Balls and Fashionable Parties.
Fashionable Movements. The most noteworthy of the dancing and other parties given by the beau monde during the first week of February were the two brilliant balls of Mr and Mrs. Fletcher Norton of 4 Wellington square, and Mr. Harford, of 95 Marina. The former was graced by about 150 of the elite of both towns, and the latter by about 110. The first was on Tuesday night, and the second on Wednesday night, Mrs. Fletcher Norton's was held at her own residence and Mr. Harford's at the decorated Assembly rooms. The supper-room of the latter was supplied from Gunter's London establishment, and the whole arrangements were such as to afford the utmost enjoyment to the large and brilliant assemblage.
A Soiree Dansante was also given by Mr. and Mrs Fletcher Norton on the 5th of January to upwards of 120 fashionables of both towns and neighbourhood. Many other similar but less numerically attended parties during the week were given in different parts of the borough.
Mr. Brassey's Costume Ball. On Thursday evening the 21st of January, the beautiful mansion of Beauport, the residence of T. Brassey Esq. was the scene of a splendid entertainment in the form of a fancy ball, the invitations to which were very numerous, and the preparations for which, judging from their completeness, must have been very extensive. It was understood that about 300 invitation had been sent out, but that the company, including several parties of friends previously entertained at dinner, considerably exceeded that number. Full deatails appeared at the time in the St. Leonards Gazette.
Another Costume Ball. It is generally admitted that there are but few, if any places in England whose natural attractions are superior to those of our own locality, and yet, for all that, there is a time when if no other source of recreation is discoverable but that which is presented by external nature, our townsfolk in general and fashionable society in particular, must needs find the short days and long nights, somewhat dreary, and monotonous, fortunately, in the one case, at least, the dullness is occasionally relieved by the soirees daurantes and other reunions of the haut ton, and these, while they afford rational amusement to such as more in that particular sphere, are also conducive to the interests of the trading classes. A week after the splendid ball at Beauport, another fancy dress ball took place at Grand parade, the residence of Col. Shakespeare. Invitations were sent to as many friends at the house would accommodate, and at the tine of assembling, the party numbered about 70, of whom 50 were similarly attired to many of those who graced with their presence the costume ball at Beauport.
The Annual Christmas Ball. This yearly demonstration of our terpsichorean elite was consummated at the St Leonards Assembly Rooms on Thursday evening, December 29th, when a gay company of about 160 persons took part therein. The whole suite of rooms were employed and the ball in all respects passed off to the delight of the brilliant company.
