HELP! I belong to a number of local groups, all of whom are having annual Christmas lunches. One I am helping to organise and another two I accepted. All with an average of £28 per head for a set 3-course meal on top of, that will be the cost of a drink. There is another one I’m sitting on at the moment, and now a neighbour has called to say a resident here (a small retirement block) is planning a Christmas lunch in our local pub. It was presented to me on the assumption I will be happy to join them ?. That’s five lunches amounting to about £150.
I have a small appetite and find a 3 course meal heavy going, and usually order 2 starters and avoid a dessert. In the past this has caused problems with a set price menu. I really don't think I can face so many group lunches within a space of three weeks not to mention the cost.
I know I am lucky and there are many who wouldn't get a single invite, so I don't want to appear churlish but please can someone suggest a polite get out clause, short of saying the dates clash and take myself out of the day.
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