top of page
Search

A Bridgerton Ball: Wildlife Prairie Park Style

Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers

Special Edition: A Wild Ball to Remember


April 2025


An antique china teapot adorned with flowers and lavender, pearls and greenery. Table is covered in white linens, blue cheesecloth table runner and gold chargers.
Table decor at the Diamond of the Season Ball

Dearest Gentle Readers,


It is with great delight that I report the most enchanting affair to grace the Illinois countryside this season. This past weekend, a Bridgerton-style ball was held amidst the rolling woodlands and spring blooms of Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City. And oh, what a triumph it was.


One would be forgiven for thinking they'd stumbled into a scene straight from Grosvenor Square. The grand affair—complete with silk gloves, empire waist gowns, and gentlemen donning cravats—was a breathtaking blend of Regency elegance and rustic charm. The usual denizens of the park (most notably the bison and bears) looked on with quiet curiosity as society's finest gathered beneath twinkling lights and fluttering drapes.


The secret to such splendor? None other than Burlap and Lace Event Rentals, whose touch of pastoral romance transformed the venue into a scene worthy of Queen Charlotte herself. Their mastery in drapery, vintage furnishings, and candlelit ambiance turned the rustic lodge into a palace ballroom. Rumor has it even the deer paused to admire the floral installations.


Table setting of gold chargers, teacup and napkins. Centerpiece is old books, pearls and doilies topped with vintage china teapots and artificial florals. Tapered candled in brass candlesticks and blue table runners completes the look.

Guests sipped from dainty teacups by daylight and clinked champagne flutes by moonlight. Dinner was served in the Prairie Hall as opera singers serenaded guests while they ate. Dancing took place on Hespell Deck, where the evening concluded with the Diamond of the Season being crowned.


Wooden arbor overlooking the bison prairie at Wildlife Prairie park. The arbor is decorated with pink and white draping and pink florals. The vintage brocade couch sits in front of the arbor.
The Queen sat on her brocade couch while deciding who shall become the Diamond of the Season

And who, you might ask, was named the Diamond of the Season? That, dear readers, I shall not reveal—though I did hear whispers of a certain lady in lavender who captured the attention of more than one suitor.


Vintage brocage couch in frong of a stone fireplace and wooden mantle with white draping and brass candlesticks adorning the fireplace mantle.

As the final candle flickered and slippers were retrieved from the dance floor, it was clear to all in attendance: this ball shall be spoken of for seasons to come. Should another such event be planned, I advise early inquiries—before carriages are scarce and gloves are sold out.


Yours in ink and intrigue,


~ Lady Whistledown



 

Wooden arbor with dusty blue draping and blue and white florals. Wildlife Prairie Park.

We had soooo much fun designing and decorating for Wildlife Prairie Park's Diamond of the Season Ball. Their event coordinator, Madison, and I were in lock-step throughout this whole design, planning, and setup process. As I told her during our initial planning call -"this is totally my vibe!" Too bad it rained that weekend because we had such a cute setup planned for the promenade from Prairie Hall to Hespell Deck. We improvised though and used the draping as an accent to the fireplace instead.


If you are in the Peoria area and looking for a venue, consider Wildlife Prairie Park. Their versatile event spaces provide everything you need, from bar service to bridal suites and more! See their event page here. And, you could hold any event here - family reunions, corporate retreats, etc. Reach out to Burlap and Lace to decorate the space for you!


Burlap and Lace Event Decor Rentals is a small family-owned business located in the heart of Central Illinois. We offer rentals of decor, linens, furniture, backdrops, tables, and chairs for your next event. We will deliver and set up at your location or you can choose to pick up and drop off your own rental items and set them up yourself. We pride ourselves on our extensive, high-quality inventory, excellent customer service and reasonable prices. Find out how we can help assist you with your next event.  Reach out to us to book a free consultation.

 

Follow us on:

 

Yorumlar

bottom of page