For the first time

[JanieB]

in 10 years since Brian died, I'm cooking Christmas dinner. Apart from youngest and his girlfriend, I've invited some longstanding old friends. The weirdest thing in in this is that (completely independentlely) 2 of them have decided that they will come to dinner but don't want to to sit at the table.

[Bigmallly]

Put their dinner in dog bowls then they can have it on the floor...................

[veggiechicken]

Hope your kitchen is sorted by then

[Jay22]

I'm sure it will be a lovely day - wherever they sit Janie! You will have your nice new kitchen to christen too.

[Nicos]

Good for you Janie...hope you have a great time !

[Lisasbolt]

Have a lovely time, more seats for other people then

[bearded bloke]

Send them back a message saying ....... Phew, I was wondering where I could seat everyone, so many coming it's standing room only, also would you be happier serving yourselves

[veggiechicken]

..........and doing your own washing up

[bearded bloke]

^^^^^^ use rice paper plates & eat them as afters I reckon

[Alison]

The weirdest thing in in this is that (completely independentlely) 2 of them have decided that they will come to dinner but don't want to to sit at the table.

Eh? They've accepted a invitation to come for a meal but don't want to sit with everybody else? Unless I've totally misunderstood then that makes no sense whatsoever. Where do they imagine they're going to eat? Sat on the toilet? The idea of a nice meal all sat round the table with family and friends, sharing together, is lovely. If you're expected to pander to everybody's individual requirements then it'll be stressful for you. State what you're inviting people to and if thy don't like it then let them do what they want elsewhere.

[Yasai]

Eh? They've accepted a invitation to come for a meal but don't want to sit with everybody else? Unless I've totally misunderstood then that makes no sense whatsoever. Where do they imagine they're going to eat? Sat on the toilet? The idea of a nice meal all sat round the table with family and friends, sharing together, is lovely. If you're expected to pander to everybody's individual requirements then it'll be stressful for you. State what you're inviting people to and if thy don't like it then let them do what they want elsewhere.

Thanks... I thought it was just me that was struggling to understand this. Come round for dinner but not at the table!? Awkward much?

[bramble]

Thanks... I thought it was just me that was struggling to understand this. Come round for dinner but not at the table!? Awkward much?

Not wanting to be hurtful to anybody but I think its incredibly rude.

[noviceveggrower]

When I go to someone's house I always bide by there rules. It doesn't matter what they dish up I always try and eat it. When I was little I had it drilled into me to sit at the table and eat what was put in front of me.
I think the only time I didn't sit at the table was when there were lots of visitors and I had to sit at a smaller table. Like others have said its very rude and it will mean more work for you. I don't think its very fair on you either.

[mothhawk]

in 10 years since Brian died, I'm cooking Christmas dinner. Apart from youngest and his girlfriend, I've invited some longstanding old friends. The weirdest thing in in this is that (completely independentlely) 2 of them have decided that they will come to dinner but don't want to to sit at the table.

Well, I suppose it depends what you are making for the dinner. Turkey and all the trimmings won't sit very well on knees on the couch, I reckon, but a pick and mix buffet type meal if there will be lots of folk means people can choose where to sit, and change around between main and dessert if they like.

personally I like everyone round the table, all talking together (but not necessarily all talking at once ), it's more convivial.

[JanieB]

Actually I don't have enough chairs and I was going to beg a couple off my daughter. They can sit in the lounge and eat on the coffee table or sit at the breakfast bar (where they'd still be in the same room). It might work out quite well. Nobody has to do the dishes, I have a dishwasher, and a new kitchen :-))