based on:

SHABBAT Law #s03: "Is there a preferred time for me to make Kiddush on Friday evening?"

In Shulchan Aruch HaRav 271:2, the Alter Rebbe writes that the preferred way to fulfill the mitzvah of reciting Kiddush over a cup of wine to start the Friday evening Shabbat meal is to do so as close as possible to when Shabbos begins. However, he also writes that if someone does not have an appetite to eat he does not have to rush to make Kiddush, [because the meal meal must follow immediately upon Kiddush and] it is important to eat the Shabbat meals with an appetite.

Therefore if a person is not in the mood of eating just yet, he should rely on the fact that he already recited the text of Kiddush during the Shabbat Night Amidah Prayer, and this fulfills his Torah obligation. Later on -- when he has an appetite and wishes to eat -- he can make Kiddush on a cup of wine, thereby fulfilling his rabbinical obligation. [If one did not pray the Shabbat Night Amidah, then his Kiddush over wine before the meal is to fulfill his Torah obligation.]

Similarly, there are people who after Maariv like to hear a Torah lesson or study something themselves [or prepare some words of Torah to share at the meal], and so they stay in Shul a bit longer before going home. In this case, rabbinal authorities rule that of course they may do so even if it means arriving at home to make Kiddush at a later time [although in summertime when Shabbat starts much later the needs of children at home must be taken into consideration as well].

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Please note that these laws apply in general situations. In unique circumstances, a different law may apply.

If you are unsure whether what you read here applies to your particular situation, please consult a rabbinic authority.

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