On Saturday evening, a costumed toy soldier and a rosy-cheeked doll ushered families into the Palmer House Hilton for the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker Family Dinner. Hosted by the ballet's women's board and co-chaired by Suzette Bross Bulley and Odele Desmuke Hawkins, the evening included a performance of the Tchaikovsky classic and dinner at the downtown hotel.
Because the event catered to both adults and wee ones, cocktail-hour entertainment involved glue, glitter, and games. At a table plied with cutout snowflakes, young guests created sparkly tree ornaments, while a cookie-decorating station offered sprinkles and squeezable tubes of frosting. Other activities included popcorn stringing, face painting, and lessons in plate spinning. Servers passed flutes of alcohol-free punch and cheese sandwiches with the crusts cut off, while bars on the ballroom's perimeter offered more adult refreshments.
Lest kids get restless during the family-style dinner in the grand ballroom, a stage at the middle of the space hosted a dance party for the young guests. Children were invited to bop away while a DJ played upbeat songs such as "Party in the U.S.A." and "Brown-Eyed Girl."
This year, planners focused on eco-friendly touches. A 12-foot-tall Christmas tree made of recycled water bottles stood in the State Ballroom, and centerpieces contained reclaimed branches and no cut flowers. The evening's menu incorporated locally sourced poultry and veggies.
