A Gilded Holiday Weekend in Newport, RI for Governor’s Ball

Originally posted December 5, 2016, the blog post may have been edited for clarity and updated with relevant information and links.

For Salve Regina University’s 40th Annual Governor’s Ball, I pulled out all of the stops to make it a special weekend in Newport, Rhode Island.

About Salve Regina University’s Governor’s Ball

Every December, Salve Regina University holds a winter ball for alumni, family, and friends to raise funds for student scholarships.

The event is the most impactful for the Salve Regina University community. Not only do the proceeds benefit current students, but Governor’s Ball is a great occasion for alumni to reconnect and enjoy a fun-filled evening during the holiday season.

Governor’s Ball is also a great opportunity for corporate teams to escape to Newport for a good cause.

Where to Stay for Salve Regina University’s Governor’s Ball

Since I have never needed to stay at a hotel in Newport before, I wanted to pick the perfect place.

Earlier this fall, Jess Kirby of Prosecco & Plaid wrote a blog post on her trip to Camden, Maine and she mentioned how she stayed at the Whitehall Inn. I remembered that she had tagged Lark Hotels on one of her Instagram photos from the trip.

A few link clicks later, I found out that the hotel group has properties in New England and California, including Gilded in Newport.

A stylish boutique hotel style steps away from Bellevue Avenue fit exactly what I had in mind—it didn’t take me long to book my hotel room.

Gilded is centrally located in downtown Newport in the Catherine-Kay Street neighborhood in close proximity to both Bellevue Avenue (The Hotel Viking, Newport Art Museum side) and Broadway.

The room I stayed in was located on the first floor by the front desk. I was concerned that I might hear everything and everyone, but it was great—I loved how the smell of freshly baked pastries woke me up in the morning.

Additional Hotel Recommendations

Newport Marriott

Inside the Newport Marriott

The Vanderbilt

Getting Ready for Salve Regina University’s Governor’s Ball

Outfit

I decided to buy different shoes and accessories to go with my dress because I was afraid of being underdressed. I went back to Wish Consignment and bought heels, earrings, and a necklace, all of which fortuitously happen to be J. Crew.

Beauty & Hair

I ran to Apothecary Newport for a much-needed brow design before making my way to JF3 Salon for my updo. The jewelry I bought at Wish made me second-guess myself about whether I should

1) wear both the necklace and the earrings and

2) style my hair all the way up or half up, half down…

So this is the end result.

Party time

The evening kicked off with a special reception for alumni, parents, and friends in McAuley Hall. Everyone enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres sponsored by local restaurants and vendors before Ochre Court opened for the ball.

When we arrived, I didn’t realize that alumni were seated on the second floor of Ochre Court overlooking the Great Hall—it was a glamorous perch for sipping champagne and people-watching.

I’m slightly surprised that I didn’t take any photos throughout the night, but I’m happier to have spent a distraction-free evening chatting with friends and alumni. Governor’s Ball is my new holiday tradition that I hope to share with everyone who wants to spend a wonderful winter weekend in Newport.