"ChattyCathy" wrote
> James Silverton wrote:

>> It's something that is not just personal liking but local custom. There
>> are places where the hosts would be embarrassed if you arrived right on
>> time and others where punctuality is hoped for.
>
> Of course you are quite correct, and I do understand that there are
> certain countries/regions where it is 'fashionable to be late' - but where
> I live is not one of them. But how late does one have to be to remain
> 'fashionable' and yet not overdo it and offend the hosts anyway? Is there
> some sort of limit? ;-)

Depends on the affair. If it's a big fancy dinner party at a local
restraunt, be on time or a slight bit early. Call if going to be more than
15 mins late.

If it's a backyard BBQ at my house, folks call if going to be more than 30
mins late but the big ones last 4-6 hours so it's not a big issue unless the
person was bringing something critical (like all the sodas etc).

With our little neighborhood stuff, if we say 'dinner at 5' we mean we plan
to serve at just about then. Folks start showing up 45-30 mins before 5 and
expect me to be in the kitchen. They just gather about the table and chat
and have hot tea or coffee til it's time to eat. If someone calls running
late, depending on the meal type and if it can wait, we will or we just
rewarm theirs when they get there if needed (grin).