Through the Looking Glass: A Wonderland Ball

We tumbled down the rabbit hole with the Free Library of Philadelphia on Saturday December 5th as we celebrated the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s mind-bending classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Through the Looking Glass: A Wonderland Ball. 

Walking into the main foyer of the library was like drifting into a dream. Sparkly brightly-colored lights where everywhere with giant glowing orbs and strange but friendly characters. 

As we drifted upstairs, the finest cocktails were served (Drink Me! Eat Me!) along with scrumptious hors' d'oeuvres such as lamb chop lollipops, curried carrot-ginger soup, potato latkes with creme fraiche, mini fish tacos, salmon Napoleons, and cocktail prawns. 

The fundraising auction then began with trips to Africa, the islands, wonderful prizes, and the best prize was offered- to have Brûlée Catering Acclaimed James Beard Award-winning Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix create a sumptuous meal for you and your family and friends. 

We went back downstairs to the main hall to enjoy dinner in a room that was straight from the world of Alice- dreamy decor dotted the room as every enjoyed their meal of hearts of palm salad with wild mushroom soup, steak au poivre with mushroom potatoes and a vegetable tart. 

Coffees and teas were served with the most amazing wonderland treats- mini macaroon 'teacups', Alice 'playing card' cookies, rose cupcakes, mini pecan tarts, brownie bites, petit fours, and more. 

A surreal and dreamy world was created by the team at the Parkway Central Library, where curiouser and curiouser surprises abound at every turn. 

We enjoyed tempting libations and a sumptuous feast fit for the Mad Hatter from Jean-Marie Lacroix’s exclusive Brûlée Catering, and watch the Cheshire Cat float across the night to support of the beloved Free Library, which has been inspiring curiosity in the young and young at heart for generations. 

To end the night, we headed upstairs to the Jabberwocky Jam to dance and dine on delicious and sweet confections and savory snacks til midnight as we gazed out into the night over the skyline of Philadelphia. 

All to soon we had to head back to reality, as we will never forget this night of beauty, love of books, the love we have for our city and the Free Library, and dreamy desserts.

Special thanks to the wonderful team at the Free Library, 

and special thanks to the ever-amazing N of Brûlée Catering.

Photography by Jill Diffendal.