To ask what's the right time to arrive at a party?

[wineoclockthanks]

As you can guess, I don't get out much

I've been invited to a party with a sit down meal. I asked the hostess what time and she said "we'll be ready and waiting from 8.00pm"

What time would you arrive?

8.15

Around 8.05/8.10.
Have a great time.

8.00pm....

Shortly after 8... I wouldn’t want to be the first person there but also wouldn’t want to be keeping everyone waiting.

8.10! Enjoy 😊

8.10 - 8.15 if sit down meal (good that she has clarified this - I was invited to a party last night “from 7.00 pm”. I turned up at 7.45, they were all sitting down and having speeches before dinner, so not quite a party!)

8 obviously. The hostess has told you 8, IMO it’s bad form to turn up late, especially where food is involved.

Between five and ten minutes past 8. Have fun!

(Because turning up bang on time is considered rude because you’ve given your host no time for last minute faffing, and anything more than ten minutes is pushing into being too late!)

I’d be there exactly on time.

I'd usually say between five and ten minutes after the time stated, but the wording used about being ready and waiting suggests they want you on time. So for this one, 8.00

Ready and waiting for me would mean be there on time.

8.01pm. Sat outside in the car from c7.50pm though obviously because you have to allow for heavy traffic, unexpected roadworks, acts of God and so on that would delay you even though they've never happened before!

For a sit down meal
I wouldn’t be any later than 8:05pm.

For drinks, 8:15pm

I'd get there for 8 so I can get my drink bought before the rush
I don't mind being first there

8

Why are people so reluctant to be the first to arrive? I really don't get this! Someone has to be first 🤷‍♀️ The invitation says 8...be there at 8!

Thank you everyone. I was thinking just after 8 but didn't want to be the only one there and everyone else roll in at 8.30.

I’d get there at 8. She’ll already have built in time for last minute faffing and that might be the time food is served. Enjoy!

8

As it's a sit down meal I would get there for 8

For a meal I'd turn up on time. For a general party I go for a little late (i.e. give the hosts ten- 15 minutes of extra prep time!).

I agree for a sit down meal, I wouldn’t do the “politely late” thing at all. She says 8pm, you get there for 8pm or, actually, a little earlier if you’re me, as I have a morbid terror of being late for anything.

8.10 - 8.15 if dinner.
8.30 if drinks.
It's very unusual to arrive bang on time and a bit disconcerting. I tend to be ready just in time and like s few minutes spare.
Only turn up on the dot for s children's party (much shorter usually)

8pm. I can’t stand people who turn up late