sf wrote:

>> If you can't afford to host a party, don't have one. If your friends had
>> $10,000. for a luau, that's wonderful. But to then put out a gimmick
>> like a "tree" to recover the costs of the party it isn't wonderful
>> anymore in my book (nor Emily Post's, Miss Manners, etc.).
>
> It's cultural, Goomba. Don't dismiss what you don't understand.
>
Who says I don't "understand it" ?? I do.. and still don't like it.
What's to understand? In the US he who hosts the party pays for the
party... short of a stated pot luck type thing.
When *I* throw a party...you're my guest. I've invited you to celebrate
with me, not pay for my party.