Oh what a year it’s been on the social scene! SO enjoyed divine dinner parties at GoldenEye and business mogul Chris Levy’s home; Betsey Johnson’s 70th birthday ‘do’ in Manhattan; the unexpectedly fabulous Jamaica Military Tattoo; and even the much-talked-about Marley documentary premiere at Emancipation Park. We’re wrapping up our favourite social functions of 2012.

The Legend Lives On, April 22, 2012

The premiere of the Kevin MacDonald-directed documentary Marley at Emancipation Park was the talk du jour weeks after a bumper crowd, including Chris Blackwell, Rita Marley, Bunny Wailer and Cindy Breakspeare, turned out for the event.

SO Fab, June 10, 2012

Unquestionably the most important gastronomic event on the annual social calendar, the Jamaica Observer Food Awards did not disappoint; bringing with it a veritable spread of culinary delights and well-heeled patrons to the lawns of the historic Devon House.

Prince & Pageantry, March 11, 2012

The visit of Prince Henry of Wales, most notably the State Dinner hosted at King’s House, had eager dignitaries and diplomats alike scrambling for a muchcoveted invitation. Those fortunate enough to make the guest list came dressed to the nines, on their P’s and Q’s, and feeling ever so lucky to rub shoulders with the red-haired royal.

JDF On A Mission: Jamaica Military Tattoo 2012, July 8, 2012

The social axis turned at the Jamaica Defence Force’s Up Park Camp base for four nights back in July. And with good reason, as the Jamaica Military Tattoo showcased a dazzling spectacle of 850 performers from seven countries, delighting an audience of thousands with daring feats and musical performances.

How Betsey Does 70, August 19, 2012

We love us some Betsey Johnson at SO, cartwheels and all. So there was no way we were declining the invite to her über-fab 70th birthday ‘do’ at Murano’s in midtown Manhattan.

Dinner In Gold & White at GoldenEye, May 27, 2012

Music mogul Chris Blackwell and Haute Hippie designer Trish Wescoat Pound extended an invite to all-things-gold-and-white dinner party, for what proved a gloriously memorable May evening.

A Best Dressed Salut, November 11, 2012

Jamaica Broilers Group CEO Christopher Levy and his charming wife Sally laid out the welcome carpet for a lavish Salut!-themed dinner at their St Andrew townhouse to celebrate not only the Observer-driven initiative, but all aspects of the food industry: farmers, processors, salesmen and consumers. Our verdict: one of the year’s finest dinner parties!

Nobody Does It Better/Black-Tie Styling, November 18, 2012

The crème de la crème turned out in stylish numbers to support Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Hall of Fame inductee Lorna Myers who was the first woman assigned such an honour. The star wattage and fashionable threads at the red-carpet event had our shutterbug working overtime.

The Art of Dining, August 12, 2012

With The Rock in the throes of its Jubilee celebration and our impressive showing at the Olympic Games, Rachael Barrett, a Jamaican art and style influencer based in the United Kingdom, hosted a dinner party to commemorate Emancipation Day at London’s Embassy Mayfair. Guests RSVP’ing for the luxe affair included fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, tennis icon Boris Becker, artist Marc Quinn and our Chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

Summer Playground Fantasy, August 12, 2012

In just its second incarnation, Summer Playground Fantasy (SPF), which was launched in 2011, solidified its status as one of the summer’s must-do affairs. The upscale weekend party series shifted attention for those-in-the-know from Negril to Ocho Rios.

Ready for Mas Again, March 4, 2012

What is a best-of-social year-end list without Trinidad’s carnival? And we mean that in an entirely rhetorical way.

Bleu Skies, June 3, 2012

The mammoth pool at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa in Hanover was party central for the climax of the Bleu weekend. In-between sips of Appleton and Absolut cocktails, partygoers had a splashing good time at the Dream Entertainment event that kick-started the summer.

Catching A Wave, July 29, 2012

Surfers cresting temperamental waves provided picturesque snapshots for us at the Surfing Association/MAKKA Pro Surfing

Tournament at South Haven in St Thomas back in July. A lovely day out, indeed.