DEAR ABBY: Last Saturday afternoon, I attended a cousin's baby shower hosted by our "Aunt Flo." It was held at a local restaurant, and Flo provided the cake and decorations. The guests were expected to pay for their own meals and drinks.
The invitation revealed nothing about this arrangement. Those of us attending didn't find out until we called to RSVP. It seems unfair to burden guests with this cost, when they are also paying for a baby gift -- not to mention travel expenses for those who came from out of town.
Not wanting to disappoint the mom-to-be, I attended -- even though the afternoon ended up being a big strain on my budget. What do you think about this, Abby? -- INDIGNANT OR IGNORANT IN IOWA
DEAR I OR I: Aunt Flo did not "host" the shower -- she simply arranged it. When a no-host party invitation is issued, it should clearly state that guests will be expected to pay their own way.