The Christmas season started with a bang last night when the Powerscourt Christmas ball started rolling at 10 p.m. The 400 guests who flooded the ballroom were joined by ghosts of balls past - last night's was the first dance there since one held in honour of Grace Kelly 30 years ago.
Of course Hospice Foundation chairman and hostess of the ball, Marie Donnelly, looked as stunning as ever, while at least two Guinnesses, Viv and Louise, were also oh-so-elegant.
It was certainly a special occasion for Hamish and Karen McAlpine - their first Christmas as a married couple and Hamish's birthday to boot. A number of friends had flown in to join them for the occasion, including artists Tracey Emin and Matt Colinshaw, both of whom are currently exhibiting in the controversial Sensation show at the Tate Gallery in London; John and Kimberley Heather (the Ford heiress), and celebrity lawyer Keith Shilling.
From our own shores came designer John Rocha and his wife Odette, film-maker Katy McGuinness with her husband, architect Felim Dunne; Abrakebabra's Graham Beere and his wife Margaret; Avoca Handweavers' Amanda Pratt and her husband Tom Kelly; Radius TV's Bill Hughes, and of course Powerscourt's own Dr Michael Slazenger and his daughter, Sarah, who were more than delighted to see their beloved house back on the ball.