Since I started this blog all my fellow contributors have talking about this yearly event - The Preview Night. There is not one ounce of inclination on how important it is to go. Every time they spoke these three words, The Preview Night, they gasp with enormous admiration. I could never fully grasp the concept other than "it's beautiful, it's the best, you have to go".
I went, I saw and I love.
I didn't know what to expect being a newbie to this annual event anticipated by so many trusted sources. It is truly by far the most attractive, catered to your presence and inspirational filled night of the year. How extraordinary it was to shop an array of treasures, treasures you only dream of; while garden trolleys are gracefully pushed around with decadent hors· d'oeuvres at your finger's reach. This all surrounded by the priceless gift of nature and the night sky. It's one of a kind. Who does this? Nobody.
The Preview Night allows you to visit the fair on Thursday night before it's open to the public. There are more than 100 carefully selected dealers from the United States and Europe. There are also landscape gardens showcased by local businesses and an array of stunning floral arrangements by Chicago's area leading floral designers. There are four buffet areas, a la carte stations scattered throughout the grounds, hors d'oeuvre at every corner you turn, open bar - stationed exactly where you need it (genius how they figured this one out) while keeping every walking space spotless and free to roam.
I met Denise Odell of Bleeker Street Antiques at Booth #201. (pictured above) If you haven't read this week's Daily Candy, you're behind on the craze of her shop and her findings. Pure joy and makes you want to re-do your entire house. Find the article here.
Pictured above is Balsamo Antiques (booth #614) of Pine Plains, New York. Extremely well crafted chairs, pottery and outdoor planters. Exquisite at its finest.
A very kind and sweet man, John Anderson of Unearthed (booth #307) from Madison, Wisconsin brought incredible pieces like the steel metal cabinet above and very raw and industrial curios like old oil cans and glass bottles. This is the kind of dealer you meet who loves his finds and want you to love it, too.
My date of the night, Sharon and I ran into our friend, Kathy of Glencoe's Vintage Swank. Kathy sells vintage goods in her home. You can read her feature on our blog here.
Clearly, if these two wrote a blog, it would feed my style soul, Kathy and Ann.
One of my favorite booths was Thistle. Booth #306 (picture above) A local shop with unforgettable finds. My friend kept eyeing a chain link they hung about 9 feet long vertically. We came back to admire it furthermore and it was gone, Sold. Not surprised, someone caught on.
A very near and dear shop, The Find (booth #814) in Highwood and a rented space in The Heritage Mall located in Wilmette. They showcased their must-haves decorative pieces. What's nice about these items is that, you can rotate them out in your home from one room to another. How completely spectacular would your coffee table be with a pair of dice an a set of jacks?
I thought these were beautifully-crafted. This is a set of four framed hand-braided mens ties weaving in a circle. You can find these at The Find. Under $300 each, definitely artwork your hubby would not mind. A close up below:
Six beautiful ladies of Glencoe. Dashing, as always!
Kathy Deveny, co-chair of this year's Housewalk with Preview Night co-chair, Betsy Karp. Both working very hard on the must-have tickets of the year. Thank you, thank you!
A noticed and repeated item throughout the fair were these framed thin shadow boxes of vintage sporting wear. These were a a part of Vintage Sports Equipment, A Division of J. Harris Antiques at Booth #206 from Kansas City, Missouri.
Another re-accuring appearance were these doll face molds. It takes a special presentation to pull these off without being off the wall. The amount of relief in rescuing something that near and dear to all of us could do it for me. I know, it's not for everyone.
When I read that there would be dealers from Europe, I thought maybe it meant the dealer had another space in Europe. How could it be, someone would travel to Chicago to bring us goods from a faraway land? How admirable, how lovely if it was true. Then I saw the sign "Paris, France", this is Grislain Antiques' (booth #209) second year at the fair. He had endless "sold" tags. He promised to replenish his supply tomorrow. I want to go back to see what else he's hiding in his crate.
Bloch Antiques (booth #100) also a distant traveler from London was kind of enough to grace us with their presence. This might be a good reason to hit the fair Sunday night as I'm sure these guys will not like to pack and ship any leftover items back.
Always a favorite space in the garden, The Krehbiel Gallery was delicately decorated as an outdoor picnic. Just look at the grass-lined seating and paper kites. Anyone getting married who needs a fun and unique space?
Emily, my very first introduction to The Preview Night and her purchase. It is always exciting to dissect and raid what someone is bringing home.
A walking piece of art herself, Simone. Love her dress? If you could see the shoes. Of course, she has a boutique. Find the collection at her store in Winnetka. http://simonesboutique.com/
Valerie, someone you should consult with on every decorating notion in your house, here with her friends.
Last, but not least the lovely Dana. (sorry if you are sick of seeing my face as she would not take a photo on her own, I probably wouldn't either) She has not read the blog, a reminder that if you are reading it and want to share it with your friends from Glencoe, please forward it on. We are in our final stages and will be topping it off with a bang close to the Housewalk.
If you can spare an hour or two, you MUST visit The Antique and Garden Fair at The Chicago Botanic Garden this weekend. The event is open Friday - Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. One day passes are $15 each. It is well worth every dollar to feel truly inspired and support these masters of their work. The garden is absolutely stunning right now and it's a healthy reminder of timeless beauty and artful composition.
You can find more information on The Chicago Botanic Garden Antique and Garden Fair here.
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