Welcome to ‘What Would You Do?’, the space on Mamamia where you can contact me with your problems about anything and everything and ask me, well, what I would do. Consider it my selfless Oprah-esque gift to all of humanity. You’re welcome.
But be warned, I’m not one to beat around the bush. I tell it like it is. I call ‘em like I see ‘em. I’m a straight shooter. Cliche cliche etc etc sassy advice cliche.
Let’s get into it:
Dear Rosie,
A couple I know recently invited me to a dinner party at their place. The invitation (via email) asked that I bring enough dessert for 10 people, which I thought was strange, but I did it anyway.
When I arrived, everyone else on the invite list had also brought something, and after some sneaky discussion, we all realised that we had basically catered the entire party. Even the main course had been covered!
So, is that fair? The only thing the hosts of the dinner party had provided for their own dinner party was their house. Should I pull them up on it?
What would you do?
I’ll tell you what I’d do, my friend. I’d totally follow this innovative couple’s lead. They basically just figured out how to socialise without having to a) spend money and b) leave their house. I think maybe you’re just a little jealous that you didn’t think of it first.
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The Quicky
Top Comments
I regularly hold family friendly fire twirling parties and I request people bring food or drink to contribute. I also contribute. I (usually) supply my own contribution of food, hours organising (as I can expect sometimes up to 40 guests and over 10 children), most of the day preparing my house for the party, hours the following day to clean up the mess (amazing how slothful people/children are when it's not their home), and the following several days eating tasty left overs. It's torture I tell you, to have to spend 3 days eating an entire gourmet cheesecake that was forgotten about in the fridge.
I'd HATE to be viewed as stingy or cheap. There is no way that we'd (me and my husband, or any of my extended family) would ever ask someone to bring something along to a party - except for Xmas lunch when we have 60 people and all my aunties usually bring a different type of dessert. I think if you want to have people over, then cater. If you want to have a party with cocktails, provide the spirits! If you can't afford it, don't burden other people because you never know what their budget is like - an it's a lot harder to refuse an invitation. If things are tight get creative and find other ways to catch up with people you love.