Bit of a rant & request for idea for dealing with guests

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  • Sasssy69
    Sasssy69 Posts: 547 Member
    I would tell everyone that the next get together is going to be a "no-host" evening at "such and such restaurant." Still get RSVP's, but let that be the extent.

    When everyone shows up (or doesn't) just say, "Wow this worked out so well, I think we're going to start doing this every month, instead of us hosting it all the time. What does everyone think? Unless there is someone who would like to volunteer to take over hosting the family get together? Otherwise, this seemed to work out well."

    They'll get the hint. And if they don't, and they question you, simply state, "Well, it is quite a bit of work for us to host it every month, not to mention the additional costs involved in meeting everyone's specific needs, and then for those who don't show, and I noticed the little ones get rambunctious and bored. So unless someone else wants to take over, then we both think this is the best solution. This way WE get to enjoy everyone and visit too."

    If they argue with that, then they don't deserve to be at your house.
  • NikkiSixGuns
    NikkiSixGuns Posts: 630 Member
    Thank you and thank you... This helps. Really I thought it was just me being overly touchy.

    Relative to people not showing because kids get sick, I'm totally OK with that. I understand that stuff happens and I don't expect people to keep an RSVP when they have an unforseeable something come up. Had my share of those, so I get it. Life happens! What I have a problem with is people saying they'll be there and then telling us the day after the event that they decided to go to the beach instead. That's just rude.

    The only bad thing about hosting at someone else's house each time is that I typically wouldn't get to have my parents there since the majority of the hosters would be my in-laws and wouldn't invite my parents. I understand it, but it's one of the main reasons we always host.

    I'm thinking we just need to rotate locations: the park, a restaurant, someone else's house, etc. Anyone but here.

    And you're right - I ENJOY seeing my family, but I don't ENJOY hosting the events. There's a difference.
  • NikkiSixGuns
    NikkiSixGuns Posts: 630 Member
    Update:

    We had our monthly gathering this past Saturday, and we held it at a nice local park with barbecues, lots of trees, and a couple of lakes. SO MUCH EASIER THAN HAVING IT AT OUR HOUSE. Got minor complaints about the walk from the parking lot to the table we chose, but whatever. We all left when it got dark and we actually got home at a decent hour. Yay! I'm thinking we'll be doing it this way for as long as the weather holds. When it gets cooler maybe we'll move the time of day up or find a local restaurant.

    Thanks everyone!

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