Today I cant help but reflect on the odd evening I had yesterday at my frugal friends birthday party. Ive always referred to the couple as my thrifty mates not because of any hardship, but because saving on just about everything seems to be their way of life. Theyre far from struggling, really. Solid jobs, lovely house in Cambridge plenty of money to spend, if they felt like it.
I only tend to pop over when theres an occasion; otherwise, its friendly phone calls and brief catch-ups at the cafe after work. Their invitation arrived last month would I come round for a birthday do? Of course I would. It had been ages since wed seen one another. Yesterday morning, I popped their gift into my bag and headed to the office as usual.
Since the party was at four, I figured Id best keep lunch light, so a cup of tea and a couple of digestives was all I had. No reason to fill up I was expecting dinner. I even joked later as I handed over the present that Id arrived starving like a wolf, purposefully skipping a meal.
There were six other guests, plus our hosts. As I walked into their living room, it dawned on me immediately there was no dining table in sight just a modest little sofa and nowhere for us all to sit. Fine, I thought, must be a buffet. Soon enough, my friend brought out a small circular side table, all set up.
I must admit, I actually counted the slices, quite unashamed eight thin pieces each of smoked sausage (a personal favourite), cold cuts, and cheese. Then eight slivers of fresh tomato and cucumber, everything sliced nearly paper-thin but displayed neatly. There were two tiny bowls of salad and, just as meticulously, eight chunks of fruit; the centrepiece, a single bottle of wine. Everyones portions were precise clearly, not a crumb extra.
I nibbled slowly at the sausage and cheese, but my hunger persisted. Even the wine didnt tempt me much; I needed something proper to soak it up. Just as I was getting desperate, my mate announced hed bring out something hot. Relief washed over me. At least thered be a warm meal.
Alas, when the hot plates arrived it was a single roasted potato and one baked chicken drumstick. It made us all laugh not much to share, but at least the birthday cake was generously sized. Despite the scant spread, the conversation was good and there were plenty of laughs. Still, after an hour and a half, I left famished.
On my way home I popped into Sainsburys for some groceries and finally had a decent supper when I got in. It seems that my friends really do save at every opportunity even when it comes to feeding their guests.
I cant help but wonder why invite people over for your birthday if youre not prepared to give them a proper meal, or at least make them feel welcome? Its a mystery Ill never quite work out.
