Dress the Table with Serena & Lily x Lilly Pulitzer

Rich colors, playful accents, and hand-crafted touches wrapped the space, a whimsical blend of vintage prints and classic Palm Beach glamour. Amidst seasonal cocktails and sugary delights, the city’s most stylish filled the space for a conversation on all things design and hosting with the magic of Lilly Pulitzer and Serena & Lily.

“It's the unexpected details that make your guests look twice, help start a conversation and feel at ease. Happiness never goes out of style, and the table should bring joy just as much as the guests around it.” – Mira Fain, Chief Creative Officer, Lilly Pulitzer



Set the scene. Who sits at this table and what are they doing?

Picture a sun-drenched veranda in Palm Beach, where the sea breeze carries laughter and the scent of gardenias. Around the table: old friends, new loves, and stylish souls in printed caftans and gold bangles. They’re sipping champagne, swapping stories, and passing platters of citrus-glazed shrimp and jewel-toned crudités. Vintage holiday cookies filled with strawberry jam and gumdrops in candy jars. The table sparkles with Serena & Lily’s retro elegance and Lilly Pulitzer’s unapologetic joy.

What inspired your “wild” holiday table?

At Lilly we always say things can be “wild” or “mild.” For print lovers and those who like to go big we have lots of unexpected details and whimsy. A Lilly “mild” option might have softer colors or focus more on texture than color. For Serena & Lily, we knew “wild” was the only way to go, especially in our hometown of Palm Beach. We imagined a tree trimmed in tinsel and bows, a room glowing in pink and gold, and a spirit of celebration that’s both timeless and wildly fresh. It’s about honoring tradition while dancing barefoot in sequins.

How does your fashion aesthetic influence the way you dress a table?

A table, like an outfit, should invite joy. I love layering textures — rich cottons with silk bows, bamboo with crystal — and mixing bold prints with classic silhouettes. It’s about creating a visual story that feels curated but never stiff.

What makes a party?

The people, the playlist, and the unexpected. A handwritten place card, a signature cocktail, or a spontaneous dance moment. It’s the little things that make guests feel seen and celebrated.

What is the easiest way to make someone feel welcome?

A genuine compliment and a glass of something sparkly. Also: Remembering their name, their favorite flower, or the last story they told you. It’s the little gestures that linger.

Most memorable event you’ve ever hosted?

An evening garden party under twinkling lights with live music and a dress code of “Palm Beach Glam.” Guests in Lilly, I love to see the prints and colors they choose. At past parties we have danced barefoot, and everyone takes home a small gift that helps them remember the night. Magical evenings live on.

Most treasured item in your home for the holidays?

A silver candelabra passed down from my grandma, it’s timeless and always decorated with something festive to note the holidays. It’s a centerpiece and a memory.

The fun bits...

Songs: Jazz and classical to start, dance-worthy to finish.

Sips: A French 75 with a twist of grapefruit. It’s bubbly, citrusy, and just a little bit wild — like the best kind of celebration. Champagne, always.

Stems: This season our holiday print is called Feeling Poppy and I have been feeling poppy florals myself. They are open and playful. (Shop the Feeling Poppy napkins used in the Serena & Lily tablescape here).

Menu: Salmon is light and flavorful and always in season.

Tips: A stash of extra candles and a bowl of chocolates wrapped in gift paper by the door for guests to take home.

See more from Serena & Lily's blog post, here! xx Lilly