On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 15:28:49 GMT, Frogleg > wrote:

>Teach 'em by throwing your own party with all the features you desire.
>There's nothing like competition within a group for upping the tone.

That can actually work against you. I've had people tell me they
didn't like to have me over because they were afraid I would critique
the meal. Unfortunately they were right. <EG> Not because of the
money they spend, but the thought they put into the event. I
mentioned my brother and SIL in another post in this thread. I enjoy
them boatloads, and even had them at the midwest cook-in a few months
ago, but they shouldn't entertain. A few years ago they had a
birthday party in early December. Half of the 20+ guests were
smokers. The "Hosts" (along with most people I know) don't smoke in
their house, so due to rain/sleet/snow we went to an unattached
garage. The wood burning stove was not lit. Light bulbs were burnt
out. Lawn equipment was blocking the doors, and the floor was
blessed with dog shit. Am I wrong for judging them? <G>


Gar