Meet Lilian of Lily Chic Events

I would like to introduce you to our new lovely sponsor {Lily Chic Events}. Lilian is the fabulous creative mind behind this lovely business. Her passion for event planning began five years ago when her twins were born and she still continues to plan events with the same level of passion and enthusiasm. Being inspired by some of the most amazing party stylist in the world such as Amy Atlas & Kate Landers, Lilian seeks to provide ideas & inspiration to help you create fabulous & memorable children’s parties, baby showers, weddings & christenings.

Make sure you visit Lily Chic Events gorgeous online boutique and browse through the delightful cake stands, lolly jars and party accessories to help you create your dream dessert table.

Lilian’s latest Mrs. Potter’s garden inspired dessert table which was featured on Amy Atlas blog is absolutely divine. The highlights for me were the pastel green bench, floating blue glass plates and the floral-styled cushions. Please take a read of this inspirational interview below and enjoy celebrating your chic events in style. xx

Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind {Lily Chic Events}?

1.When did you launch your business/blog and what is the inspiration behind your business?
I launched Lily Chic Events in May 2010. I initially began Lily Chic Events after my Premature Twins came home from hospital. I knew I would be home with them for at least 12 months, so what began as a ‘let’s see what happen’s’ actually became ‘this is what I want to do forever!’ Five years ago, I worked for an Event Decorator on the weekends and loved going to venues and styling the room. I always felt so happy walking away from every job, knowing I was making such a difference to so many people. Who wouldn’t want a job like that? So, when my husband asked me, ‘What makes you happy?’ that was all I could think about. So the journey began!

2.Who and what inspires your work?
Initially, I began by researching ‘trends’ on Facebook. Now, I am a loyal follower of so many Blog’s that I get inspiration daily from these. In the last two months, I have really enjoyed using Pinterest. I actually get inspired from the smallest of images. A certain colour, a prop, a saying, the supermarket! I also work three days a week at Bunnings…and even walking through the door handle aisle stops me in my tracks when I see a certain knob or lock! I religiously follow Amy Atlas, Kate Landers, Pizzazzarie, Celebrations at Home and The Tomkat Studio. They have the most inspiring Submissions! My all time favourite Wedding Guru is Preston Bailey! His work and honesty enthrals me. I read his blog every chance I get!

3.What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Watching it all come together on the day and then seeing the pictures of my clients having fun with my design. My best friend allowed me to style her entire Wedding in March this year. I was so nervous as I was actually at the Wedding afterwards as a guest and I was going to see how the guests interacted with my table design. After seeing so many of her friends touching and talking about the centrepieces, I was so proud that I was able to create a visual that the guests could talk about. I had placed 70cm Martini Vases filled with Water Beads and LED lights in the centre of the table. The male guests were fascinated with them! That’s the best bit for me!

4.What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
That would have to be my first ever submission to Amy Atlas Blog being picked up and printed the very next day! I submitted it very late on a Friday night and when I woke up on the Saturday morning it was there! I had worked really hard collaborating with so many, talented Work At Home Mum’s, that I was so proud of all of us…and wanted to show it off. I never imagined it would all be so easy he he! The day of the shoot was actually a hard day for me as my twins were admitted into hospital so my husband had to take them in and I stayed at home with the photographer to finish the shoot. Once we were done, I literally brought all the food inside and hopped in the car to see my girls. Talk about an emotional day!

5.Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I have a few! I love my Custom Spring Bunting made by Kerrie from Tara K Designs. It’s so well made and the material is gorgeous! It’s about 5 metres long and I can’t wait to use it again. I also purchase Ribbon Wands from Pinwheels and Pearls at any chance I can! I just love the simplicity of them and the girls love playing with them. Another, is the Wooden Rose Bouquet’s made by Kristy from Eternal Memories Wooden Flowers. They are amazing and I love the fact you can re-use them.

6.What would be your best 3 tips for someone thinking of styling their own dessert table?I am fairly new to the dessert table trend. So, for me, this is what I have found works well. 1. Give it height. I find sometimes the gorgeous vase placed at the back is hidden by the lolly jar in front of it, which is a shame. I like to think of it as a 3D Puzzle! If I took a picture of it front on, could I see all of the little elements? 2. Use a backdrop. Even if it is a window, use this to your advantage. Perhaps frame the window with a lovely curtain in a fabric that matches your table. 3. Take photo’s of your hard work BEFORE anyone takes one sweet off your lovely table! I have so many clients say they wish they took more photo’s of the untouched design. We can all get caught up when guests start arriving, so take time to get the photo’s done before you take that first glass of well deserved wine!

7.If you could style a party for a “well known/A list” celebrity, who would you choose and why?
Angelina Jolie. A woman with that many kids would have the best parties! Imagine the theme’s you could create in her backyard! AND…no doubt there would be an unlimited budget.

8.Name your three favourite party themes and tell us what do you love about them?
Now this is a tough question! To be totally honest, I love the unusual, one off party themes. The theme’s that reflect the individual person. Like a Sunshine Party, a Mario Brothers Party, a Sweet Clementine Party, a BMX Bandit Party, an Arty Party. You get the picture. These are the parties I get really excited about! I do love the Fairy, Princess, and Pirate Parties too, but it’s more the unique elements that I love!

9.Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}
I love the personalised favours trend. The token ‘lolly bag’ that was full of unrelated trinkets has almost disappeared and instead we are seeing the guests taking home a part of the party that is useable and unique. Customising these are even better. How special these guests must feel! I know when I go to a Wedding as a guest and there sitting at my seat is a cute note from the bride and groom thanking me for coming. This note is attached to a gift all for me! I love walking in and seeing what they have chosen. The same goes for children’s parties.

10.What is your day-to-day like?
I have four children. A 11 year old, a 10 year old and identical twins that are 14 months old, all girls. Generally, I wake up at 7:30am and get the kids lunches done. I then feed the twins and then get them in the car for the school drop off. We come home and we play. I have my coffee and read some Blogs. The twins sleep for at least two hours during the day, so this is when I answer emails, pack orders or buy stock. Once they are up, it’s lunch and play before picking up the girls from school. Then it’s a combination of dancing lessons and girl guides (depending on the day), dinner is made sometime in there, and then it’s bath time for the twins. Bottle, then bed for them by 7:30pm, and then we help the older girls with their homework. Once they are I bed, I am usually back on the Mac doing ‘work’ again! I also work as a Manager at Bunnings three days a week so that keeps me very busy!

11.What does the future hold for {Lily Chic Events}?
I am constantly reviewing my Business Plan. I have achieved so much in 12 months and I didn’t think I would be where I am 12 months ago. I am building the business with small steps. It’s not realistic for me to be Styling Events every week as it is only me, and I can only achieve so much. But, in saying that, as the business grows, so will the need for me to decide whether to go full time or not. I hope to collaborate with lot’s more ‘cyber’ friends this year, and build a profile for creating unique events.

12.What is your favourite place in the world?
The olden days! I want to live in the days of Shirley Temple, Fred Astaire, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, Mary Poppins, Elvis Presley and Doris Day! I want to own a car with white wall tyres, swim in lagoons and sing the Copacabana! Wouldn’t be great to live in the day’s where you were ‘pinned’ by a boy and you were served a milkshake on roller skates? That is my favourite place in the world…the innocence of yesteryear!!

Email: lilychicevents@gmail.com
Website: www.lilychicevents.com.au
Blog: www.blogspot.lilychicevents.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LilyChicEvent