13 at the table! What can I do?

[cariboo]

We're having a lunch party for dd's 1st communion on Saturday & I'vr just found out that somebody can't come, which leaves us with 13 at the table. Normally I'm not superstitious but 13 at a table is supposed to be really unlucky. Does anyone have any ideas? Could we put a teddy bear as a stand-in or is that just too ridiculous? help!

The hotel where I used to work had a teddy as 14th guest. It got used quite a lot!

Bless! Thanks for that. (breathes huge sigh of relief)

Where does that superstition come from? Is it because of the Last Supper?

I think so. And I'm still stressing about it (along with a million other things to do with this ceremony!) and thinking that my PIL will know for sure that I'm completely looney-tunes if I put a teddy bear or a baby born at the table.

but mildmannered, I know it's stupid! All superstitions are stupid & illogical! Reason & logic tell me so: one could even argue that religion itself is a superstition (apparently Einstein's opinion) And yet...

tell the person you least like that they are bad luck and they can't come

We've thought of that, cosima It won't wash.

well actually the superstition comes from the last supper judas betrayal, but even jesus himself said that judas's actions were necessary so that he could give his life etc, so those hardened christians probably think its really good luck. A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day! I would be more worried about finding 13 chairs

If you're really worried about it, but don't want to appear loony, use the teddy but laugh it off.

'Oh yes, we realised this morning that we're only 13, and some people think it's bad luck! And DD had the funny idea of inviting MR Snuggles along as well!' < Said with much hilarity. >

Are there any small children that could eat on a separate table as 13 seems a lot to get around any table?

Is there someone you could invite at the last minute?

LOL! My dd is really into her honesty thing atm which often runs over into pure provocation (and she knows it, the little minx!) and will therefore DEFINITELY tell all that "Mummy wanted the teddy to come to lunch".

No-one to invite at the last minute (especially not at £40 per head - dh is doing his nut).

Ahh you're not having it at home. If the restaurant is pushing 2 tables together could you not leave a tiny gap between them?

Am thinking we'll have to include dd's beloved baby born, Charlotte. Could be interesting to see various reactions[snort emoticon]

I have a friend who says that there is no problem that can't be solved by shooting 3 carefully selected people. You're lucky - you only have to shoot 1!

As it happened, the 3 teenage children of dd's godfather (who weren't actually invited but we couldn't say, "no, your kids can't come") got off at the wrong train station & weren't able to get to the lunch in time. Just as well for them; they would've been bored out of their minds.