🌻Wonderful Annie -- thank you for taking so much time to share that wonderful history of building community! 🌼It deserves so many more reads as its own story!🌼

100% with you -- let me clarify using this line:

"BUT I think there are occasions where asking people to bring their own drinks can work really well." -- ABSOLUTELY!

I've participated and have helped organize such - and they work in the setting of getting larger groups together and especially when there's the need for a point of gathering, and those coming together out of appreciation help to host - it's not only such a generous act but one of courtesy and kindness.

I should qualify my #5 - and will go in and edit: my point was only that no one should EVER do this when:

1. The host makes the personal, individual decision to have a gathering at their home (so the host is the one who decided the where, when and why)

2. Especially - don't even know your guests at all. (We can take these liberties we people we know very well and trust)

What was special in your case was that there was a committee, and this was a large group of people - and there was actually a format to even discuss who is bringing and what.

Keep in mind what I'm stating is:

One individual decides to unilaterally have a party.

That individual-- after presenting what seems like a "normal invitation" -- on the last day says:

"We are all dividing up the food and fixings - oh and btw - bring your own drink!"

LOL -- I swear this baffles me even when I write it again! It's too insane!

I have seen and spoken to this lady for maybe 10 minutes -- about 6 months ago...so yeah, we are practically strangers. 😱 - and she's inviting me to HER house for what was 3 couple's party. (That's a very very small gathering for me which I realize is relative)

That's a never for me - you just don't ever do that to a stranger. Frankly, I think many would have turned down that invitation. My husband chose not to go - I didn't want to either.

I went because I took it for the "social graces" team - but I'll have a solid excuse well planned far in advance next time! ;-)

Thanks for engaging Annie! Much love!!