10/13/2026
Hello, friends—new and old. It’s time for a proper reintroduction.
I’m JoBeth McElhanon, founder of Lilias & Olive—event designer, planner and producer, with a love for gracious hospitality and a firm belief that there’s an art to bringing people together.
I founded Lilias & Olive in 2018 after a career in healthcare and nonprofit leadership. What appeared to be a rather dramatic career change was actually a natural progression—bringing together years of experience leading teams, managing budgets, solving problems, building relationships and creating meaningful experiences.
Today, we design and produce weddings, private celebrations, nonprofit events and corporate gatherings throughout Arkansas and beyond. Our approach is rooted in classic style, thoughtful design, experienced planning and, above all, gracious hospitality.
I have a particular affection for beautiful things—flowers, linens, fashion, art, history and a wonderfully set table. But beautiful details alone don’t make an event memorable. It’s how people feel that stays with them.
That same philosophy inspired the newest extension of Lilias & Olive: Social Club, our Modern Manners Academy. Here, I teach young people the confidence and social skills to navigate the world with grace and consideration for others. Because good manners, like gracious hospitality, are ultimately an expression of kindness.
Nearly a decade in, I’m grateful for the clients who entrust us with their most meaningful occasions and the talented creative partners who help bring them to life.
And after all these years, I still love a good party. 😉
Live Beautifully. Love Extravagantly.
Graciously,
JoBeth
