You heard all about my crazy GEORGE Winter Bash, so now let me tell you about another black tie event I attended that week that was a little more… refined.

Every year, the American Scandinavian Society hosts a Christmas Ball. It’s a perfect start to the holiday season, and one of the most beautifully decorated balls of the year.

Gorgeous, right?

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

The event begins with a dinner, but it’s not until after that the ball’s true Scandinavian heritage is felt.

Once the plates are cleared away, attendees gather in the main room for the Lucia Presentation.

This involves girls singing a choral arrangement, with one special girl wearing the wreath of candles, white robe and red sash of Saint Lucia. The Scandinavians celebrate St. Lucia’s Day on December 13th, and use a lot of candles to bring light to the winter darkness.

I used to dress up as Saint Lucia when I was little, so it brought back fun memories!

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

The performance was absolutely mesmerizing, and seemed to put a magical spell over the party.

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

After the songs were sung, we climbed up the stairs ourselves for some pictures.

While we were doing that, beautiful (and delicious) Christmas desserts were served.

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

After sampling the desserts, we went back to our picture taking.

It was about this time that we realized that we hadn’t included the guys in any of them. Whoops!

The event was held at the Metropolitan Club in the Upper East Side. A few of us had never been there before, so we headed upstairs to look around.

The library was my favorite room. A little light reading, anyone?

After getting our fill exploring, we headed back downstairs to the party.

Where there was dancing. Lots of dancing.

We even were taught a traditional Scandinavian dance from some very tipsy Scandinavians!

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

Photograph courtesy of Berit Hessen

It was a beautiful evening, and the perfect holiday event.

If you would like to become involved with the American Scandinavian Society, you can find more information here.

For information on my hair and makeup, click here.

Merry Christmas, God Jul, Hyvää Joulua and Gleđileg jól!

~A