I have a few mates Id call frugal. They pinch pennies at nearly every turnon food, on clothes. Mind you, they arent poor; quite the opposite, theyre pretty well off. Theres always money around. So, in theory, they could afford just about anything.
I only go round theirs when theres an actual occasion. Otherwise, its just the odd phone call to catch up. About a month ago, they invited me over for my birthday. I went along and came home absolutely starving.
That morning, I popped the gift Id bought into my bag and headed off to work. At four oclock, my friends called to say the party was starting. Id only had a coffee and a couple of biscuits at lunchfigured Id save my appetite for the party, since Id been invited round.
Anyway, I turned up a bit before the time theyd said. Gave them their present, wished them all the luck and good health, and jokingly mentioned I was ravenous because Id skipped lunch for this. My mate replied, still kidding, Everythings ready, dont worry!
There were six of us, plus the hosts. As I walked into the living room, there wasnt a single table set up, and it hit me: theyd decided to do one of those buffet-style dos. There were no chairs, just one tiny sofa for people to perch on. Ideally, after work, Id have liked to sit down to a proper meal, not have all eight of us squashed together on a sofa. But I thought, all right, a buffet it is. Someone had put together a little round table and set it out with food. Thats when I regretted only having two biscuits at lunch.
On the table were several little plates (I actually counted each slice, and Im not even ashamed). Each plate had eight sliceseight bits of smoked sausage (and Im mighty fond of those), eight bits of cold meat, eight slices of cheese. There were tomatoes and fresh cucumbers, again, eight slices each. All razor thin, but arranged prettily. Oh, and there were two minuscule bowls of salad. Fruit, too, measured out for exactly eight people. The rich spread was completed by a single bottle of wine. Basically, Eat and drink, dear guests.
I sat there nibbling a thin bit of sausage with cheese, still hungry as anything! Didnt even want to touch the winecouldnt risk it on such an empty stomach. My mate piped up: Ill bring out something warm! I thought, finally, something decent to eat. The lady of the house brought out the hot food.
On a plate: tiny helping of chips and a single fried chicken drumstick apiece. One of each, no more! Couldnt help but laugh. At least the birthday cake was a normal size. All in all, we had a lovely enough time. After an hour and a half, though, I leftfamished.
On my way home, I stopped at the shop and picked up some groceries. Had myself a proper meal when I got in. My friends, it turns out, saved a bit of cash on their guests.
Whats the point of inviting people round for your birthday if you cantor wontlook after them properly? If theres anything I learned, its that a little generosity goes a long way, especially when theres cake involved.
