Eton mess

Have friends coming round for lunch, friend is bringing a pud, and I'll do a pud. Thought Eton mess would be quick & simple as I have some raspberries (just noticed kids have eaten the last of 5 nectarines i bought yesterday  )
My question is - how far in advance can I assemble said pud - or shall I pre whip the cream, squish the meringues and just put it on the table for people to make their own -
It's not a very formal affair! Also, not sure I have enough glasses for wine AND a pudding - in which case people will have to drink their wine in order to have a glass in which to make their pud IYSWIM? Oh dear - well done if you're still with me......  :blink:

As there is a choice of puds, why not prepare as you said, then at the last minute assemble and put into a large bowl for people to help themselves? An ordinary dessert bowl would be ok wouldn't it?

Also....can I come? It's one of my favourites!

Also....can I come? It's one of my favourites!

That's fine, but you should have left 4 hours ago for a 1pm start!! 

I think its much better made at least 2hours before you plan on eating.  Then it turns into a pudding in its own right rather than just meringues and cream

All gone - we let people assemble it themselves - DD due in from work - she'll be disappointed. Did manage to salvage 2 yorkshire puds though 

Did manage to salvage 2 yorkshire puds though 

Stick a dollop of cream on, she'll never know.