lime Mojitos and Poached Salmon with Lemon-Dill Mayonnaise. Mulvaney provides third-person commentary, while Pulitzer pipes in with occasional quotes, evident in lines such as, "Entertaining comes in many guises—sometimes it's a sit-down dinner for twenty-four and sometimes it's just breakfast in bed. 'I love the whole idea of breakfast in bed,' says Lilly. 'Imagine starting your day with such pampered luxury.' " With its photos of Lilly Pulitzer–clad models frolicking on lawns, this upbeat paean to laid-back living is sure to enchant denizens of Lilly's world, however insular a group they may be. (Apr.)

Forecast: Pulitzer will promote the book at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and Bloomingdale's in Palm Beach, and 74 Lilly Pulitzer signature stores will host tea parties, luncheons and cocktail parties to coincide with the book's publication. Pulitzer will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Look for the authors on the TodayShow April 15.