The countdown to our 27th anniversary Tatler Ball has begun; we hope you are as excited as we are to see everybody again and catch up over good food and fine wines.  

Being one of the most anticipated events of the year, you're without a doubt expected to be dressed to your nines (here's a guide for those not in the know), but looking good and making a respectable impression goes beyond just your dressing; how you carry yourself at the ball can undo even the most beautiful dress and the most well-tailored suit. 

Here are some do's and don’ts to keep in mind if you want to keep a good reputation and let others have a good time.

DO RSVP
Regardless of your social popularity, letting organisers know if you will or will not attend helps with their planning. Besides, you don’t want to show up unexpectedly and be squeezed into an already full table. At the same time, let organisers know your dietary restrictions so they have ample time to plan alternative menu options for you. 

DO adhere to the dress code
Make the effort to dress to theme, or at least dress up to the requisite formality. One familiar face broke this cardinal rule when she turned up for a black-tie ball in a LBD. Remind your plus-one of the dress code. One young gentleman was terribly embarrassed when his date arrived at a ball in shorts.

DO be fashionably punctual
Punctuality for sit-down events is always appreciated. Arriving 15 to 30min late is acceptable, but unless you’re the guest of honour, do try to arrive in time for cocktails.

DO stick to your allocated seats
Sociopolitical factors were carefully weighed when drawing up the seating plan. Guests have unsettled the social equilibrium by blatantly switching placards to sit at “better tables” or with friends—always to the chagrin of organisers. Even if you’re somehow less than overjoyed with your allocated dining companions, take heart: getting up to mingle throughout the night is highly encouraged.

DO practise table manners
The basics: wait for everyone’s course to be served before tucking in; never put your knife to your mouth; don’t talk with your mouth full. If you arrive late, don’t insist on starting from the first course—or having all the courses served at once!—when others are already on their fourth.

DO socialise
Yes, your Facebook friends know you’re at the Ball. Now put your phone down and socialise in person! Don’t be like the socialite who sulked through dinner because she wasn’t seated with friends. This is a good time to get to know others outside your clique. The weather is nothing if not a reliable topic for small talk, but a sincere compliment makes a better conversation starter.

DO enjoy the after-party
The dance floor and bar are open, have fun! You won’t overstay your welcome… unless you misbehave. (We’ve all witnessed the tipsy groper, husband-baiting hussy, goodie bag thief and their ilk.)

DON'T assume invites are transferable
No, you can’t let someone else take your place. No, you can’t bring a companion without having first checked with  the organisers. Yes, it’s always wise to check if you plan to bring someone the host knows but didn’t invite (there’s often good reason). Tension around the table  was palpable when a lady brought along an unpopular acquaintance   after her husband pulled out.

DON'T be a critic

DON'T mistreat the wait staff
Being difficult, rude, impatient or sarcastic to every waiter reflects more about your character than their poor service.

DON'T come for the hunt
Everyone’s here to have a ball. Don’t go round fixated on business networking, exchanging name cards and aggressively hard-selling your business proposal. Even if you’re organising an upcoming charity event, lay off tonight’s sponsors. You can hound them for support tomorrow.

DON'T steal
One lady was infamously blacklisted after she was seen fishing out the most expensive gift from over a dozen goodie bags while guests were on the dance floor. And no, the centrepieces, decorations, tableware and bottles of alcohol from the open bar are really not yours for the taking.

DON'T hog the event photographer
If you’re not queuing for the photo wall, don’t drag the photographer away from his duties there just to get a shot of you. And no, it’s not acceptable to ask for several retakes just because he didn’t get you at that precise “best angle”.

DON'T hijack guests
Herding off friends to your own private party before the night’s programme ends is being disrespectful to your hosts and other guests.

Pay heed because you certainly don't want to end up in our Hall of Shame.