Be attentive to your guest and engage in conversation. I am reminded of the Hearst Castle tour I once took. Mr Hearst would invite people to join him at the castle. Of course, there was no one local so he would have to bring them from the east coast via his yacht. When his guests quit being entertaining at meals, he would invite them to depart.
I think of this in just the opposite. Make your guest enjoy the meal by being a good, interesting conversationalist. And make the meal the agenda. Not what might or might not happen later. Let the meal flow.
Regarding times of day. Eat or entertain whenever you are in the mood. And be a good host. Refill the wine glass or water. Offer extra’s like coffee.
Phil Brewer's Blog 