A Mid-Summer Nights Dream in Chicago

Dinner in the courtyard at Mariterese's home- pure magic happening here!

Love this eclectic mix of new and old on the table.

vines growing down from the top of the pergola creating a curtain around the  table

note the hand dyed ribbon used as the napkin ring with the flowers

The old chandelier from the living room was re purposed as a candle light chandelier in the garden under the new pergola.

zinc mirror hung on courtyard wall over a pastry table - divine!

A collection of votives and succulents on driftwood look amazing together on the pastry table.

another zinc mirror on the back wall of the detached garage that borders the courtyard.

okay - if this isn't the most magical setting in the world, then I don't know what else is!!!!!
Just lovely with the soft breeze and wonderful music in the air.



Delicious Kiwi and Sake Cocktails  for a first tasting.

Beef Tenderloin and Fennel appetizers

Roasted veggies and a Big Shaving of home made  cheese - awesome

Cheese with Fig Spread

The Salad - papaya, cashews and snowpeas on mixed greens

Coconut Milk and Tomato Stew of Shrimp and Grouper on Rice- excellent taste!

A wonderful ending to the fabulous meal - berry cobbler and Graeters Peach Ice Cream
served in a tall crystal compote glass.

Last night, the Romancing the Home girls and friends were invited to dinner at Mariterese's 1800's brownstone in the city. She and her friend, Marcello, have been creating this marvelous little oasis in her back courtyard for several years, but this year it really came into it's own.  A feeling of being in New Orleans immediately comes upon you upon entering this gem of a garden.  Dinner was set under the pergola.   First looking at the gorgeous table,  jaws dropped as we carefully explored all the hidden details of this exquisitely decorated table.  Vintage china mixed with new, hand dyed ribbon around fresh hydrangeas and yellow roses for the napkin rings,  succulents on driftwood ,  waxed over candelabras and of course that little bit of leopard to pull it all together - a breathtaking table I must say.  The top of the pergola was filled with magical lights from Frontgate that are solar powered and light up like diamonds after dark.   Marcello filled the top of the pergola  with moss filled baskets with flowing greens that filled the air.  Clematis and trumpet vine were planted on the posts and then the ground was covered in moss - a charming  touch.  Roses fill containers and wisteria grows up the decking. As you listen to  the fountain, you are sure you are in New Orleans having dinner at a 5 star restaurant.  Dinner was amazing - Marcello- (did I mention that he also is a private chef?)  prepared a gourmet meal for us, with Mariterese finishing it off  with her Berry Cobbler.  We left her home feeling like we had been on a mini-vacation, filled with inspirations for our own homes that we gathered  from Mariterese's oasis in the city.  Thank you for a  most memorable evening. We will be joining www.betweennapsontheporch.net for Tablescape Thursday.

                                                (More pictures from the inside of the fabulous home later this week!)