Fall is the most exciting time of year, with cooler temperatures and a fabulous list of affairs to remember. Four months of glorious shindigs and soirees will keep us on our toes — and in our heels. If you haven’t already, it’s time to send in those reply cards.

Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Fashion Show and Luncheon
We’re vying for front row at the annual Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show and Luncheon September 6 at Neiman Marcus downtown. Gene Jones is the first-ever honorary chair. She and chairman Robin Conlon are eager to watch the exemplary ladies of style — Nancy Carlson, Ellen Winspear, Nancy Carter, Lynn McBee, Ashley Tripplehorn Hunt, Pam Perella, Dee Dee Lee, Pat McEvoy, Tricia Besing, Kim Miller and hall of fame honorary Lana Andrews — strut down the runway flaunting Lanvin’s fall 2012 collection, designed by renowned Alber Elbaz.

Fashion’s Night Out
September 6 is the hautest night of the year. Fashion’s Night Out began in New York City but quickly caught on throughout the world, and our fair city makes the most of the movement. Top stores around town remain open for shopping, cocktails, music and more benefiting various local charities. We won’t be missing the parties at Highland Park Village, Forty Five Ten (co-hosted by CultureMap), NorthPark and Tootsies.

Celebrity Waiter Luncheon
Family Gateway and co-chairs Maggie Cooke Kipp and Shay Geyer honor Faye C. Briggs at this year’s Celebrity Waiter Luncheon September 7 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. We can’t wait to see how all 50 celebrity waiters — including Jody Dean, Dawn and Ryan Neufeld, Courtney Kerr, Matt Nordgren and Ron Corning — are going to entertain us during our lunch break.

Roundup for Autism Pegasus Ball
If you need an excuse to dress in late 19th-century attire, join chairmen Dawn and Ryan Neufeld at the Fairmont September 8 for the Roundup for Autism Pegasus Ball. The evening festivities include silent and live auctions, seated dinner and dancing. A special performance by Grammy Award winner Ski Johnson is sure to dazzle.

2012 Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala
We know you’ve already snagged your seat for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s biggest fundraiser on September 8. After a three-course meal, esteemed cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins conductor Jaap Van Zweden in the Meyerson’s McDermott Hall for an epic performance. An after-party by Vivaldi Patron Circle follows, with more drinks, nibbles and beats by DJ Lucy Wrubel.

Cattle Baron’s Ball
We’re pulling up our cowboy boots, getting fitted for our hats and heading to Southfork Ranch September 29 for the 39th annual Cattle Baron’s Ball. This is one of the biggest fundraisers benefiting the American Cancer Society. Co-chairs Skye Brewer and Kristen Johnston haved rounded up superstars Blake Shelton and Mark Chesnutt to perform.

TWO x TWO
Social butterflies and art enthusiasts already have locked in their tickets to get a first look at the contemporary art during the October 18 preview at the Rachofsky House — two days before the annual sold-out gala on October 20. Cindy and Howard Rachofsky graciously host the black-tie event benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art and The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). Sotheby’s chairman Jamie Niven conducts the auction.

The Dallas Opera First Night Red Carpet Celebration
Performing arts patrons definitely want to attend the October 26 Opening Night Celebration of the 2012-2013 season at the Winspear Opera House. First Night chair Kaki Hopkins and honorary chairs are eager to roll out the red carpet for athletes and persons in the sports world, who don one-of-a-kind fashions inspired by upcoming operas. After Aida, guests indulge in late-night dining under an adorned tent in Annette Strauss Square.

Art + Advocacy Auction Party
Make your way to Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG) — home of Dallas Art Fair and fashion showrooms — on November 1 for Art + Advocacy. Adored art patrons Marlene and John Sughrue are this year’s honorary co-chairs, along with the honorary art chair Patricia B. Meadows, so we’ve got high expectations for the auction supporting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. Stretch your arms and dig deep into your pockets for the live and silent auctions.

On the Move Luncheon
The sixth annual On The Move Luncheon benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year’s emcee, Matt Nordgren, introduces guest speaker Tyler Campbell, MS ambassador and son of revered football player Earl Campbell, who shares his experience living with the disease. Chairs Paula and Scott Burford and honorary chairs Jean and Walker Bateman invite you to join them November 2 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas to raise awareness and support for the MS community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Black Tie Ball “An Evening with Jewel”
If “You Were Meant for Me” or “Foolish Games” is on your iTunes (guilty on both counts), then the 2012 Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Black Tie Ball is a must-attend. Be at the Omni Hotel November 10 for dinner, live auction and a private acoustic performance by the songstress. Proceeds from the ball support Big Brothers Big Sisters and its effort to build a brighter future for children in broken communities.

Ballet Theater’s Tutu Chic Fashion Show and Luncheon
It’s the perfect time of year to make your way to the Winspear Opera House for a fashion show unlike any other; the models sporting fashions from Stanley Korshak are members of the Texas Ballet Theater. Before you snag your tickets to the Nutcracker, be sure to secure your seat for the tutu chic fete November 29.

Crystal Charity Ball
For more than 50 years, the ladies on the Crystal Charity Ball have been raising money for children’s charities in Dallas County — and planning one of the most-anticipated galas of the year. On December 1, the social set gathers at the Hilton Anatole for “Le Grand Bal Parisien” benefiting eight local charities. This year’s chairwoman is Aileen Pratt, a former Ten Best Dressed nominee.