afternoon gathering

Midday social event

An afternoon gathering is a social event held between midday and evening, typically more casual than a formal dinner party.

The term often suggests light refreshments—tea, coffee, finger foods—rather than a full meal: We're having a small afternoon gathering for the neighbors.

Such events might include garden parties, baby showers, or receptions.

Related

soiree · social · garden · garden party · luncheon · ladies who lunch · brunch · Sunday brunch · matinee · cocktails · finger sandwiches · sandwiches · scones · hostess · coffee klatch · parlor · sunroom · veranda

Opposites
time of day

afternoon gatheringmorning meeting

Early group check-in

breakfast meeting · dinner party

formality and social register

afternoon gatheringstate dinner

Formal diplomatic reception meal

cotillion · debutante ball

social formality/type

afternoon gatheringcocktail hour

Predinner drinking period

Family

afternoon, gathering, after, afternoons, gather, gathers, gathered, gatherer, gatherers

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G