Belle of the Ball

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You probably have heard of  Mrs. Astor's "Four Hundred" - the number of people who could be entertained in the Fifth Avenue ballroom of Caroline "Lina" Astor, wife of William B. Astor, during the late nineteenth century. The <a href="http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1907199" target="_blank">New York Social Diary</a> reported that the actual number on Mrs. Astor's guest list - according to Jerry E. Patterson, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Four-Hundred-York-Gilded/dp/0847822850" target="_blank">The First Four Hundred: New York and the Gilded Age</a> - was a mere 319. Apparently, four hundred sounded better to the press of the day, so that is the number we think of today.  For many of us, ballrooms are the sites for wedding receptions, debutante balls, and cotillions, but some homeowners enjoy life in a ballroom every single day. The <a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/ballrooms-make-a-comeback-1405010768?tesla=y" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> reported last week that some families in the South are building and restoring ballrooms so they can host at-home events ranging from charity soirees to gatherings of grandchildren. Here is a look at a range of spaces for dance and play . . .</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1zTpzU5g0EJPNnWwZUKUvsmXFinsJoFh_VoTb9D9J7yvqEpnalv2BveTVQRj1TuLNhomHYeGaJnS4HycYrP2igTH5VEr_bLT1J5dhkR4YRzJ1hZ79AfAtQz5yfMERZu_VDG_n7-DSLA/s1600/flagler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1zTpzU5g0EJPNnWwZUKUvsmXFinsJoFh_VoTb9D9J7yvqEpnalv2BveTVQRj1TuLNhomHYeGaJnS4HycYrP2igTH5VEr_bLT1J5dhkR4YRzJ1hZ79AfAtQz5yfMERZu_VDG_n7-DSLA/s1600/flagler.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"January, 1960 - A ball at Flagler Mansion, which is being turned into a museum." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/6-vintage-palm-beach-photos?click=main_sr" target="_blank">6 Stunning Vintage Photos of Palm Beach, Florida</a>" by Micaela English.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.townandcountrymag.com/" target="_blank">Town and Country</a> (March 27, 2014).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlwY3OmCzSX2GWzFxwHKY6dTakn94tMEbDSDf_4EeQRIhrHJz7d2AzXbymC3OsCLl19C7m892M7DCERTJrztUWvepKbGvoS0QZQwYVVcihSzPbJSAAymM9GyzB6kac2OUdkNuzOopB08/s1600/6xtmqnv0fAYx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlwY3OmCzSX2GWzFxwHKY6dTakn94tMEbDSDf_4EeQRIhrHJz7d2AzXbymC3OsCLl19C7m892M7DCERTJrztUWvepKbGvoS0QZQwYVVcihSzPbJSAAymM9GyzB6kac2OUdkNuzOopB08/s1600/6xtmqnv0fAYx.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A view of the ballroom looking south across the main corridor."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The British Ambassador's Residence in Washington, D.C.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Eric Sander. Courtesy of "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Architecture-Diplomacy-Ambassadors-Residence-Washington/dp/208129902X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405391500&sr=1-1&keywords=the+architecture+of+diplomacy" target="_blank">The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador's Residence in Washington</a>" by Anthony Seldon and Daniel Collings.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.lonny.com/mag/osWdLZXQXc7/May+2014/3mYp7cJZax5/Pomp+and+Circumstance" target="_blank">Pomp and Circumstance</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lonny.com/" target="_blank">Lonny</a> (May 2014). </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZT8LcfLMWFKbz_Ouc1XbhZUSM7vjqpFjXeSkXKxCodnmT8un3ruTCRdn5uCuN5mDXffz8wmDqj-WP6JznGtc87BCxW5O0LSJefPF0fbgOTM6yKaPk31uv_QydLjzXqIgfeBUO6TNDPh0/s1600/TCX0813milesbrewton010-mv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZT8LcfLMWFKbz_Ouc1XbhZUSM7vjqpFjXeSkXKxCodnmT8un3ruTCRdn5uCuN5mDXffz8wmDqj-WP6JznGtc87BCxW5O0LSJefPF0fbgOTM6yKaPk31uv_QydLjzXqIgfeBUO6TNDPh0/s1600/TCX0813milesbrewton010-mv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Sisters India (far left) and Gigi Manigault, attired for after-school pursuits, in the ballroom of the Miles Brewton House in Charleston, where they live with their mother, Lee Manigault."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Jonathan Becker.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/charleston-miles-brewton-house#slide-1" target="_blank">Grand Inheritance</a>" by David Netto.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.townandcountrymag.com/" target="_blank">Town and Country</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKvYZwKBlRPc4iH7Rru0P-rtU9P8dCmoIEVZ4kPtYIg0s69FVHKKlAuWPIvpHFjbup-jdGNDN-K4FnQ5PiJxppLZbav4vkq3AioUGIf4eXFNdBV6hwmOfqTjGWfa9k04b4jCAawceRGQ/s1600/PatrickCox_LivingRoom_1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKvYZwKBlRPc4iH7Rru0P-rtU9P8dCmoIEVZ4kPtYIg0s69FVHKKlAuWPIvpHFjbup-jdGNDN-K4FnQ5PiJxppLZbav4vkq3AioUGIf4eXFNdBV6hwmOfqTjGWfa9k04b4jCAawceRGQ/s1600/PatrickCox_LivingRoom_1996.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Somehow it makes sense that Canadian-born shoe designer Patrick Cox lives in what used to be a private ballroom. You can almost hear the patter of well-shod feet skipping across the polished parquet floor. His apartment, originally featured in House & Home's February/March issue from 1996, is remarkably relevant today. Paul's elegant couches, vintage furniture pieces and neutral colour palette are timeless."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patrick Cox's Notting Hill apartment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Henry Bourne.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://houseandhome.com/design/neoclassical-living-room" target="_blank">Neoclassical Living Room</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/" target="_blank">Canadian House and Home</a> (February/March 1996).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2mCX1femBubSd8el6hb39ADzxs0FAmMSg3a_Mj3kkHNvcbCTuEn45yVfgtjUVU-dOIaufMAxGQhe2cWnhyXH1y7o0OHBSFDFj56qYtykz1sTpOxzDAJQDZYZ5AmWbVSgoNMpvKujYuI/s1600/item7.rendition.slideshowVertical.hosl08_menotti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2mCX1femBubSd8el6hb39ADzxs0FAmMSg3a_Mj3kkHNvcbCTuEn45yVfgtjUVU-dOIaufMAxGQhe2cWnhyXH1y7o0OHBSFDFj56qYtykz1sTpOxzDAJQDZYZ5AmWbVSgoNMpvKujYuI/s1600/item7.rendition.slideshowVertical.hosl08_menotti.jpg" width="542" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Yester House, dating from the late 17th century and situated in East Lothian, in the southeast of Scotland, stands at the base of the Lammermuir Hills. Owner Francis Menotti explains that numerous Scottish architects had a hand in its design and renovations, notably Robert Adam, to whom the north façade is credited.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 'There’s nothing better than listening to music in the ballroom,' Menotti says of the saloon, Robert Adam’s most famous contribution to Yester House. In 1789 Adam improved on his father William’s original early-18th-century design by enlarging the windows in better proportion to the lofty, 30-foot ceiling." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text and photography by Derry Moore.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2008-12/menotti_slideshow_slideshow_item7_8" target="_blank">Scotland's Yester House</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a> (December 12, 2008).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FXhJ0aRDQ8g2bxWEErBTu7qTbmki4ORgEtgw7b4d4O_hnEVuMo826cFHrvU73-ZLUDC6xF1CEWTa1YazH4IuX9QnBHANREeL9RZI1T2gK9I3Bf2YO_E1n6N9xW1dhZZU9iclIUQ8kb0/s1600/1079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FXhJ0aRDQ8g2bxWEErBTu7qTbmki4ORgEtgw7b4d4O_hnEVuMo826cFHrvU73-ZLUDC6xF1CEWTa1YazH4IuX9QnBHANREeL9RZI1T2gK9I3Bf2YO_E1n6N9xW1dhZZU9iclIUQ8kb0/s1600/1079.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.greenbrier.com/Meetings-Groups/Meeting-Rooms/Upper-Level/Cameo-Ballroom.aspx" target="_blank">Cameo Ballroom</a> at The Greenbrier.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo via <a href="http://www.greenbrier.com/" target="_blank">The Greenbrier</a> website.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1J45MVDzuXlcXYUtcufp-g0S0Inn34gKpl7U1JEfEH_Uvm6lCGzY_B5Lqde4EVLz5a0Rxy59h4moVh5Ej1CtDLuY7arXl7WYRo8VssxZ8mjSdYNzmXn5u87yc1SYPGifmWHqKyXnx-k/s1600/item11.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.mario-buatta-12-palm-beach-ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1J45MVDzuXlcXYUtcufp-g0S0Inn34gKpl7U1JEfEH_Uvm6lCGzY_B5Lqde4EVLz5a0Rxy59h4moVh5Ej1CtDLuY7arXl7WYRo8VssxZ8mjSdYNzmXn5u87yc1SYPGifmWHqKyXnx-k/s1600/item11.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.mario-buatta-12-palm-beach-ballroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "In the ballroom, Oscar de la Renta Home armchairs by Century Furniture join custom-made sofas modeled after a Jean-Michel Frank design."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ballroom of Windsong, the Palm Beach, Florida, home of Hilary and Wilbur Ross.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Scott Frances.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Christopher Mason.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2013-07/mario-buatta-hilary-wilbur-ross-hamptons-palm-beach-home-slideshow_slideshow_Palm-Beach--Ballroom_12" target="_blank">Two Breathtaking Estates in the Hamptons and Palm Beach</a>" produced by Howard Christian.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgc5XwElbhJ5o15YN1TyVy7MF0F147-8RzDoUEDrCHJ8Cg8zfASVLb6LF5GK-fmpt6TVSC3ltPAkHy1Ynj1dyZ-A4x7gQ91wA5_kXraVo9RDbrcrRDhtqAU-IYwX3ecxZPddW982tTJM/s1600/5b137f35193c2a72a9b16d7978878c0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgc5XwElbhJ5o15YN1TyVy7MF0F147-8RzDoUEDrCHJ8Cg8zfASVLb6LF5GK-fmpt6TVSC3ltPAkHy1Ynj1dyZ-A4x7gQ91wA5_kXraVo9RDbrcrRDhtqAU-IYwX3ecxZPddW982tTJM/s1600/5b137f35193c2a72a9b16d7978878c0f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The ballroom with its two magnificent Murano chandeliers."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palazzo Papadopoli, the Arrivabene family's palazzo on the Grand Canal.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Simon Watson.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.wmagazine.com/culture/art-and-design/2007/10/arrivabene_palazzo_s/photos/slide/9" target="_blank">Venice: Slideshow</a>" by Marella Caracciolo.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wmagazine.com/" target="_blank">W Magazine</a> (October 1, 2007). </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmYFSOsGq2k_25aQ9O4Vr8-5Xnw9-BMoKfxvTaRw2lKyLudRiLZKT6S-im8jarxgl4T0ASQhHWjQfmJR2z3husjEFV4AzgmBfedW2Q3izMAfNzv3SfTi775qa41GjYvrNDiDFzxHnmg8/s1600/415fe816eae72bed94fed32d548fc906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmYFSOsGq2k_25aQ9O4Vr8-5Xnw9-BMoKfxvTaRw2lKyLudRiLZKT6S-im8jarxgl4T0ASQhHWjQfmJR2z3husjEFV4AzgmBfedW2Q3izMAfNzv3SfTi775qa41GjYvrNDiDFzxHnmg8/s1600/415fe816eae72bed94fed32d548fc906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"When building the 17,000-square-foot Georgian style mansion in the 1950s, the original owners imported the walls and doors from a French palace dating to about 1760. Paint experts came up with an authentic pale-blue hue for the walls, and the couple commissioned murals, as well as gilding carved features to keep the ballroom as historically accurate as possible. They then furnished it in period pieces from Sotheby's, including Louis XV furniture and a bronze Louis XVI center table by Adam Weisweiler."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Locksley," the Millwood, Virginia, home of Ronald and Danielle Bradley.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn for <i>The Wall Street Journal</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/slideshow-ballroom-bliss-1405009243?tesla=y&ref=SB10001424052702304418604580015061733621660#7" target="_blank">Ballrooms Make a Comeback</a>" by Laura Stevens.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wsj.com/" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> (July 10, 2014).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7bVj1m_qZJgGWedzHqToiWDaXCPur9tmKCi8P-2XxBUUJVuOrYRG1Ksidg6eqRW7B_dLSBXjGwDpoU2Qo3dXAibKJDMUe5-09YuffkoxiXxPxRJXrLMgr_XIUMd_w8NsO6D28HWwFPQ/s1600/item4.rendition.slideshowVertical.hosl05_kinloch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7bVj1m_qZJgGWedzHqToiWDaXCPur9tmKCi8P-2XxBUUJVuOrYRG1Ksidg6eqRW7B_dLSBXjGwDpoU2Qo3dXAibKJDMUe5-09YuffkoxiXxPxRJXrLMgr_XIUMd_w8NsO6D28HWwFPQ/s1600/item4.rendition.slideshowVertical.hosl05_kinloch.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, founded by the Prince of Wales, has spearheaded the restoration of Kinloch Castle, an 1890s hunting lodge on the remote Isle of Rum, two hours off the Scottish coast. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edwardian architectural details decorate the ballroom, used during [original owner Sir George] Bullough’s frequent house parties. The Louis XVI-style chairs are original, as are the chintz covers and silk upholstery fabric beneath."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Derry Moore, Courtesy The Prince’s Regeneration Trust.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Derry Moore.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2008-10/kinloch_slideshow_slideshow_undefined_5" target="_blank">Kinloch Castle Revival</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a> (October 2008).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzv-3WIly0DzZ9GsmYAPtQdRQpRP8Po7gSjZfZqgWaMKAg2DvU_qQMO3Xjtrvu5Ft_ehT1mZluilF3b07YcgzdI8huDig145J9Dd4aD5s4zUnMiHv0eTm9FkOBVFdnY_LTG5Ps_236rA/s1600/01-hbx-the-great-gatsby-ballroom-xln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzv-3WIly0DzZ9GsmYAPtQdRQpRP8Po7gSjZfZqgWaMKAg2DvU_qQMO3Xjtrvu5Ft_ehT1mZluilF3b07YcgzdI8huDig145J9Dd4aD5s4zUnMiHv0eTm9FkOBVFdnY_LTG5Ps_236rA/s1600/01-hbx-the-great-gatsby-ballroom-xln.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay Gatsby's ballroom flaunts marble columns, a curving staircase, and a gilded ceiling. 'On the one hand it's a sad, lonely Gothic house, but it's also a house of great wealth and beauty,' says production and costume designer Catherine Martin. 'It had to encapsulate Gatsby's extraordinary ambitions and his optimistic, romantic soul.' "</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures via <i>House Beautiful</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/photos/the-great-gatsby-set-photos?click=main_sr#slide-1" target="_blank">10 Photos from the set of <i>The Great Gatsby</i></a>" by Sarah Yang.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/" target="_blank">House Beautiful</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVktAmycCSRmgpg5ooygOMWMsznOM8HDkcF3AT_27tTbWgXBMLFyucQ7Bbk9cRUgmhWpZMzGK2SuAGjN6ZJfcrbdQgW0kEMWc5ORvCD-8Bafz7UjPkeXf-u5p8_YEp8kYsf8ArIlo0igE/s1600/historical-paint-colors-historical-homes-04-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVktAmycCSRmgpg5ooygOMWMsznOM8HDkcF3AT_27tTbWgXBMLFyucQ7Bbk9cRUgmhWpZMzGK2SuAGjN6ZJfcrbdQgW0kEMWc5ORvCD-8Bafz7UjPkeXf-u5p8_YEp8kYsf8ArIlo0igE/s1600/historical-paint-colors-historical-homes-04-lgn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "The magnificent ballroom of the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, is painted a dazzling blue. Called Palace Ballroom Wallpaper Prussian Blue CW611, the shade is one of the 184 from the Williamsburg Color Collection by Pratt & Lambert."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Credit: courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation via Elle Decor.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color-lessons-from-the-past-65196#slide-4" target="_blank">Color Lessons from the Past</a>" by Mitchell Owens.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/" target="_blank">Elle Decor</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxqdIT5n86n3bCLvaCtxQkzWN11OzIipMX7PxqFK2MceVmIGA_70U-i1A-mMwvpmVaePnxQ7d0QRNqF5ZrmXKVIeboEAAp9VD2cQ7o7arPBFPeWUKhzkKEzOr06LmwoQKcQjrdhVQx_I/s1600/partial-ballrm34th-Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxqdIT5n86n3bCLvaCtxQkzWN11OzIipMX7PxqFK2MceVmIGA_70U-i1A-mMwvpmVaePnxQ7d0QRNqF5ZrmXKVIeboEAAp9VD2cQ7o7arPBFPeWUKhzkKEzOr06LmwoQKcQjrdhVQx_I/s1600/partial-ballrm34th-Street.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A partial picture of the original ballroom in the 34th Street house."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mrs. Astor's famous ballroom. The Empire State Building now stands on the site - 350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1907199" target="_blank">The First Four Hundred</a>"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/" target="_blank">New York Social Diary</a> (August 18, 2011).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4sgSwDBZJb7okRz0GMSeoxgJwNyhu9iAS-OwgRZkm7JwQCQQ6QpY5nQ5W2zZ_79eJE_TIF7Utsej9EkoEs21S8hBK3Cv6DI5h-dcfP9tZQmBoSkzW1t4ISfLbcO7GTg7ibxYIE0J4kw/s1600/estates-greystone-great-house-9-0309_MD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4sgSwDBZJb7okRz0GMSeoxgJwNyhu9iAS-OwgRZkm7JwQCQQ6QpY5nQ5W2zZ_79eJE_TIF7Utsej9EkoEs21S8hBK3Cv6DI5h-dcfP9tZQmBoSkzW1t4ISfLbcO7GTg7ibxYIE0J4kw/s1600/estates-greystone-great-house-9-0309_MD.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Like a Gothic cathedral, Greystone's multistory Grand Ballroom feels otherworldly. Its scale of magnitude sets the stage for Jack Fhillips' design. To create intimacy, the designer brought together antiques, upholstery in a neutral palette and wood furnishings distressed with a bit of metallic sheen. Its oversize contemporary artwork quantifies its architectural proportions. Suitable for elaborate or intimate gatherings, the dramatic interior salutes the awe-inspiring grandeur many have experienced at Greystone."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Jack Fhillips</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Peter Vitale.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.veranda.com/room-decorating/great-house-greystone-estate?click=img_sr#slide-9" target="_blank">Well-Designed: Greystone Estate</a>" by Deborah Sanders and Catrherine Lee Davis.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/" target="_blank">Veranda</a>.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPbjQ7o7Lp90FCaMHu9uDd5PWpvKc6tZxXYV-QqzAulcSIhmEKq8SyAckBIUClN52ZdAQm-SmCik6_fXhyQH_XCt4mO2N8JoO_HOqKNgLf9ff7xieUsV2Y3Iom8rUisxXhld_LzfB3ew/s1600/item2.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-03-ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPbjQ7o7Lp90FCaMHu9uDd5PWpvKc6tZxXYV-QqzAulcSIhmEKq8SyAckBIUClN52ZdAQm-SmCik6_fXhyQH_XCt4mO2N8JoO_HOqKNgLf9ff7xieUsV2Y3Iom8rUisxXhld_LzfB3ew/s1600/item2.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-03-ballroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The ballroom, now the main living area, is swathed in an apricot silk by Grey Watkins from Stark; the chandelier is French, the curtains are of a Pierre Frey satin, and the Savonnerie carpet is by Stark."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The New York apartment of Aileen Mehle, the society columnist known as Suzy Knickerbocker.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Mario Buatta.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Scott Frances.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Aileen Mehle.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2012-01/mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-slideshow_slideshow_undefined_3" target="_blank">Mario Buatta Creates a Regal Residence for Aileen Mehle</a>" produced by Howard Christian.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a> (January 2012).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnhatWTuhBWqBKLHjhytRm5uSM47EOXZUaqJ1ZRIg8aYqO_LEk7P7HBYoYmgbcfKxH9b8tqmEuho1ZUCJsdUqOH5RQUSI2LTvQ2RjwbID32MKZ5JDbJC8pLoFS0oYc41j3d5a22cI3Kc/s1600/item3.rendition.slideshowVertical.mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-04-ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnhatWTuhBWqBKLHjhytRm5uSM47EOXZUaqJ1ZRIg8aYqO_LEk7P7HBYoYmgbcfKxH9b8tqmEuho1ZUCJsdUqOH5RQUSI2LTvQ2RjwbID32MKZ5JDbJC8pLoFS0oYc41j3d5a22cI3Kc/s1600/item3.rendition.slideshowVertical.mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-04-ballroom.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "The ballroom features Mehle’s collection of 18th- and 19th-century mirrors and paintings, which overlook a Chinese low table by Gracie, an 18th-century Italian bergère (at right), and a sofa whose pillows are made of Scalamandré floral prints."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The New York apartment of Aileen Mehle, the society columnist known as Suzy Knickerbocker.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Mario Buatta.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Scott Frances.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Aileen Mehle.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2012-01/mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-slideshow_slideshow_undefined_4" target="_blank">Mario Buatta Creates a Regal Residence for Aileen Mehle</a>" produced by Howard Christian.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a> (January 2012).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaig4exXNhs14vd94Fjsyz5brsceoXOAfHQoErvmloZVBxkq7_7fkTUg9IfguNCuGViI1E0jnpEt5bzEH1li3kp33MkX1NSu7u4xzCD7OuGSvC3p0OroDWs_flZbj3RfBBHs_JnLwNLGg/s1600/item4.rendition.slideshowVertical.mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-05-ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaig4exXNhs14vd94Fjsyz5brsceoXOAfHQoErvmloZVBxkq7_7fkTUg9IfguNCuGViI1E0jnpEt5bzEH1li3kp33MkX1NSu7u4xzCD7OuGSvC3p0OroDWs_flZbj3RfBBHs_JnLwNLGg/s1600/item4.rendition.slideshowVertical.mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-05-ballroom.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "The ballroom also has original crown moldings and a ceiling high enough to accommodate Mehle’s prized Italian secretary; the Louis XVI wing chair is covered in a blue velvet by Clarence House, and the paw-foot stool in the foreground is upholstered in a Brunschwig and Fils leopard velvet."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The New York apartment of Aileen Mehle, the society columnist known as Suzy Knickerbocker.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interior design by Mario Buatta.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photography by Scott Frances.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text by Aileen Mehle.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2012-01/mario-buatta-aileen-mehle-manhattan-apartment-slideshow_slideshow_undefined_5" target="_blank">Mario Buatta Creates a Regal Residence for Aileen Mehle</a>" produced by Howard Christian.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a> (January 2012).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj-WdUJiK1DrqaSzWeBoutcbXEdNqzwriTwyuIR5OhaXpImKoe-5L5nXEjU2y2a0c1c8Vl_ddmC_CVGaxfmcCXAlemMBy1JwWLFtFJdrD8UAlTUmx-EwXJ9nyGROGvfb07OC2XmqAROQ/s1600/959b93b8afb43cdc3c14e504895f6461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj-WdUJiK1DrqaSzWeBoutcbXEdNqzwriTwyuIR5OhaXpImKoe-5L5nXEjU2y2a0c1c8Vl_ddmC_CVGaxfmcCXAlemMBy1JwWLFtFJdrD8UAlTUmx-EwXJ9nyGROGvfb07OC2XmqAROQ/s1600/959b93b8afb43cdc3c14e504895f6461.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"In a real-estate Cinderella story, a handful of homeowners across the South are transforming the seemingly dated concept of a ballroom into lavish spaces for everything from charity benefits to a playroom for the grandkids. In Atlanta, Kimberly and Lee Najjar use their Atlanta ballroom, pictured, for family games, birthday parties and black-tie dinners."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn for The Wall Street Journal.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/slideshow-ballroom-bliss-1405009243?tesla=y&ref=SB10001424052702304418604580015061733621660#1" target="_blank">Ballrooms Make a Comeback</a>" by Laura Stevens.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wsj.com/" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> (July 10, 2014).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5dTWmy6YgNqiq8iYoK5hcru4_eBtGZOtvxZIuKeSk8jJYp8RVoKH1peRwSIsjczZwy0X6sbIKRdMhBvpwD3Jmru0fodkTvgT_pvAUbD8bDNI1pcLZRKRYzzK8ALQ_o2m_hqgG02VACs/s1600/d4825224988577c34602bc5191a3d4af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5dTWmy6YgNqiq8iYoK5hcru4_eBtGZOtvxZIuKeSk8jJYp8RVoKH1peRwSIsjczZwy0X6sbIKRdMhBvpwD3Jmru0fodkTvgT_pvAUbD8bDNI1pcLZRKRYzzK8ALQ_o2m_hqgG02VACs/s1600/d4825224988577c34602bc5191a3d4af.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Viewers of TV's <i>Devious Maids</i> will recognize the room: Scenes for the show have been taped there."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kimberly and Lee Najjar's Atlanta ballroom.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn for The Wall Street Journal.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/slideshow-ballroom-bliss-1405009243?tesla=y&ref=SB10001424052702304418604580015061733621660#3" target="_blank">Ballrooms Make a Comeback</a>" by Laura Stevens.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wsj.com/" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> (July 10, 2014).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtpFuVD32kKdf36DknTsUFID5kTXLEiTAXRQ5AsJUEesJjV7r2uueQUXpVX-8hQ_g9DzPWkUydHZNcWgOvm9LoMuZhKSXO7iCeZYYmSlx0n5RESnLVDTBLC9v9U_qs6he7BUcuNJZUHM/s1600/953fd4d2e3f2bb09b494a6e80c26dd59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtpFuVD32kKdf36DknTsUFID5kTXLEiTAXRQ5AsJUEesJjV7r2uueQUXpVX-8hQ_g9DzPWkUydHZNcWgOvm9LoMuZhKSXO7iCeZYYmSlx0n5RESnLVDTBLC9v9U_qs6he7BUcuNJZUHM/s1600/953fd4d2e3f2bb09b494a6e80c26dd59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Glickmans have hosted a couple of balls, as well as birthday parties, re-enactments of period dances, slideshows, charity events and lectures. They've even rigged it up as a playroom for their nieces and grandchildren on occasion. They set up a trampoline, a hobby horse and games."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Donald and Mia Glickman's 30-by-40-foot ballroom in their Marshall, Virginia, home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn for The Wall Street Journal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/slideshow-ballroom-bliss-1405009243?tesla=y&ref=SB10001424052702304418604580015061733621660#13" target="_blank">Ballrooms Make a Comeback</a>" by Laura Stevens.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wsj.com/" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> (July 10, 2014).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Belle of the Ball

You probably have heard of  Mrs. Astor's "Four Hundred" - the number of people who could be entertained in the Fifth Avenue ba...

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