Pre-Christmas drinks party on 14th December?

[LindorDoubleChoc]

If you were to host this all day from noon to late and none of your friends have dependent children, how many would you expect to come? (No family for me, none would be interested).

I've just totted it up and could invite about 50 people who could get here and home fairly easily by walking or on London public transport within that time slot. They don't all know each other.

If I invited 50, how many would you hope would turn up? The closest invitees live on the same street, the furthest live a 1.5 hour train ride away (but they are extremely close BFs).

I'm hoping like 30?

Yes easily if you put it on the calendar and let them know today x

I know someone who hosts parties like this and she reckons 2/3 of original attend.

Some RSVP no and some late cancellation or no shows.

Thanks for the invite but I’ve already got something on that day!
2/3 sounds about right, particularly at that time of year and at relatively short notice when things like office Xmas parties, Santa trips, pantos etc will already be booked up.

Whilst they don't have dependent children, what other family commitments do they have? By that weekend, you are beginning to clash with family get togethers.
I also think the timing might be too broad. That has benefits. Some can come earlier and then go on to another event in the evening, others can come later having spent their afternoon doing their usual Saturday stuff or sport or whatever. Do you mind if people are coming and going?
I think 30 might be slightly optimistic, perhaps mid/high 20s and then a few drop outs on the day.

Most people I know have their December weekends booked up already, so you might find fewer people accept if your friends are the same.

Yes I'd get an in it's out ASAP, I don't have a free Saturday now until after Christmas

A lot of work Christmas parties will be the 13th (ours is), so I’d say no especially travelling, one night out a weekend is enough for me!

In my experience, a third to half of invitees actually turn up. Especially at Christmas, when there are so many competing events. People are very happy to cancel last minute now, too.

I hosted one last Christmas. 40 invited, 25 said yes, 12 actually turned up. I had 6 day-of cancellations. Tons of food wasted and drinks leftover.

I go with the rule of thirds: invite 60, 40 will respond, 20 will show (but cater for 30 and eat leftovers for five days).