Stormy love with #LadyWimbledon

I once thought it would be romantic to fall asleep to the sound of raindrops gently tap dancing on the skylight above my bed. Yet, recent wild nights have brought loud moaning only from the winds, whilst fences creak and trees are heard being stretched further than a Jane Fonda workout. No wonder my dreams have been tampered with by pirates and a ships sails billowing on a stormy sea.

Luckily, in-between each storm's disruptive fling, The Wimbledon Love Ball gowns glistened like the winter sun that shone that day. Gentlemen found their old, borrowed or new tuxedos whilst ladies rummaged at the back of their wardrobe or eagerly searched shops for the perfect dress.

I had my own conundrum. My legs hadn’t seen daylight (or a razor) for quite a few months and the bright green silk dress I fell in love with a month ago in Ela London’s shop window in Knightsbridge was a lot shorter than I remembered. The night before the party, I dashed to Edwina Ibbotson, the milliner in this month's Tatler magazine, to try on one of her extraordinarily large hats and the ever convenient Elys to buy a pair of sparkly Cinderella shoes.

On the day of the party, I was immediately mesmerised by the Ball’s three metre pink flower wall designed and created by Danielle Sweeney Events. Taking a deep breath, I swooned at the scent of Parkminster candles, which transformed the orangery at Hotel du Vin into a room of romance. Knowing 200 guests were about to walk upon the red carpet Essential AV had just laid, I was beginning to feel excited.

As glasses filled with bubbles and wine, guests from all over London poured into the room. To my delight, my Instagram crush arrived on all fours. Teddy Cook. The cutest dog in Wimbledon whom I absolutely adore.

As I welcomed the guests, four handsome fellows from Britain’s Got Talent; Jack Pack, the UK’s most successful swing band, stepped onto the stage and blew the crowds away with their live performance. I took Mrs Brown’s hand and led her to the packed dance floor to dance the night away. Soon joined by So Solid Crew’s Twin MC’s, OTM, LORD TCO, Wordz and the man who always makes me and anyone in his company feel like his bestie; MC Kie, were all on top form laughing and joking with guests.

Local heroes Celeb FC who continuously raise money for local charities arrived to support the big raffle draw. Armed with a hamper and Teamlookalikes to make our guests do a double take to see if Meghan Markle and Prince Harry really were in Wimbledon. Crowds cheered and booed as the raffle ticket winners were announced.

A night at Hotel du Vin, wine tasting and champagne from Friarwood, a meal for two at Kababji and Roxie Steak, plus sumptuous bouquets of flowers from florist Brian Kirkby were claimed by smiles of joy. Even the Mayor herself donated a bottle of Bollinger, afternoon tea at Wimbledon Tennis and a generous hamper. Both winners and raffle losers were proud to have contributed to raising money for the Mayor of Merton’s Charitable Trust. It is fair to say that as soon as Mayor Janice Howard and Deputy Edward Fowley arrived, they soon became the life and soul of the party and guests were delighted to learn about their chosen charities; Macmillan Cancer Support and Faith in Action - Merton Homelessness Project.

By the end of the night, when the clock struck 12, I flung off both my Cinderella shoes and ordered a large pot of tea. At first guests chuckled, but soon thought it was a marvellous idea and joined me. I was filled to the brim with pride and joy for the party was a sensational success. Everyone who attended The Wimbledon Love Ball felt the warmth and love in the room. It’s just as well we all had an evening of smiles, mingling, dancing and romance, as I hear Storm Ellen is on her way! Just the thought of a February threesome storm outside my bedroom window will certainly disrupt my sleep.

Batten down the hatches, and the fence!

Warmest,

@LadyWimbledon