Oh, For Auld Lang Syne: A Few Things To Keep In Mind This New Year's Eve

New Years Eve- everyone's chance at a brand new start.  Start 2009 off right by putting your best foot forward at tonight's big bash.  Also, when making resolutions, keep them realistic, attainable and a little bit enjoyable.  And as always, keep your status as a lady of class and integrity in mind.

Getting Dressed

New Years is an excellent excuse to go the extra mile in the glam department.  Try sticking to the bread and butter of glamour- black and white.  Classic, ladylike accents like bows and pearls are absolutely fitting.  Legs should be covered up- whether you go for dark hose or thigh-high stockings, it's going to get cold tonight and there isn't anything more glamourous to keep your legs warm than a good pair of tights.  Heels, if you're braving the snowdrifts, can go sky-high tonight, and you should feel free to experiment with those glossy patent leathers or fabulous animal prints.  A simple shoe is always a good idea, too, especially if your outfit commands a great deal of attention.

The Party

A lady usually arrives no later than 15 minutes late for a party.  Too early and you're standing around uncomfortably, too late and you're being rude.  Make sure to thank your host/ess as soon as you arrive, and if you can, bring them a gift.  Perfect host/ess gifts include a bottle of wine, a little box of chocolates, and of course, a giant bouquet of fresh-picked blooms.  [The latter is best for hostesses]

Don't walk home alone.  Ever.  First of all, any lady worth her weight in pearls will have a slew of prospective male escorts just begging to take her home and second of all, it's extremely dangerous to walk home alone tonight.

Take a cab.  Driving is out of the question tonight, unless of course you are 100% sober.  Even if you are, however, the roads are particularly dangerous due to others who may not be.

Ladies sip bubbly on New Year's Eve.  On that note, Bambino should not be consumed.  The photograph is a last resort.  If you can get your hands on it, look for a bottle of Moet Chandon or Veuve Cliquot- the ultimate best.  Be careful to match each glass of champagne with a glass of water- it's a little less than ladylike to be the first one drunk.  Ladies really should avoid getting drunk at all, but allowances need to be made sometimes.

A Few Extra Tips

1. As after any party, make sure to send a Thank-You card to the host/ess.
2. If you spill something, apologize with sincerity but don't let it ruin your night.  Ask your host where they keep their cleaning products, clean it up quickly and thoroughly, and carry on with your evening.
3. Don't partake in drugs or alcohol if your host/ess has asked you not to.
4. If you need to smoke, don't do it indoors.  Ask your host/ess where the best spot would be and honour their wishes.
5. Totter off to bed when you feel obnoxious.  Do not become that annoying drunk girl.  It's perfectly acceptable to politely excuse yourself and find a cab home.  It could be expensive riding alone, but sleep is always a good idea and waking refreshed and ready to face the day is always in style.
6. It's always far more agreeable to be the lovely sober girl than that wild drunk chick.
7. Don't lie to other party guests or put on accents- too much work.
8. Treat everyone very kindly.  This is always the most important rule.  It's polite, creates friendships and could result in an invitation to the next party.
9. Take time to make pleasant conversation with the other guests, but even more importantly, spend time with your friends.  That's why you're at the party!  Also, include new friends and never, ever, gossip.

A Word Or Two On Boys

Tonight could be, for many, a night wherein time is spent with boys- and we're not talking about playing jacks.  Here are a few good ideas to keep in mind when dealing with gentlemen.

• Being smitten does not excuse a lady from keeping her wits- and manners- about her.
• Screaming on the inside at the sight of a particularly lovely specimen is always allowed.
• Screaming on the outside is rarely acceptable.  
• When making conversation, do not dumb yourself down.  Even if there's an awkward silence.
• Let him be a gentleman, i.e. holding doors, taking your coat, holding your chair.  It makes him feel good, and it makes you feel like royalty.

Have fun tonight, ladies.  Be graceful, elegant, classy and fabulous as always, but take this opportunity to have a smashing good time with the people you love.

Photographs by Chris Taylor, Jayne Siwik and Annie Webber