Would it be weird to have a NYE drinks party early evening

[MrsDeaconClaybourne]

and not continue until midnight?

Just discussing plans at the moment - we are probably going to go out for food on NYE or have a takeaway with another couple and our DC.

I think it would be nice to invite friends round for early evening cocktails but politely make it clear it's just til (say) 7pm. DH thinks it's really rude and NYE is an all or nothing thing.

DH is Scottish; I'm English and we live in England if that makes a difference. I suspect it might. I'm really curious to hear other people's opinions

Depends on your friends, do you think that once they're settled in at yours they might decide they'd rather stay there than go on to a pub?

Why would they want to come to you then make second plans for later in the evening? What a ballache.

I think that’s fine as long as you’ve stated beforehand that it’s just an early evening get together as you have plans after. You’ll probably find other friends do, too, and are glad for some sociable pre-drinks without having to commit to the whole night. And just make sure not to invite friends who are the type to bed in and ignore polite signals to leave.

You’re right that it could be seen as rude in Scotland I think. Ex-DP was Scottish and we had a blazing row prior to one NYE because I didn’t think some Hogmanay traditions were important and he did and said we’d be thought incredibly hostile and rude by the whole village!

I’m Scottish and it sounds really odd to have a Hogmanay event which finishes before midnight. We would genuinely struggle to get our heads round it.

See I'd love it Not nice clothes on, go out for a bit of socialising, home in my pjs for the bells. I wouldn't be offended if people with other plans didn't come, just don't want to offend people right from the invitation.

My mum would LOVE an invitation like that - she likes to go to bed really early.

I think as long as you're clear about it then fine. People can go off to other things afterwards if they like.

Just for background we have often hosted many NYE parties. What I'm describing happened one year spontaneously as some friends had other family commitments and so called in at ours on their way somewhere. Was lovely imo to do some socialising then cosy up with family for the rest of the night

I think there are two camps...

1. Would be lovely to see friends on NYE, happy to have a few drinks and then head home (probably with DC), put jammies on and watch Graham Norton et al.

1. NYE is a big deal and I would prefer to be 'out out'. No point in going somewhere until 7pm and then queuing/paying to get into a bar.

Only you know which camp your friends belong to. Be honest, accept that not everyone will come and have a fun evening.

Really bizzare sorry. You either go out for NYE or stay in, not a mix of both. I’d think friends didn’t really like me if I was invited for an hour not the whole thing.

Just have a relaxed gathering instead of an all our party?

All out*

I think it is a bit odd.
Some people go out for NYE and others don't, but if you want a 'drinks party' it would make sense to have it on another evening and then be able to include everyone you want to, rather than making it difficult for people who are going out for NYE.

Team DH so far then...

What back said. Make it another night, problem solved.

I’d love it. It would be perfect.

Get to go out, have a drink, see pal’s and be home for 8. But I love an early doors anyway.

Anyone who wants to go out-out still can, and the rest of us can be in pjs by 9pm. Lovely.

Do people want to go out on another night though over Christmas? I don't think I'd want to go out on the 30th day, then feel I'd got to do it all over again on the 31st

Everyone can pop in on their way out.

Yes, of course!
Much better to have a 'drinks party' on 26th, 27th, 28th 29th or 30th

Nick that's my theory but it doesn't seem a popular one!

I went to a house party on the night before New Year’s Eve one year. It was cracking, though it was a late night job. New Years eve itself I was asleep for 10pm.

I don’t like NYE. Or even going out that much. Early doors is the way forward.

Everyone can pop in on their way out.

But, for those of us that need to pace ourselves that makes for a very long evening / night.

For those who are working (my dd, for example,is babysitting, and there will be people working in bars etc) then they won't be able to go, and then the people who travel an hour over to family or good friends parties etc the y can't go. Seems odd to have a 'gathering' on a night when people would normally expect to be up until after midnight and then finish it early in the evening.

Sounds great to me.

Are you going to have an alarm go off at 7pm?
Even if you are all having a great time? Seems wierd to have a time limit and so early.
Personally NYE is until after midnight.

I wouldn't bother as if I'm going out on NYE, I'm going out out.