Use of the Parade Halls and Right Wing

[EmmyLee]

I'm curious how often the family used the parade halls. After perusing the APTM site, I've drawn up a list of some of the uses of the parade halls:

Mountain Hall: The children played on the slide there.
Portrait Hall: Hors d'oeurves were served there. Some formal photos were also taken there because of the good lighting.
Semi-Circular Hall: The main course at banquets was served there. Balls were also held in this room. The family used it for watching films.
Marble/Billiard Hall: Used for large receptions (not actually for billiards during Nicholas II's time).

So with this list, my question is: how often were banquets and balls hosted at the AP? Was the Mountain Hall used for anything other than sliding? We know that the family at least passed through these rooms frequently on their way to and from the chapel.

My other question is how often did they venture into the first floor of the right wing-- only when they had visitors staying with them?

[LondonGirl]

My feeling is its like any other large place - like a hotel. most people generally go where they have their rooms. A lot of the palace would no doubt have been as much a novelty to the family as it would be to anyone else.