to think the novelty has worn off after 3 hours

[pinkginandtonic]

Went to brother and sister in laws today for an early Christmas get together. We have just got home.

Had a lovely lunch, a few glasses of wine etc. All good fun and a bit of a laugh.

Then they get out the giant party poppers and before long the meal has descended into a riot with food, napkins etc being thrown across the table.

Now, I find this all quite fun and amusing but this literally goes on for 3 hours. No real conversation just constant throwing of food at one another. I know they all think I am really boring but I just find it very dull and childish for so long.

The brother and sister in law are in their 50's.

Every "do" that involves them always ends up the same way - in the summer the water pistol super soakers come out and that also goes on for 3 hours too.

It's not just at their house but at mine or at parents-in-law.

I have come home feeling like I must be a right old misery, but am I?

I’d be well fucked off if I got mashed potatoe in my hair or trifle on my clothes. Sounds like hell rather than fun.

Oh Lord spare me from the "just having a laugh" types, they are boring as hell. The sort that have those "You don't have to be mad to work here" type posters.

YANBU OP, they are the tedious ones. Chucking food around is something I find reprehensible, it's not funny or clever.

it was generally only cheese and biscuits and ice cream sprinkles because these were left on the table. I think the general rule is that "wet" food isn't allowed.

Funnily enough, I've never really checked on the etiquette for this behaviour.

Oh god. Your ils sound insufferable. Yanbu at all.

I couldn't be arsed with that at all.

My toddler doesn't get away with throwing food. That's ridiculous behaviour. We like to have a fair few drinks and a laugh when we have friends over, but we laugh about conversations, put good music on, take the piss out of each other. No need for anything to be thrown. They sound like the sort of people you don't need to spend time with.

I went to a garden/bbq party for a friend's father in the summer and he and his wife ended up having a massive water fight with each other. My friend said that they always do that. A few children joined in but the other adults just looked a bit bemused.

Their house/garden, their party, their rules, their way.

OP, do they do this at your house too? Either way, I think I'd have to get going after flinging a token bit of gristle.

Sounds really common. Giant party poppers ffs.

Water fights outside are different from throwing food inside, though.

I'm surprised they are in their 50s and want to do this - they sound like children who haven't been given any boundaries.

Does your husband behave like that in your own home?

3 hours of throwing food at each other, with no talking? Sounds... seriously odd!

I’ve been crying with laughter reading this out to my husband, just because it’s so ridiculous. Even more ridiculous that you have to question whether you are boring because you don’t find it entertaining! They sound like the dullest people ever.

Yanbu. I hate hate hate food being thrown around, and wouldn't stand it for 3 minutes, never mind 3 hours.

Yuck. I'd've left after the first three minutes TBH.
They are the "we're all maaaaad here" type aren't they?
Grim.

No, he doesn't behave like this when we are at home but joins in with relish when they are around. They do it at ours too and keep making jokes about how prim and proper me won't like it. I just shrug my shoulders and know my other half will clear it all up.

I just find it so dull though - I just don't see the entertainment in it. I'm not keen on party games either, but at least I can see how people can get enjoyment from them.

Sounds like a nightmare - I wouldn't be able to sit through this. Food being chucked around really sets my teeth on edge. The waste, the mess - just no.

I would never throw food (I'd be too busy shovelling it into my gob).

It’s not funny it’s boring and stupid. And aggressive.
I’d be out the door.

But the water fights are not just firing a few gentle water pistols at each other, they are literally filling up a dustbin full of water and chucking it as someone. Again, for three sodding hours, when I just want to have a chat in the sun with a glass of wine.

I couldn't stand that, I'd be as bored as ......bored.

I wouldn't be going round TBH.
And if they came to yours I would expect DH to ask them to stop it or leave. Not join in.
Who the fuck throws food their hosts have prepared?
Or only serve them plastic play food?

Dreadful. I know what my face would be like if I had to sit through it
Also hate those American weddings where the bride and groom stick the cake in each other’s faces

Well I'm all for the teens having a game of Pie Face after dinner (those younger than 10 in this house say it's a silly and childish game) but even they arm themselves with wipes and a tea towel.
Those over 15 usually gravitate to the kitchen where The Logo Game is going on.
Sod your after dinner arrangements, they sound feral.

Nope!

It's vulgar wasting food like that imo. I would have nothing to do with them.

My face is literally aching from having to look "jolly" throughout and hold my facial muscles in a way that ensured I didn't look like I was as bored as fuck.

I was also critisised for not buying life-size singing santas like they have - I think I counted 4 of them in the house. Apparently they cost £300 each.