Party etiquette?

[naztazia]

Why is it when you put on the invitation that the party starts at 2PM, people start showing up at 1:15PM? Am I at fault that I'm not totally ready yet for the people to show up earlier?

[dax]

Heck, no! OMG....these people just don't have any kuth. Didn't anyone ever teach them about being "fashionably late?"
I accidentally read an invitation wrong once and showed up an hour early! I was mortified. The hostess wasn't ready yet, but she was really smooth & sweet about it. She had her daughter offer me a drink and show me her toys, etc. She just tried to keep me occupied and make me feel comfortable while she scrambled to get ready.
If this happens again in the future, I suggest you do the same. Offer a good book/magazine, ask them to pick out some good music for the evening, get them a drink, or ask them to help you w/ preparations.
Always be a gracious hostess. If the same people are repeat offenders...consider not inviting them again if it really cramps your style.

[justbeingher]

45 mins early? What planet are your friends from? Where I'm at, people wouldn't show until 2:45.

I think it's just rude to arrive that early and expect a host to be ready.