I was invited to my friend’s housewarming an hour away and then CHARGED for having dinner there – they’re being stingy
A REDDIT user has sparked a fierce debate after their friend allegedly charged their guests for takeaway food.
According to the furious social media user, they had been invited to a pal’s housewarming party, which was an hour-long drive away from theirs.
Upon arriving, the Redditor claimed in the post, they realised that the friend hadn’t prepared any food or snacks for those joining the celebrations.
However, the author was left gobsmacked after their mate had decided to order takeaway food and then proceeded to ask people to chip in to cover the costs.
The person explained: ”I went to a friend’s housewarming party. They live pretty far, approx 1 hour drive.
”Not only we went all the way there, they also didn’t provide any food.
”They then decided to order pizzas and then asked for the money back.”
Taken aback, they wondered if this was a ”normal” custom, as they found it difficult to get their head around what had just happened.
I would generally assume if a take away was being ordered I would be expected to chip in
Social media user
”I am Italian, sounds shocking to me that you’d expect people to travel this far to come and see you at your party and then also expect people to pay to eat.
”Is it a cultural shock or is it stingy of them?”
The post, which has since racked up over 1.5k likes and interactions, has taken the popular forum by storm, leaving people totally divided.
Many, like the author, found the situation bizarre, racing to slam the housewarming party organisers.
One said: ”No not normal, I’d provide some light food at a housewarming.
”Not a full on meal but snacks, pizza, chicken wings cheese and the like.”
Someone else agreed, writing: ”Probably depends on the friend group but if I were to host any sort of event (yes, even a housewarming) I’d have snacks, but not a full blown pizza.
”If I were to order pizza, I would make it clear from the start if we were splitting it. Something like “you guys hungry? Wanna go splits on a pizza?”
Tips for a memorable and stress-free housewarming party
Although throwing a housewarming party may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be – check out the tips below to make it memorable and stress-free.
- Take your time: According to the experts at United Van Lines, there is no need to rush, as exciting as it may seem. Throwing your bash a month — or two — after your move-in date is perfectly fine.
- Send invitations: As a housewarming party is usually planned as an open-house event, this allows guests to come and go at a time that suits them the best. Choose a duration between four and six hours and if you don’t expect any gifts – let them know in the invitation.
- Plan food: Unless you really feel like whipping up a full-on meal, stick to serving nibbles, such as a lovely DIY grazing board.
- Skip the decorations: A bouquet of lovely flowers, a bunch of balloons and “welcome” sign is enough if you do insist on having decor.
- Curate the ultimate tune playlist: A good playlist is key to a successful housewarming party guests are sure to remember. Aim for a list complete with crowd-pleasers that most people know.
”If I didn’t mention splits, then it’s “on me” as part of the housewarming.”
A third penned: ”My mate nearly punched me for laughing, loudly, at him for suggesting such a thing. If you can’t afford a party, don’t have one, simple as.”
However, not everyone thought of it as ”stingy” and insisted ”circumstances” also played a big role.
One Redditor said: ”Most of my friends and I are on pretty low incomes.
”I would generally assume if a take away was being ordered I would be expected to chip in.”
Another echoed the sentiment, writing: ”I think there is a big variation in what people provide at a party.
”Generally I would expect to pitch in if someone ordered takeaway though.”
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