This is now quite common

[ardcarp]

Was anyone ever allowed cream on a helping of trifle? It was, I think, an extravagance too far in the 50s and 60s. But now.....? Squirty?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I know I'm spoiling the party, but are we not getting away from the topic of guest exploitation?

[gurnemanz]

We went to a christening reception the other week and the invitation mentioned "open bar". We were rather surprised. There was a very good buffet and we didn't really expect free drinks. We didn't get any. It just meant that the bar was open.

[jean]

...There was a very good buffet and we didn't really expect free drinks. We didn't get any. It just meant that the bar was open.

But isn't that very common at a commercial venue?

At my nephew's wedding, we were given a glass or two of champagne with canapés immediately after the ceremony, and later a dinner with wine. If you wanted more or different sorts of alcohol in between or afterwards, there was a bar where you could buy it.

Ardcarp STILL hasn't told us if the invitation that prompted this thread was to a restaurant or to someone's house.

[ardcarp]

'Twas some sort of eatery, Jean..though 'restaurant' might be a step too far. But wherever it was, you don't expect to pay, especially if you're a kid, if you are invited by a friend's parents.

[gurnemanz]

Yes. It was the use of the term "open bar" which for me suggests free rather than just that there is a bar which will be open.

[Tevot]

No, no, no! There should never be jelly in a trifle. Cake, jam, custard, cream, but not jelly!

Oh, and sherry of course, but not for children.

But Mary. If what you say is true - it can mean only one thing. Yorkshire trifles have been adulterated with insidious ingredients!

I am sure that the Police should investigate. Indeed, an even higher authority should have the final say into how their trifles should be served.

I posit a referendum : "Should Trifle be jelly free?"

Let the People decide !!

Best Wishes,

Tevot

[ardcarp]

...but please don't posit a posset. Ever since I read the word (in The Mayor of Casterbridge?) aged about 13 and looked it up, I have shuddered at the thought.

[mercia]

I am still apoplectic on the subject of PAYING for parties you've been invited to.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-30876360

[french frank]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-30876360

Sounds more like running a business. I wonder if she hopes to break even or make a profit?

[DracoM]

Totally with ardcarp. Happened to me two years ago over a not very close friend's retirement party. Wrote a reply refusing the invitation and saying why. Result was frosty embarrassment, party-throwers hardly spoken to me since.

[eighthobstruction]

BBC News being pertinent to bored discussion....http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-30876360

[MrGongGong]

BBC News being pertinent to bored discussion....http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-30876360

I love the photo

[eighthobstruction]

yes, so sad!!!

[MrGongGong]

yes, so sad!!!

Photographer: "look miserable, but not at me"
"Oi, little sad boy ! I said NOT at ME"