The answer comes from Greco-Roman banquet protocol.  The Rabbis at that time who lived in Greco-Roman culture, adapted its conventions of high class dining to the Seder,  They wanted to make the Seder a big deal!  At those banquets, the guests started off in the outer room where servers offered hors d"oeuvres.  The first washing took place because they were about to partake of food.  the second washing occured when they came in for the main course.  


haggadah Section: Urchatz