An honest girl will tell you that the best part of any ball is getting dressed up (and wearing false eyelashes).

This weekend, Ty and I were guests at the White Christmas gala at the Biltmore: 40s themed and all. The event benefits Ryan House.

I wore my (faux) fur, the velvet gown that emerges once per year, a vintage veil and a truly insane feathered hat. (Maybe not so ’40s, maybe a little Kate Middleton, but still fun to wear.)

The eyelashes: IMPORTANT. Also crucial: girlfriends who love to get glammed up, too. Maggie and Marissa joined us in high style. (I wish you could all see Marissa’s dress when she twirled.)

The Biltmore is gorgeous at Christmas. A giant tree on the front lawn welcomed us.

And inside: star lights twinkle on that famous gold-leaf ceiling. I suggest you take yourselves to the Biltmore bar this week for a champagne cocktail. Sip it under the twinkle lights, admire the giant gingerbread houses on display, and celebrate the birthplace of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” (Truly: He wrote the song sitting next to the Biltmore pool.)

Ask them to pour your champagne in a vintage-stype coupe so you can pretend you’re Veronica Lake.

Posh appetizer idea: caviar and cream cheese in individual tins.

There was deconstructed cherries jubilee for dessert.

And, of course, dancing.

When the band played White Christmas, we all looked out the windows. There it was: snow in Phoenix.

I’m dreaming of more.