My Thrifty Friends Invited Me to a Birthday Party—But I Came Home Hungry

I have friends I jokingly call thrifty. They save on almost everythingfrom food to clothes. Its not that theyre hard up; in fact, theyre rather well-off. Theres always money in their accounts. They could afford most things if they wished.

I only visit them when theres an occasion. Other times, we keep in touch over the phone. A month ago, they invited me over for my birthday. I wentand returned home still hungry.

That morning, I tucked the gift Id bought into my handbag and left for work. By four oclock, my friends rang to remind me about the party. So for lunch, I only had coffee and a couple of biscuits, thinking Id save my appetite for the evening.

I turned up a bit earlier than expected, present in hand, wished them all the best, and even joked, Ive arrived absolutely starvingI havent eaten on purpose. My friend laughed and assured me, Everythings ready.

There were six of us, plus our hosts. Entering the sitting room, I immediately noticed there was no table set uponly a small sofa and not nearly enough seating for everyone. My friends had clearly opted for one of those modern English buffets. After a long day at work, I wouldve loved a proper meal at a real table, not all eight of us crammed onto a little settee. But, as they say, when in Romeor, in this case, when in London

One of the guests improvised a tiny round table with food laid out upon it. Thats when I truly regretted not eating more at lunch. There were several small plateshonestly, I counted the slices and Im not at all ashamed. Eight slices of smoked sausage (which I adore), eight slices of ham, eight bits of cheese. Eight slices each of tomato and cucumber, paper-thin but arranged nicely. There were two miniature bowls of salad as well. The fruit was rationed the same wayexactly eight portions. To top it off, one bottle of wine for the entire spread. Eat and drink, my dear guests, they said.

I sat there, nibbling a bit of sausage with cheese, my stomach still rumbling. I didnt even dare drink much wine, worried about not having enough to accompany it. My friend said, Ill bring something warm. I felt a small glimmer of hopeperhaps something comforting at last.

The lady of the house brought in hot food: a few chips and a single chicken drumstick per person. One of each! I almost burst out laughing. At least the cake was a normal size.

Honestly, we had a lovely time. But after an hour and a half, I left still absolutely famished.

On my way home, I popped into Sainsburys and stocked up on groceries. Back at home, I finally had a proper meal. Thats how my friends managed to save a few pounds on their party guests.

Why invite people to celebrate if you cantor wonthost them properly?