Southern author and entertainer Leslie Register knows how to throw a party. A former Southern Living Photo Stylist and now cookbook author, Leslie’s sense of style, love of food, and creativity come together to create the most fun parties imaginable. Her new book, Leslie’s Party Diaries is a collection of the most creative, yet simple party ideas, incredible recipes, and party dos and donts she has learned over the years. MyScoop got to interview this party guru with impeccable style and as I told her in all sincerity, “I want to be you when I grow up!” I cannot stop reading and going back to Leslie’s Party Diaries for more ideas and inspiration, get your copy here. Also check out her blog dearpartydiary.com for daily inspiration!
1. What inspires you about waking up each morning? The ideas I think about in the middle of the night—when I can’t fall back to sleep. I do that a lot now! I think it’s an aging thing—I’m awake from 3 to 5 am. That’s when I do my best thinking and dreaming up of creative ideas. I also love my morning cup of coffee and my quiet time in the kitchen—which I call my office. I’m a morning person. It’s my favorite time of the day.
2. What inspires your career? My career has been inspired by always doing what I loved. I never dreaded going to work when I was a Senior Photo Stylist Southern Living magazine. Now, I’m doing projects that satisfy my creative outlets. I’m all over the place! My book, Leslie’s Party Diaries was a passion project and a dream come true. My mini magazine (blog), Dear Party Diary, at dearpartydiary.com, launched last week. It is the perfect outlet for my love for food, photography, and writing. I work on it everyday in some capacity.
3. How does your family inspire you? They have never said this before, but I think they expect me to always be doing something creative. If I’m not, they think I am wasting my time. They often ask me why I’m not painting or drawing. Also, I grew up in a family of wonderful cooks. My grandmother, mom, and dad have all inspired and taught me so much. They have several recipes in my book too. And I still call my mother all the time and ask her cooking questions. Experience is invaluable in the kitchen.
4. What is your favorite place in the world? That’s a tough one. I have lots of favorite places. I’m a lover of warm weather (not humid), delicious food, and good company. If I have all of those—I’m a happy camper. Top three places I’ve been in the last ten years—1) Monte-Carlo Beach Club 2) The Peninsula Hotel Beverly Hills 3) Las Ventanas, Cabo San Lucas. But, one of my favorite places is being at home in my kitchen. I can be a homebody too.
5. What advice would you give women going through life’s trials and tribulations? Chase your own dreams. Be a leader—not a follower. Take a chance or two along the way. Always challenge yourself to do something you think is impossible. Never think it’s too late to start something new. But, most importantly, you need to be in your fighting weight by your late forties. Fifty is a doozy!
6. How do we begin to seek a better life? I’ve always felt very fortunate. So I don’t know how to answer this question. I guess it’s to find happiness within yourself and not expect anyone else to do that for you. Always do for others, be a good friend to everyone, and live each day as it was your last.
7. Describe your personal style? I may be the only person who thinks this—but, maybe “Bohemian designer” or would it be “Designer Bohemian”? I love prints and color. I know black is more flattering, but it’s not as festive. I’m not a big (expensive) jewelry person. I love fashion jewelry and accessories. I collect designer handbags and I’ve been known to splurge on nice shoes—Prada, Valentino, Gucci…☺ I keep them all in their dust bags and shoeboxes and will have them for years.
8. What did you wear as a child? Whatever I wanted. I would dream up a dress and my mother was talented enough to make it. I was a lucky girl. I loved a new dress or outfit. My favorite dress of all time was my “radish” dress. It was a green, buffalo-checked dress with a radish and carrot appliqué on the front. I had my third grade picture made in it. I also had an extensive ribbon collection. I wore my hair in a ponytail almost everyday with a different grosgrain ribbon tied in it.
9. Advice to women in their 20’s. Enjoy your first years out of college away from your parents. Take advantage of that special time and freedom. Have fun but always stay focused on your career. Life is full of twist and turns, and you always need something that you enjoy to fall back on.