I had a huge Dinner for New years eve which consisted of several courses for 30 people. Well unless you have six ovens you need to really space this out because there was everything from Clams C asino, Oysters Rockerfeller, pigs in blanket Whole Turkey Stuffed shells, scallops in bacon 1/2 carando ham etc not to bore you but give you an idea of what was served and the oven planning. So I told everyone to arrive at approx 6opm knowing that there would be a few late. Also big dessert table with smores maker etc. I put a great deal of time and effort and we had a blast especailly the kids. I was told however by a couple of family members that 6 oclock is too early for a New Years Party.
Can't please everyone but I think unless your just serving pickies and drinks I had no choice.
What time would you start if you were me with several courses. It's so sad that someone will always find criiticism no matter what. So instead of killing myself next year I will do Pickies and drinks and start late I guess.

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Without Health you have no Wealth!

With all of the food you had I would say 6pm was a fine time

Plus it is more time to spend with family and friends

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Dawnie
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If there is a will there is a way!

I didn't serve anywhere NEAR that much food (my oven wasn't even on!) and my guests came at 6. I don't think you should be expected to have dinner at 10 just because it's New Year's Eve!

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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle

ITA! Geesh...some people...you just can not please them no matter what you do. I am sure if you would have made it 7:30 or 8:00, that would have been too late. LOL I admire all of the effort that you put into it and I am glad that everyone had a good time.

ITA with others! 6 pm was fine..I think, it was just right, it wasn't too early or too late. Making all the food you did you want it to be eaten not wasted.. If you had it later people would of been not so hungry when they arrive because you know they would of grab something to eat before arriving at your house.

The person who complain sounds like they just wanted to eat and run off It amazing some people I know mention they have 2 or 3 parties to attend on New Year Eve .. Whatever happen to ..Sorry,I can't make it, I already have plans

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Angels may not come when you call them, but they'll always be there when you need them.

I think that 8pm is a good time to start. I would have liked to come over at 6pm, but if this a party with friends then 8 is a good start time. ALSO, 8pm is when my neighbors started their party with alot of people arriving a bit before 9pm.
I think that is was very rude for someone to suggest a different start time to you though.

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We started our party at 8 pm and I was so amazed at how fast the night went by. I actually had to start the timer on the stove to make sure we were all aware of the New Year's Eve countdown.

I can't believe that someone had the nerve to say that to you---especially when they can see how much effort that you put into the dinner. I feel like they should have just shown up later----if they didn't want to come at 6:00. Then they could have just kept their rude comments to themselves. Maybe you should tell those people that complained, that next year you would consider having it later----but you are going to give each of THEM a food assignment----since you don't have six ovens!!!! Then maybe that will make them THINK.

If someone else is cooking ANY time is a great ime for dinner!

We went to a party where the dinner was at 7:00ish. It was buffet so you could go any time really and eat whenever you wanted, or just graze all night, that was a good way to go imo.

We had to leave around 9:00 because of company, but there were people just showing up when we left and they still needed to eat.

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

Wow - I'd have been THRILLED to be asked to your party - sounds wonderful, and perfectly timed.

I also noticed that there were kids involved. I think your party time showed extra consideration for that fact, since families who brought children could come, eat, participate, and leave at a descent time, if they chose to get kiddos into bed. That probably worked out nicely leaving the later hours as more "grown-up" time.

Props to you!!

I agree- your party sounds wonderful! I can not believe someone actually told you that! It is your party, so you get to choose the time/food/activities. If they didn't like it- they could go someplace else.

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AKA: Airbornearmywife

Well just to fill you in this person was family and this was a family party not a neighbor party. I had all age brackets and so I was trying to accomodate everyone. I too had part of the food set up on buffet table with sterno's. It really stinks when you break your rear end off and end up with criticism wich also included that the smores maker didn't work quick enought.
Well I still had a blast with the noncomplainers and hopefully my children did because they are the real reason I do this every year.

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Without Health you have no Wealth!

Next year you can invite us, we won't complain!

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

We went to a party that started at 5PM.We have appetizers,dinner and then drinks while waiting for the ball to drop on TV.We also danced a little and right after midnight everyone started to leave.Some said it was early but when serving dinner i think 6 pm is a good time to start,if its just finger food and dessert i think 8 pm would be good.
We had a great time .

just another reason i like animals better than alot of people.lol

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littlejo too funny because thats exactly what I keep telling my brother n law who hates dogs and says he'll never get one. I am like I will take a Dog anytime over you LOL! Unconditional love and never any complaints from the little pooch.

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Without Health you have no Wealth!

We sure won't ! LOL !

Your party was planned perfectly IMO.

Sounds like a lot of planning went into your affair and next time you can tell the complainers to come when they want but the party is starting at 6 and they won't get to eat and enjoy the company as much as everyone else. The evening does tend to go so quickly and before you know it that ball has dropped and it's time to go home.

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I agree with that!!!

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Dawnie
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If there is a will there is a way!

My mother and some of her friends used to do this big round robin new years eve party with each hostess getting it every few years. Traditionally they served appetizers at 6ish, dinner at 7ish. Around 11ish they'd put out some cheese and crackers, salted nuts - perhaps 1 or 2 other things like a dip or some bacon wrapped water chestnuts or mini quiches "just in case". Then around 1am they'd either serve a dessert type item or a breakfast type item (usually a stratta? of sausage, egg and cheese that could be assembled ahead of time and just baked briefly.

If you walked away from that hungry there was something wrong with you....

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Meddle ye not in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crispy, and taste good with Ketchup!

I don't believe the time was too early at all. Better to have a full stomach, if partiers planned to consume alcohol. Plus, people tend to munch throughout the evening. What an impressive spread you provided! Sounds like it was a fantastic success!

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