At the beginning of each year, I create my vision board and have an idea of what I want to experience throughout the year. Last year, one of the experiences that I was excited about was the Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up event in Chicago which was certainly a fun and whimsical event.
However, not long after purchasing tickets for the event, I learned about a very lovely event that was taking place the same weekend as our already scheduled event; Picnic with the Peonies at Allerton Park & Retreat Center.
The photos looked so beautiful. There were photos of pink picnic tables and beautiful pink peonies. It was dreamy nonetheless. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend, but I kept the event on my radar so that I could purchase tickets for this year.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center, Monticello, Illinois
If you are unfamiliar with Allerton Park & Retreat Center, it is a popular attraction for those living in and around Monticello, Illinois. You can read more about the Allerton estate on Trip Advisor. However, I am familiar with the estate since I grew up near it.
This was also my second visit in the past year. In September, my son and daughter participated in a sweet garden tour at Allerton and had a lovely time. Do take some time and check out that post.
In March, I did a quick search to see if the tickets were open and available, and they were. I immediately purchased a ticket. Tickets included a two-hour time frame, a table seating with up to eight guests, two bottles of wine, and a charcuterie board. From the advertised photos, I was uncertain as to what this year’s theme may be, but hoped for the pink picnic tables.
Lilac-Colored Dresses | Very Bridgerton-Like
As the event grew near, I began thinking about who I would invite and how I would dress my daughter and I. Originally, I opted for pink dresses because that seems to be my go-to. It wasn’t until a few days before that I decided we would wear lilac-colored dresses that we had hanging in our closets and had not yet worn. I am so happy I chose the lilac-colored option because the photos turned out dreamy and very Bridgerton-like.
Keychain Souvenirs
As an added touch, I brought themed keychains for each of the girls. For my friend’s two daughters, I picked out pearl bracelet keychains with a lavender flower, and for my daughter, I picked up an adorable doll dressed in lilac (very similar to my daughter’s). I thought it was a cute idea to remember our time together at the event.
What to Expect
On the day of the event, my son, daughter, and mother headed to Allerton. Once we arrived, we checked in at the check-in table and chose our two bottles for the afternoon. Instead of two bottles of wine, I chose a bottle of wine and a bottle of sparkling grape juice so that the children would have something tasty and fanciful to enjoy.
After picking up our drinks, cups, and napkins, we headed to our table. We arrived a bit later than expected which meant most of the tables were already taken.
There were about 3-4 tables toward the back of the park that we could choose from. This worked out perfectly for us because it gave my daughter room to run around and play with her bubbles as we talked and enjoyed the wine and charcuterie board.
The weather was gorgeous and the sun shining, similar to our September visit. There was just enough shade and a breeze at our table. Outside of us, other attendees were gathered at their tables relaxing, talking, and enjoying the music playing.
SHOP | LILAC-COLORED FLORAL TODDLER DRESSES
Quality Time with Friends and Family
After about 15 minutes, my best friend from high school arrived with her daughters. We hadn’t seen each other in almost a year, so it was so nice to have that time together. We laughed, talked, walked the gardens, and took photos.
Aside from dinner once a year, our last fanciful event was a Mother’s Day event at a golf club in 2018. It was beautiful and themed. And, my mother attended that one with us, just as she did this one.
My son participated only as hired help. Haha! I wanted someone who could take some photos of us and he agreed to do so in exchange for a meal at Chipotle following the event. Although he didn’t have plans to engage much in the event, he walked the garden with us, enjoyed some of the charcuterie board, and enjoyed a cup of sparkling grape juice. We even snagged a few selfies together. Ohhh, the memories.
Final Thoughts
As our time began to wind down at the table, we headed off to admire the peonies and walk through the gardens and estate along with several others. Picnic with the Peonies was a delightful experience and has been one of my favorite activities this year. This is certainly an event that I would recommend to others and am looking forward to the experience again next year.
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