New Year’s Eve Ball at Chatsworth House!

Swapping the slippers and jim jams to live out my princess fantasy? Yes please, after all – “Cinderella, you shall go to the ball!”. Happy New Year everybody!

But first, it wouldn’t be right if got ready ahead of time and relaxed, oh no. Travelling, overnight bag etc all the while travel delays, flooding practically everywhere whilst active storms and road closures were and still are in place affecting many roads across the country, you were basically wishing on a star or fairy-godmother to send a magical pumpkin carriage.

Then there’s me rushing around the cottage, with dim lighting in the rooms and no dressing table making it a nightmare to have the ultimate transformation within a very limited time. By the time the taxi was outside, my hair wasn’t in the slightest done, dress was still on its hanger whilst my clutch wasn’t even filled yet; you can understand my dilemma.

Somehow I managed to dash out the front door for 6.30pm, the prearranged time with my hair still nowhere near done. I had to work some magic whilst on my way, curly haired gals you’ll know the drill – unraveling the mane without ruining the curly and waves whilst tilting your head upside down and massaging your scalp to encourage volume.

I bet you’re wondering what kind of sucker would wear a light coloured dress that sweeps the ground every step you take in terribly wet stormy weather… I’m that sucker. I was walking around all evening with my dress scrunched up like a bundled duvet just to save myself from accidentally looking like I walked 500 miles through mud.

Upon entry you were greeted with champagne, non alcoholic options and canapés whilst in awe of your surroundings in the painted hall. Followed by a tour to see the north wing of the remarkably, historic, beautiful house which almost feels like a palace. Whilst having a canapé, I notice a lady wearing a dress I contemplated wearing and thankfully didn’t as you never want to be wearing the same dress as another then the who wore it better competition that unconsciously enters your mind. There is a fairly-godmother after all!

The decor throughout the entire stately home was nothing short of extravagantly breathtaking. I’ve never seen such delicate, vibrant murals of scenes from the life of Julius Caesar by Louis Laguerre. Chatsworth itself is a work of art with immense history in every corner, hallway, ceiling and unworldly views.

Then on my way to the dining area which is held in a separate building, my fingers held clutching onto the multi seater golf cart for dear life whilst having to make sure my dress wasn’t being left behind in the treacherous weather. Trust me it felt like an old fashioned shuttle bus on speed, driving into 2024 in retro 30’s style!

Braving the rain and wind, walking into the separate building; thankfully my seat was by the door being one of the last ones in. The food was lovely I thought, worth it? It wasn’t lobster or anything extravagant but I enjoyed it. Then the live band began, the dance floor was much smaller than I pictured, I’d say it could only fit around 20-30 max out of around 150 guests in attendance. Especially for New Year’s Eve, if there’s ever a party night, it’s counting down to the new year! If you know me, you’d know I opt not to dance in public, but for this evening I made an exception. I had a little shimmy and spent a surprisingly long time feeling like a dancing queen, which was new to me! I wish I drank mind, as then you’d really dance like there’s no one watching hehe but I kept my non-drinking way of life in check and still managed to party like it’s 1999! My highlight was when a Drake song – ‘One Dance’ came on towards the end of the night, it would’ve been a crime not to… that’s what my hips were telling me anyway!

The walk back there was no, I repeat NO form of transport to get you back to the car park/taxi area which meant walking which felt like miles in the ghastly weather in 4 inch stilettos when my feet were already killing from dancing the night away. But a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. After what felt like 15 minutes, I finally made it to the taxi and after removing my makeup etc, my face ended up meeting the pillows at 5:15am. Then I woke up at 9am to slap myself awake for a beautiful Peak District walk… Don’t worry I made sure I took many photos, it was too gorgeous not to!

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