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If I say dinner at 5 pm, anytime within 30-40 minutes thereafter is okay. We can even defer a little longer if the guest is unexpectedly detained and gives me a call. We'll just have another round of cocktails and stand by.
However, arriving BEFORE 5 pm is strictly verboten unless we've made prior arrangements. Don't just show up when I'm taking a shower and getting dressed.
Yes, I know I asked this same question about going to a friends house a few weeks ago, and you were all very helpful. However, my cousin is having a dinner tonight for his grandmother's birthday, and he told me 5pm. 5pm is an odd time because you don't really have time to do anything before. I've been home all day today, so I've been bored out of my mind and can't wait until it's time to go. So since my cousin said 5pm, what is the earliest possible time I can arrive without it being rude or intrusive? Like 4:45? 4:50? I know you'll all have different opinions, but I would like to hear what you think. If it helps, there will be about 10 people at this party.
Yes. I think it's rude. If I am invited at 5PM, I come at 5:10 - or 5:05. Or a couple of minutes later. I like to give the hostess some breathing room.
Fifteen minutes early? NEVER. And 15 minutes late could ruin a dish - or make them wonder if you are coming at all.
It's not about being "fashionably late". It's about not pressuring the hostess. Arriving early is always in bad form - except if it's an informal get together and you were ASKED to help with something.
Interesting. When I invite people for 5, I mean 5. I hate that feeling when you're sitting there waiting for your guests to arrive but they are all trying to be fashionably late.
I don't like early, I don't like late, I like ON TIME.
5pm. If I'm entertaining I need every minute to get stuff done before people arrive. If people arrive early then I have to play host/hostess earlier than they planned.
on time is the best answer even if you have to circle the block a few times.
REALLY
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