Mom Accused Of Being Stingy For Not Serving Alcohol At Son's First Birthday Party

“If the guest of honor can’t drink, then alcohol isn’t appropriate.”

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• September 23, 2023

A baby's first birthday is a cause for celebration for their parents and family. In anticipation of their son's milestone, these parents planned two birthday parties for him.

Their original plan was to hold one event with both sides of their families present, but OP's sister-in-law and her husband live far from them. OP hosted a small party with her side of the family.

A week later, the same thing was held for her husband's family. His mom, sister, and brother-in-law were in attendance.

The two parties were pretty identical to each other. OP and her husband served a meal, their son blew his birthday cake, the guests showered the celebrant with gifts, and took a ton of photos with the baby.

With the formalities out of the way, the adults were left to trade stories while the baby napped from blissful exhaustion. No alcohol was served during the event.

OP is still breastfeeding, so alcohol was the last thing on her mind. Her husband doesn't enjoy alcohol, so he stopped drinking alongside OP.

The happy parents were glad their son's first birthday went so well. OP had no idea her in-laws were miffed by the lack of alcohol during the event.

She received a message from her mother-in-law the following morning. She was curious why OP didn't serve alcohol.

Apparently, OP's sister-in-law was upset. She believed OP was cheap for not thinking of their guests.

They traveled far to give the birthday boy gifts and OP couldn't be bothered to serve some refreshments.

OP was confused why she was being blamed. Her husband planned and shopped for the second party.

It's custom in their country to serve alcoholic drinks at a party. Still, OP's husband wasn't pleased about his mom's accusatory tone. He told her that if they weren't happy with how they hosted, then they shouldn't come to their home next time.

OP doesn't know if she and her husband were wrong not to serve wine at their one-year-old's birthday party.

There were a grand total of 5 adults and one baby at this party. Why was there a need to drink?

It sounds like OP and her husband executed a long lunch for their guest where they all had a lovely time

Somehow SIL and MIL thought it was still a failure because they didn't have wine?

It's odd to want to get drunk at a one-year-old's birthday party

So, since SIL married into a rich family she thinks Champagne flows out of taps

They really should have brought their own drinks if alcohol was that important

OP should just let them complain until their voices gets hoarse. Her husband can deal with his family.

Their attention should have been on their baby nephew they haven't met before

They were so distracted by the lack of booze that it was the only memory they had of the party

If they can muster the shamelessness to show up at OP's house again, they should bring their own drinks. OP and her husband planned and spent money to throw a second event for these people to accommodate their schedules, and all they got in return was a complaint.

Chelsi