An important part of being a great hostess is understanding what it's like to be a great guest. The first step towards becoming an excellent guest is knowing when to arrive at the party. When hosting a dinner or an event, there is nothing I hate more than people whom show up early unannounced. Invitations are sent with a specific starting time for a reason and if your hostess is anything like myself she is running around adding finishing touches to her sauces, plating bite sized appetizers, polishing wine glasses, and lighting candles. (My aunt came 30 minutes early for a dinner once and the appetizers were still in the oven, I wasn't dressed and had curlers in my hair-you can imagine my complete and total mortification). Coming before the space and hostess is transformed into party ready is a complete and total no-no. Just don't do it. Unless personally asked by the hostess, do not come early and if for some crazy reason you end up getting off the freeway twenty minutes before the specified time call her to let her know there was no traffic and you will be arriving early so she can at least put on her party outfit and set out a bowl of olives.
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What Not To Party: Showing Up Early
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Cardinal rule. Dont break it!
1I've arrived early and ended up circling the block not wanting to actually show up early! Definitely a cardinal rule!
2I say arrive 30 min to an hour after the posted time unless it is a specific "dinner at 7" for example. I take "fashionably late" seriously
3So true Partysugar
4I totally do the 15min-30min late thing too ... I hate being the first one there, I think it's more awkward than arriving late!
5I don't like the whole "fashionably late" thing at ALL.There is a reason wht people tell you when to come.
6i tend to be early or late. never on time. awful huh?
7Never like to be first even if you know the hostess really well.
8early is not good...
9also, anything over 30 min late is way too late imo
i read once that arriving 10-15 minutes late is what the french call the "cadeau de temps," or the gift of time. it allows the hostess a few extra moments to breathe without being so late that warm appetizers are cooling. i try to practice it and appreciate when my guests do!
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