outdoor entertaining essentials

Hello porch parties and garden soirees! Grab your ping pong paddles, mix up a pitcher of cocktails, and invite over a few friends...it's almost summer! Here's all the essentials you need to be the hostess with the mostess in just a moment's notice:
serena & lily barcart / summer stripe smoking slippers / mint modcloth frock / needlepoint JA paddles / pink polish in groove is in the heart / drop trina turk earrings / floral turntable / homemade waffle ice cream sandwiches / furbish cocktail napkins / southern cocktails book / mark & graham julep cups / design darling bottle opener / furbish hobnail pitcher

spring essentials

A few seasonal staples that wash winter blues away in a jiff...  
a touch of sparkle! / "just because" cards – always handy / a floral frock... modcloth has a fantastic selection of stylish and flattering seasonal dresses / classic tortoise sunnies / picnic in a pinch! – this bag is multi-purpose / my go-to sandals / fresh cut or potted, a tabletop must / the painkiller – a fruity concoction that's great for warm-weather cocktail hours

ensemble...

For an afternoon of museum-hopping or a field trip to the country, my picks to make the most of this gorgeous spring weather we're getting!

1/ sunnies 2/ embellished crest chambray 3/ Z: a novel 4/ floral scarf 5/ a southside fizz 6/ earrings 7/ horse bit bracelet 8/ leather messenger bag – the perfect carryall for a spring afternoon! 9/ polka dot pants 10/ open-toed ballet flats - LOVE!

springtime in New York

The changing of the seasons is always energizing, showing familiar places in a new light. I'm looking forward to restaurants reopening sidewalk seating, the boat pond in central park, working with the windows wide open, and throwing extra bedding into hiding.

I have been snatching up ranunculas, hyacinths, and tulips, and instagramming my finds along the way. My favorite spots for flowers in Manhattan are the flower district (around 6th Ave & 28th Street) and the Union Square farmers' market. Here's to a happy, flower-filled spring!

Photos from my instagram: jane_lilly