Christmas Day Lunch Trauma..(MIL)

[lovingthesun]

We are off to the inlaws this xmas day. MIL is very excited BUT is very very territorial in her house.

I'm a fussy bugger (only eat organic chicken, in fact only buy it from a particular local farm). Today have received an email stating how looking forward to it she is, followed by, I'm cooking beef, what can I do for you & the DGC, tell me & I'll get it in.

Well, the last time she 'got it in', DD's & I ate revolting skinny & sinuey chicken thighs from M&S (she objects MASSIVELY to organic). I loathe thighs. I felt very embarrassed, but ate it & even now, feel a bit gaggy at the mention of thighs.

So, I would like to bring my own luscious breasts & my own coffee, as they only have caffeinated filter coffee or vile instant coffee. But I've been told not to bring anything...I feel very uncomfortable & in a way controlled..it doesn't make any sense to me...

Its an opportunity to have a vegetarian day! Ask for a nut roast! Re: the coffee you could give her some as a gift and keep your fingers crossed she uses it on the day. Make it a special gift because its so lovely, put a message in with it.

Dont feel bad for being fussy - I always make a special effort for my MIL is hugely fussy so between us we balance out.

When mil comes for dinner at your house do you feed her chicken from "the farm" or do you call her, ask her preferences and then buy the value range skank that she prefers to eat? Would you be prepared to cook cheap chicken for her if she asked you to?

I also don't think its that unusual for someone not to want help in the kitchen, my mum hates anyone else in her kitchen when she's preparing a meal

One last thing, maybe she didn't get the value apple juice purely to affront you, but maybe she thought it was perfectly reasonable quality?

Christ, show some social grace, woman! It's one day. You are a guest. Eat what you're given and be grateful.

...and if someone showed up at my house as a guest on Xmas Day with a bag full of chicken breasts and their own coffee I would think they were absolutely barking mad.