A gorgeous new cookbook is always cause for celebration. Most of the time, this involves a little jig when FedEx drops off the new book, followed by a glass of wine with some hasty cooking plans. For our latest cookbook crush, however, we took things to another level.

To celebrate author and Chalkboard contributor Meredith Baird‘s latest project, Coconut Kitchen, we decided to gather a few of our favorite L.A. ladies inside the charming indoor/outdoor space at The Little Door Santa Monica. We knew our crew would appreciate the beautiful, modern and practical tribute to our favorite nutrient-dense nut and, truth be told, our team is always looking for an excuse to spike our coconut water.

The gathering of incredible wellness women that joined us Wednesday evening – a mix of editors, nutritionists, yogis, and the other usual Chalkboard suspects – enjoyed coconut-laced cocktails, The Little Door’s light Mediterranean-style food, and a super-summery book signing with Meredith as the twinkle lights blinked in the lemon trees.

The women we know in wellness are an amazing bunch – and it was all we could do not to force several of our talented pals into impromptu sessions and sittings right there and then; raw menu planning near the fireplace, acupuncture at the bar. We behaved ourselves, for the most part, and sent all of our guests home happy and relaxed with TCM totes in tow. Our exclusive event tote was stuffed with sandalwood mala beads, juicy gift cards, one of our favorite green powders, organic face serum from Odacite, coconut cooking goodies by Nutiva, Kusmi’s scented tea, and, of course, a copy of Coconut Kitchen.

Our guests enjoyed custom Pressed Juicery coconut water cocktails crafted by The Little Door team just for our gathering. Get inspired, shake things up and invite a few friends of your own over for the coconut champagne punch recipe below – we’re all about it!