The Young Collectors Committee was co-founded by Cathy and Michael Busch, Jen and Sandy Kasten and Katherine and John Buehler to help spread the word to their contemporaries about the leading antiques and garden fair in the Midwest. The Fair takes place at the Chicago Botanic Garden from April 18 through April 20, 2008.

The Preview Evening, which is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, is not only the premier spring garden party on the North Shore, but also the first opportunity to shop the Fair. Co-chaired by Susan Canmann, Posy Krehbiel and Jane O'Neil, the evening benefits the Chicago Botanic Garden’s conservation, education and research programs.

Bill Heffernan of Heffernan Morgan, Inc., Chicago, and Fair co-producer Donna LaPietra designed the Fair spaces with classical features to give a feeling of being at Versailles. Guests dine on sumptuous buffets by Jewell Events Catering set among lush plantings, including pedestals topped with large bowls of hydrangeas and cherubs, statuary birds and hydrangea bouquets suspended from the ceiling. The Heavenly Hydrangea Cafe features blue hydrangeas and French blue linen and the Aviary Cafe features pink hydrangeas and pink linen.

Guests wander through the "Fantasy Gardens of the Fair" including a Butterfly Haven in the East Portico, featuring hanging topiary butterflies hovering over an urn filled with cherry blossom branches. Cherry Blossom Square in the Rose Garden Entry Tent features four urns filled with pink cherry blossoms surrounded by pink azaleas and boxwood. The Swan Pool Folly in the Rose Garden Tent features a garden lined in boxwood and filled with swan sculptures and pink African violets, surrounding a bubbling fountain. The Magnolia Garland Walk in the Krehbiel Gallery features flower-filled urns atop tall plinths draped with magnolia garland around the central pool. Crocuses pop through undulating green grass draped over the pool. The Fantasy Garden Promenade over the North Stairs is draped with plum-colored fabric and lined cherry blossom blooms and bright pink hydrangeas atop grass-covered mounds.

One of the dominant trends guests might find is modern furniture with simple, unembellished, elegant designs. Buying antiques is "green" because it doesn't contribute to the carbon footprint and they can be used again and again. Organic is a burgeoning trend, which supports the modern and green trends. Shells, coral, sculptural branches, large leaves and other natural elements are used as focal points and artwork. White or light walls, simple furnishings and organic accents are truly 2008! -- www.chicagobotanic.org