On Sunday, Chicago's Joffrey Ballet hosted its Nutcracker Family Dinner. True to its name, the event offered activities and treats for ballet patrons of all ages, and it was filled with ideas for family-friendly company parties. Here's a look inside the event at the Standard Club.
At the "Candy Cane Creativity Station," kids could decorate ballet slippers provided by Allegro Dance Boutique. The young guests used stick-on stars, pom-poms, ribbons, feathers, and more in their creations.
Photo: Robert Carl
The "Chocolate-Covered Candy Station" held large apothecary jars filled with treats from The Wrigley Company. Guests took home bags of chocolates, bubble gum, and Twix bars shaped like Santa Claus.
Photo: Robert Carl
At a station with a large silver punch bowl, servers made kid-friendly Shirley Temples and decked the drinks with swirly straws.
Photo: Robert Carl
And for the adults, servers passed small blood-orange martinis in sugar-dusted glasses.
Photo: Robert Carl
Spin-Spun served cotton candy in seasonal flavors such as peppermint.
Photo: Robert Carl
At the "Gum Drop Graffiti T-Shirt Station," guests could have tees personalized. The station drew the longest line.
Photo: Robert Carl
At the dinner tables, a sign read: "In the Land of Sweets, it is proper etiquette to eat dessert first." For guests who wanted to abide by the Nutcracker-inspired protocol, tables held gold-dusted red velvet cupcakes from Magnolia.
Photo: Robert Carl
Two separate menus catered to children and adults: While parents ate pumpkin ravioli with sage and brie, kids had burgers, mac 'n' cheese, and an "onion ring volcano" filled with French fries.
Photo: Robert Carl
