Had my baby weeks ago, so I haven't been on the bump in a while. But a friend is expecting her second baby boy in a few weeks, and I'm organizing a gathering to celebrate and give her a night out (and away from her toddler) at one of her favorite restaurants. It's a super small group--just 7 gals. A few questions:
I was thinking about what kind of table decorations I could do. (I'm not what you'd call crafty, so this makes my brain smoke. If I do decorate, I don't want anything overly "babyish.") I was thinking of decorating some vases and having some flower arrangements. So, originally I was going to ask here if anyone has any table decorating ideas.
Then I wondered if I should be paying for everyone's meals, since I am organizing this little shindig? The get together is so informal (and my budget so small) that I didn't even think of the etiquette on this until just now! Am I a horrible person/host if I don't foot the bill for all the meals?
Your thoughts, please! Thx!
Re: your thoughts on this "sprinkle"
In my group, we'd have no issue w/ paying for our own meals. What do you think these 7 peopel would expect?
Also, I feel there is a difference in "organizing" an event vs "hostessing". You can organize a get together w/o it all falling on you to pay. (I mean, really, w/ most events, someone has to spearhead it anyhow!).
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
If I was invited to this gathering I would definitely expect to pay for my own meal. At my work shower on Saturday, several people were "organizers", but I don't think there actually was a true "host" so to speak. Everyone paid for their own meals/drinks at the restaurant including myself.
I agree with the others re everyone paying for their own meal. You should probably pay for the guest of honor though.
I just don't see taking some elaborate table decoration into a restaurant where you're going with only 8 people. I would maybe get the mom a nice flower arrangement that she can take home afterwards.
This exactly. I am often the person who sends out the emails or texts to coordinate when and where we'll meet to get together. That doesn't make me a host, just the coordinator.