Moral Question about Birthday Presents

[callistra]

For my birthday, we provided a fully catered dinner for 85 people and a good number of alcoholic drinks (an entire crate and a bit of champagne to start with) etc. One of the girls who came along bought us a present, which was very nice.

Now it's her 30th, and there's a surprise dinner at a pub, plus a trip to the casino. We've dodged the Casino bit (we hate the casino) and we have no money. We'll be paying for our own dinners, so I am allowing a certain amount to cover that and a few drinks. It's all very low key.

I got an email from my mum today talking about buying her a present, and us putting some money into it as well. I'm a bit ambivalent about this. So, I'm curious what other people think.


[Poll #502048]

Comments

[babalon-93.livejournal.com]

yeah, that's the real problem. I don't think there was any reason to be rude to you about it, especially because everyone does it. Someone(s) always forgets or miss-factors drinks, bread, corkage, public holiday surcharges what ever and the last person to leave is left with the gap. This can be solved easily with everyone agreeing at the start to put in a dollar or two extra just in case and leaving the excess as a tip, though the more current occurrence is rudeness and fighting.

Come to think of it even the thought of bill dividing at expensive restaurants makes me nervous and edgy and less likely to enjoy the meal as a whole. I totally agree with the idea of just going to a cheap restaurant esp. an asian one where the tradition is to all share dishes and keep the cost reasonable to start. Or another good one for a more special but more expensive meal is something like La Cascade where is it a set price of something like $45 and BYO. And I also agree making the arrangements clear at the start goes along way.

Or even better, a picnic where everyone brings their own stuff... anyone up for a picnic?

[callistra.livejournal.com]

*peers outside*

Er... yes... but not today ....

:-)