October Highlights + Celebrations
October was full of celebrations big and small—a surprise shower for our designer Diane, an anniversary party, birthdays, a rehearsal dinner, and an open house at Atelier, plus so many other moments that made the month feel truly special.
Meg + Will’s Rehearsal Dinner
An alfresco evening at Conway Farms Golf Club brought Meg and Will’s vision of an Italian family dinner to life. Guests found their seats on a vintage table layered with potted herbs, tomatoes, and heaps of pasta. Rattan shelves filled with jugs, candles, and green glassware framed the bar, while long tables lined with fresh herbs and ciabatta place cards set the tone for a warm, effortless start to the weekend.
A Surprise Baby Shower for Diane
We gathered at Fort Sheridan to surprise our event designer, Diane, with a Where the Wild Things Are–inspired baby shower picnic. What she thought was a “site visit” turned into a golden fall afternoon surrounded by her team and family. Using elliestyled rentals, we created a warm, cozy picnic scene that felt playful and heartfelt—a perfect reflection of Diane herself. It was a day filled with joy, love, and the sweetest surprise for our newest little “wild thing.” 💛
Lauren’s Matchmaker Bookshop Birthday
We loved transforming the courtyard at the charming new Matchmaker Bookshop in downtown Highland Park for a 40th birthday celebration. The space, a blank canvas surrounded by books and greenery, became the perfect setting for an intimate evening under the string lights. We brought in a beautiful bar setup, added cocktail tables dressed in a soft, complementary palette, and let the details shine. It was one of those gifted end-of-summer nights - warm, lively, and full of good company.
Autumn at Atelier
We welcomed Chicago event planners into ATELIER for an autumn-inspired open house, featuring a hands-on simmer pot bar and a richly textured tablescape. A faux bois linen set the scene for a forest of mushrooms, soft blush florals, and layered natural textures. Pops of chartreuse and thoughtful details brought warmth and creativity to the fall gathering.
Anniversary Celebration
We loved celebrating a special anniversary with sentimental touches and bold florals. The evening began on the patio with sushi and champagne before moving into the tent for dinner, cocktails, and dancing. A playful black-and-white palette with statement printed linens and vibrant florals brought the space to life, while a fruit-adorned cake display inspired by a vintage wedding photo added a timeless, joyful touch. Every detail—from the draped linens to the seasonal fruits—made the celebration feel full of texture, color, and thoughtful moments.
Alicia’s Luncheon
September’s book launch luncheon for Alex Kaehler found a cozy home in the sunroom after a chilly Chicago morning shifted the event from poolside. The tablescape layered pattern, gorgeous bamboo details, and green accents, while spice-hued napkins brought a subtle seasonal transition. Our new glass T-light lamp rentals ran down the center of the tables, adding a warm, glowing touch that complemented the layered design and made the space feel inviting and celebratory.
Donna’s Birthday
This client opted for our rental service, working with us to curate a special birthday for Donna. We set up a cozy, seasonal simmer bar where guests could mix dried fruit, herbs, and spices to create their own personalized blends. Candlelight lined the tables, and a curated vignette provided a beautiful takeaway to bring warmth into their homes. We also added a personal touch by vinyling Donna’s favorite quote on her entryway mirror, making the space feel thoughtful, festive, and uniquely hers.
