Early bird gets the worm

Have you ever arrived at a party at the start time (or even a half hour late) and you're in the special early crowd.  Some people may hate this.  I kind-of love it.

Here are some reasons why:

1. You actually get to visit with the hosts/hostesses.  (The people you are actually there to see anyway.)
2. If you don't know the hosts/hostesses, have some time to get to know them.  This will prevent a common occurrence.  As the night goes on and the host/hostess welcome more attendees, they won't continually say, "I don't know how that is, they're with ____."  They'll say, "Oh that's, ____, I met him/her tonight.  He/She is really nice.  He/She is here with ____."  See how much nicer that is.
3. First sofa/chair/corner/wall space choice.
4. Room in the fridge for what you brought along.
5. Are the snacks always gone by the time you get there?  Not if you're on time.  No awkwardly reaching over people you don't know so you can have a chip with a little salsa.  When everyone starts filing through the door, you've had your chip.
6. With the smaller group that shows up early, you are more likely to mingle outside your comfort group.
7. Games are often towards the beginning.
8. First coat spot.  If that spot happens to be on a pile on a bed...you're coat won't be tossed aside all night while people search for their own.  Yours is safely on the bottom of the pile.   Easy.

*some of the above items also apply if you are the last to leave...not all