Oh, don't get me started on the beer! The husband always buys way too much beer and several folks brings some as well. My summer fridge is always stuffed with beer. I hate that. I don't drink the stuff and certain guys shouldn't since it seems to go directly to the waist.
Thank goodness we host several big parties during the summer and fall or we'd never get rid of it.
Interesting how many people have no problem quickly purging any number of items in their homes which are no longer wanted or useful to them, but alcohol in bottles received from well-wishers warrants precious storage space and holding additional get-togethers to get rid of it. Why is that?
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. - Booker T. Washington
I have come very close to driving the unwanted beer downtown to give out to the homeless guys hanging out in parks. I contemplate it. I haven't done it, I don't think. I've thought about it so often that it's hard to remember if I actually did that, or not!Originally Posted by SteveinMN
Funny, I have no problem throwing out food. Well, liquor (spirits) lasts forever, so that's something.
WE bring either food or drink when we go to a party if we bring something and we don't every time. Our friends do the same. If we don't drink the alcohol then we do another time. Our crowd doesn't do gifts and sometimes you just go and bring nothing. It is very casual and fun. We have people over a lot and I really enjoy it. More fun then going out and cheaper. Also yu don't have to worry about tying up a table for a long time.
My BIL cannot resist free stuff. So when people (usually my parents) give me an unwanted gift, I say: "Hey, BIL... I don't want this. I think I might throw it away or donate it."
And then he says: "I don't want it or need it. But if you are just going to throw it away or give it away, then I guess I will take it."
Then it sits in his garage!
I always bring a dish (asking first), flowers or wine. I was raised that way and feel very uncomfortable going to anything but the most casual of get togethers with nothing. People are probably cursing my wine. Well, my friends? Probably not so much, lol
Here's my take (I think that your are hosting the party): Let's say I am hosting and you hand me a gift:
Peggy, it is so sweet of you to bring us a gift. I open it right then. Thank you so very much, this was very thoughtful of you and so very unexpected. We will certainly enjoy this.
It sends the message that it's unnecessary. It shows genuine appreciation. And if it's an item that can be used during this event you will see it used.
There will always be gift givers. Your other friends will hear genuine appreciation AND that they were not expected to bring a hostess gift. Everyone wins and no one has to feel bad.
We all need to be gracious receivers as well as gracious givers.
This. For some people, giving gifts is (part of) their love language. If someone is speaking to you, it's never kind to either seem like you're ignoring them or to tell them bluntly to 'shut up'.
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. - Booker T. Washington
UL: You would be doing your BIL a service if you don't tell him about the stuff you want to get rid of and just get rid of it. Otherwise you are contributing to a problem. Ugh!
Not my problem.
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