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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To dread in-laws visit due to their table manners?

181 replies

asseenontv · 21/12/2010 16:47

When the ILs come over for a meal they always pile their plates so high with food that there is not enough left for us and I find it really rude and bad mannered.

Their plates are usually about 4 inches deep in food (no kidding) and DH and I share whatever is left between us and the kids. We have tiny portions as a result and the ILs often notice and say 'oh not on a diet again are we?' or similar joke. We leave a small amount in the serving dishes for 'seconds' as well and usually FIL has finished his mound before I have finished my first mouthful and will then share out whatever is left between him and MIL. No chance for us to have seconds at all. AIBU?? I find it so rude. And frankly, disgusting that they stuff their faces whilst their GC go without at the same table!

We've tried over-catering in an attempt to prevent this happening but they subconsciously see it as a challenge and scoff the lot as usual. Serving out their plate for them results in them having many rounds of 'seconds' and again no food for us.
How can we stop this happening when they come round on Christmas Eve ?
(they are not fat, they walk dogs and have hollow legs big appetites but come on!)
Or AIBU?

OP posts:
switchtvoffdosomelessboring · 23/12/2010 13:17

MY MIL and PIL are the opposite, they eat like birds. Every Christmas day I feel like shouting 'eat some food ffs'. My sis and BIl, well they are the opposite, whatever you serve will be demolished.

I'd much rather see people eating and enjoying the food I've cooked. If I felt there was not enough food for everyone I'm be more upset at myself for not making enough!

FellatioNelson · 23/12/2010 13:18

I understand what Getorf means - if course it's fine to plate up for entertaining if you are doing a restaurant style meal where everyone's food is in a poncey tower identical, but for a more informal roast or casserole supper it seems a bit school dinner lady to do it for all but very small children.

(Don't worry Getorf, I've sorted it for you. Wink)

On the other hand, OP's PILS might need a bit of school dinner lady treatment.

Rollmops · 23/12/2010 13:52

Ereer.... make more food Confused, even the King of Gluttons has his limits....

onceamai · 23/12/2010 21:40

She's here! She's already commented on how much foccacia there was on the table and said she knows she mustn't lick her knife in my house - ha ha. 7 more sleeps to go. And DS has already kicked off as he always does in her presence.

nooka · 24/12/2010 01:54

My dh was a bodybuilder for a while, so had a massive appetite, but he didn't expect other people to cater for it. I don't care how hungry/you are (and no one needs to eat that sort of volume of food) it is greedy and rude to take so much that there is not enough food for everyone else. If you think that the people you are sharing a meal with don't eat much then why not take your food in two helpings. Piling your plate up high when the food is on the table in front of you and you can always take more is surely just unnecessary.

Tortington · 24/12/2010 01:55

at least they eat at the table Envy

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