“Dear Anonymous, my sister-in-law volunteered to host Easter brunch this year, but she just sent out a ‘signup sheet’ demanding everyone bring a specific expensive dish AND pay $20 per person for ‘decor and cleanup’ costs. Is it tacky to back out now, or do I just pay the brunch ransom?”
Okay, first of all, if she’s offering to host it is her responsibility to decorate and clean up her own house. Do not let her bully you in any way, shape, or form to pay her for letting you eat there. Secondly, was this supposed to be a potluck from the start? Because it sounds to me like sis-in-law just wants to get out of ALL the work a host is responsible for…you know, like cooking and cleaning. If you really want to see the rest of the family, pick up a veggie tray at the grocery store on your way over and call it good. If, on the other hand, you really don’t care about anyone that’s showing up to her bougie ass party, feel no shame in backing out. She sounds like a nightmare anyway.
Happy Easter!
Anonymous