Henley Regatta is always a colourful and fabulous affair. 2017 was no exception!

Our social highlight of the season, this gala event has all the ingredients of the perfect summer party. Check out last year’s shenanigans here.

By day, the sound of tinkling laughter and the sexy hum of the sax player takes precedent, amid a backdrop of Prosecco corks popping and the polite consumption of endless Waitrose finger sandwiches, caviar blinis and crab pate.

Marquees flank the busy riverside al fresco diners, absentmindedly cheering on the frequent rowers with the occasional flurry of excitement as the race runs to a close call.

We enjoyed the hospitality as guests of top host, Mark, of Love Henley Regatta. A hearty three course lunch befitting the surroundings and a surprisingly affordable bar made this the perfect option in the Ambassadors enclosure.

Andrea and I were kindly dressed by Chi Chi clothing – the ultimate destination for the best dressed list.

I chose the Petal, with it’s love heart neckline and floral touches, it was pretty as a picture and ultra flattering.

Andrea’s laser cut mint number was a ‘wow’ moment. The style is ‘Leeney’ and available in various colourways, this was a fabulous choice for any occasion.

We had more compliments than I could count. Both eye-catching and practical, (read hides tummy!) we made perfect choices! Order one day, try on the next, perfect fit – job done! I’ve never worried less about my choice of outfit than this time, I could get used to a stress -free dress future!

Our afternoon flew by and we were much later than usualI getting to the Chinawhite soiree in Temple Island Meadows because the vibe at the LoveHenleyRegatta enclosure was so chilled we didn’t want to leave, but we managed to tear ourselves away eventually – it’s quite a walk (hence the sparkly flats you see in most pics!) and so many distractions on the way! Keep your eye on the prize though guys as Chinawhite is undoubtedly the place to be after dark.

Pete Tong was the star attraction this year and the excitement tangible as the clock ticked til his appearance. His predecessor, Roger Sanchez, was a hard act to follow as he was amazing last year but Tong is such a legend we were primed and ready for a show.

Faces glittered and a glass of Moet in hand, it was time to party!

Garden party vibes abounded wit the fizz of Moet mingling with the chatter of the glitterati.

Pop up shop regulars like Hugo formerly from Made In Chelsea fed the revellers retail habit and beauty makeover stations had us all sparkled up ready for the main event.

The V.I.P. tent was jumping as the resident DJ warmed us all up and got the party well and truly started. Pete Tong treated us to a banging set – sadly departing at 11pm – but leaving us in the capable hands of his replacement.

At midnight, the fun comes to a sudden halt and we felt like Cinderella in duplicate as it the time came to head back down the golden mile, after-party pumps coming into full effect as the dancing had taken its toll on our tootsies!

We stayed in the Ibis in Reading, an easy journey from the Regatta and a waiting shuttle bus at Henley station whisks the shattered revellers to their various destinations. We have worked the Regatta this way for two years now and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Treat yo self! Tickets for the Ambassadors enclosure with Love Henley Regatta are available here:

http://lovehenleyregatta.co.uk/tickets.php

*Disclaimer: We were gifted our hospitality, tickets and our outfits etc but all thoughts and feelings on Henley, our favourite event of the year, are as always, my own.*