Do you...

prefer that a guest invited over for dinner comes early or late?

I used to think it was rude coming late, but I really hate it when guests show up 30-45 minutes early!! I always try to be ready an hour before but sometimes I'm still prepping food or doing a last minute clean-up and I get really anxious when I hear that doorbell ring early!

Just wondering how others felt...

Re: Do you...

I think I would prefer early. They can have a drink and hang out while I finish up in the kitchen. If they're late, I'd have to keep things hot and wait around (that's more annoying to me).

Re: Do you...

yeah I would prefer 30 mins late to 30 mins early.

I live in an apt so I have a small kitchen, the last few mins I am usually frantically cleaning pots/pans, etc.

When people arrive early they want to help but usually there isn't enough room in the kitchen for everyone and I feel guilty not being able to welcome them.

Re: Do you...

Late. I HATE not having things done before people come over. My father came to Christmas dinner 45 minutes early and I was still in my robe!!!!!!

Re: Do you...

Early.

Re: Do you...

i'd prefer later than earlier

Re: Do you...

I usually have everything prepared early and I hate being late or waiting for people. I would rather someone be early!

Re: Do you...

I usually tell them to arrive at 6 for apps. This way they know I'm serving at whatever time.

My ILs, I tell them a time, they change it to whatever they want, then show up late anyway. I usually add an hour to their time.

Re: Do you...

If they are really early, it will throw me off! Cus thats usually when im cooking. late is better as long as it isn't more than 20 minutes. Unless they call first.

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I'd rather someone come a little late. One time, someone arrived an hour early and I was just coming out of the shower.

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I prefer they arrive at the time I asked them, give or take 10 minutes.

But if that's not a choice I guess early. I would be more annoyed if I had all the food ready and they were late.

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I would rather them be right on time

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I'd rather they show up late. I'm always running late so it would probably just seem like their on time.

Re: Do you...

Early... i went through this on thanksgiving. i had everything ready and one of DH's aunts showed up almost an hour later. i had to keep reheating everything which was impossible and my candied yams became mush

Re: Do you...

argh... neither!

but i guess i'd rather it be late than early. Early would just mean i'd feel rushed to be ready and/or entertain them