Look Book: Alliance Francaise de Chicago Versailles en Scene Gala 2018

On June 9, The Alliance Française de Chicago Woman’s Board hosted its Biennial fundraiser “Versailles en Scène” at the Civic Opera House in downtown Chicago. The Festive Frog, a premier tabletop rental provider in the Chicago area, helped bring to life an elegant feeling of splendor through the use of its unique tabletop rental inventory.  

Photo courtesy Jaclyn Simpson Photography

Hosted by The Woman’s Board of The AF for their Biennial Gala, the evening was inspired by the magnificent banquets and fetes created by Francois Vatel at the Court of Louis XIV, and took place on the main stage of the Civic Opera House. In grand detail, the splendor of Chateau de Versaille was recreated through tabletop, décor, music, theater, and sumptuous cuisine.

Tasked with presenting the French-inspired meal, Jewell Events Catering reached out to The Festive Frog to help set the tone for the evening. A combination of authentically vintage tabletop inventory as well as contemporary flatware was utilized to capture an exquisite and modern look. The elegant table and glassware helped to create a luxurious dinner party style for a client base renowned for their sophistication. Several style techniques were employed to help create the luxurious dinner party feel, one that Louis XIV himself would have approved of.

Photo courtesy Jaclyn Simpson Photography

• Fine French champagne was served in vintage champagne coupes, welcoming the guests to the great hall. Utilizing beautiful vintage champagne coupes to welcome guests translates to ‘we welcome you with our finest’

• Gold contemporary flatware graced the table settings, adding a modern sophistication. Touches of gold along with the mirrored tables also lent the same high class feeling

Photo courtesy The Festive Frog

• For dessert, vintage porcelain cups and saucers were used alongside fine china plates, which included original French patterns. The authentically vintage touches brought in throughout the evening made the guests feel like they were special guests at a private dinner

Photo courtesy Jaclyn Simpson Photography

The 450-person gala had many moving parts and enabled all vendors involved to showcase their abilities while providing a moving experience for the guests and supporting the fundraising goals of the Alliance Francaise de Chicago.

Vendors

Caterer – Jewell Events Catering

Tabletop rentals – The Festive Frog, Tablescapes

Décor – Kehoe Designs

Venue – Civic Opera House of Chicago

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