Bad hosting or normal

[badhosting]

3 couples all lived close together - one couple moved about an hour away to save money more space etc

The couple that have moved always want everyone to come to them. Invited us all over this weekend but they could only do brunch. Not great timing for children’s naps etc but we all went as it was the only time they could do.

Working on the assumption it would be a quick in and out, we also made plans for later in the day.

No food served until 2 hours after we arrived - by which time my toddler is overtired and a late nap will result in a difficult bedtime and we were late for our ongoing plans.

Its hard once you’re there as you can hardly leave before the food has come out, but what should I have done?

yanbu. If I was invited for brunch I would expect to eat mid morning. It sounds as though you and your friends have different ideas on parenting....so now you know you can act accordingly.

My uncle does this, invites you for lunch at 12 and then feeds you at 3pm by which time you are ravenous. I always thought it was because he was disorganised, but after a conversation with him it turns out it is deliberate, he serves the food late because he wants people to stay a long time. I find this to be terrible manners, holding your hungry guests hostage because you want to ensure their company for as long as possible.

1.30 for brunch is ridiculous that’s too late for lunch for me personally obviously others differ.
What time did you end up leaving?

And what did you eat? Was it a brunch type affair with smoked salmon and eggs or was it actually lunch?

1.30 is not brunch.

I'd have missed breakfast on the assumption this was a proper brunch and been ready to eat my own arm by 1.30

fix that, start leaving!

Whenever I host a meal I lead with the meal. It’s ready or almost ready when guests arrive. Drink in hand while guests wait for items to come out of oven etc. I started doing as married young mother after being a guest at a few shit shows. (Bbq and food was in the FREEZER still). We eat visit and linger over table or move to outside etc. those that have to leave do so and others can stay have seconds or another drink Every family has some schedule and I’m happy to share a meal and get a little
catch up certainly not hold hostage while waiting for promised meal. It would have been awkward to leave without meal and I do think they were inexperienced thoughtless hosts. Hosting makes you better at hosting. You know now to plan differently