Winter Candlelit Draped Dinner in Chicago's West Loop

toasting over candlelit dinner reception at Room 1520

What better way to celebrate a birthday for a wedding planner than a dreamy, candlelit and draped dinner reception?! This cozy dinner was the perfect set up for a long meal with friends and time well-spent catching up.

Niela planned her own birthday dinner so beautifully, wearing a little white dress from Grace + Ivory.

December gets dark early in Chicago, so keeping this feeling light and bright but still cozy was key. The lovely decor team pulled the space together with soft cream draping, which complemented the bone velvet tablecloth and pillar candles. Draping is so hot for 2025 weddings and events, and watching it come to life was such a treat. I personally love reception draping in all seasons and colors, but watching the candlelight flirt with the soft draping in the darkness of winter was something else.

Finally, Ordinary Seed added a few pops of color with red winter berries, white tulips, and green orchids. The floral arrangements made the space feel Christmassy, but still modern and fresh rather than too traditional–perfect for a birthday dinner!

And nearly 80 candles later, this draped reception as truly breathtaking! It didn’t take long to get all the “oohs and ahhs” from people as they stepped into this cozy winter haven in the middle of the West Loop. With a quick champagne pop and cheers, these ladies were enjoying celebrating Niela and had such a fun evening taking pictures and chatting until the candles burned out.

Keep reading to see photos of the set up + details.