Caroline Flanagan

Hi! I’m Caroline Flanagan - the face and founder of The Luxelet on Instagram. @Luxelet is a live shopping experience where you can find the best designer deals for less. More importantly, I am a wife and mom of two! We have lovingly called Hinsdale home for the past two years, but I’m a proud Indiana native.

Tell us your dream party? Where would it be? What would you serve? 
I love the holidays! A fun Friendsgiving or a Christmas party with friends is a classic dream gathering of mine. 

What flowers would you use for your arrangements? 
Fresh magnolia leaves! The dark glossy green color is beautiful, especially in the fall/winter. They were our wedding “flower” and I’ve loved them ever since. 

What would you wear to this dream party?
A dress! Something sparkly or metallic - and probably pink (my favorite color). 

Would you serve beer, wine or a house cocktail? 
All the above! I also like having non-alcoholic wine + mocktail options for our pregnant friends and non-drinkers. 

What’s your personal drink of choice?
Spicy margarita, always 

Describe your entertaining style in 3 words.
Feminine, detail-oriented and fun 

Go to playlist for hosting?
Music is admittedly not my specialty - I usually just turn on a top hits playlist in an attempt to play it safe.

What’s your favorite party you’ve ever been to?
My wedding! My mom and I planned every detail. We were fortunate enough to work with some of the best vendors Chicago has to offer - the whole thing felt like a dream.

What’s your number one rule for creating the perfect party atmosphere and one signature element you can always expect at your parties?
You can never have too much food or alcohol! I am a big sweets person and a strong believer that a party without a cake is just a meeting, so one thing you can always expect is dessert!

Any tips for taking the stress off hosting?
Outsource, outsource, outsource!! Whether it’s the food, decor, bartending, or all the above - find your people and use them often! We’re so lucky to live in an area where so many talented men and women have created businesses to make life easier when it comes to hosting!

Follow @luxelet for designer deals for less and @caroline__flanagan for a peak behind the scenes of this stylish mamma of two.