
On Time – Neither Too Early Nor Too Late
Punctuality is one of the clearest expressions of good manners and an essential part of dinner etiquette.
Arriving at the right time shows respect for the host, consideration for other guests, and an understanding of how carefully a dinner invitation is planned. Being neither too early nor too late may seem like a small detail, but it plays a surprisingly important role in social grace.
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Being on time
Everyone may run late now and then. When that happens, the courteous thing to do is to call or send a message, apologise, and, if appropriate, encourage the host not to delay serving the food. Upon arrival, it is polite to apologise again and briefly explain the reason for the delay, should there be one.
Five to seven minutes
When we are invited for a specific time, we should make every effort to arrive on time. Hosts plan their preparations carefully around the time stated in the invitation. In the case of a dinner invitation, a delay of five to seven minutes is generally considered acceptable, as small delays can be part of everyday life.
Do not arrive too early
Arriving too early can be just as awkward as arriving late. The host may still be in the middle of preparations—or even just stepping out of the shower. As mentioned above, the host’s planning is based on the time given in the invitation, and that time should be respected.
In summary
Arrive neither too early nor too late. Punctuality is a simple, yet essential, form of good manners.
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