I like it (not really) when people call up to tell you they're bringing other people -- more adult guests, kids that shouldn't be there, whatever. Reasonable people do one of two things: call and ask if it's okay (and take whichever response) or call and say they can't make it. Depending on the formality, of course: the first one really shouldn't be done if it's a catered event like a wedding reception or other head-count type thing.
It's tough when you're co-hosting something and the other person caves, or just starts inviting random people! I think my husband might say that he had to check with his wife first, but I know that's not always the case. Heck, I had another family member (not a co-host) tell people "sure! bring the kids!" to our mostly no-kids wedding reception (our niece & nephews were invited, but that was it -- long story). I would agree that cow-orker shouldn't be invited back, but everyone should also know that it's not cool to just invite people at the last minute.
Years ago, I had an incident where I was "stuck" with a teenager (my goddaughter) while on my way to an adult-only party. I called the hostess and told her the situation, and offered to escort the rest of the guests (from out of town) and then go, and she told me to bring my goddaughter & stay as long as I swore I'd keep her away from the drunks and out of trouble in general. A couple brought their young son (~8), although it was clearly an adult party, and just let him run wild. Our hostess was NOT amused. (We didn't stay long, and my group hung out in the garage pretty much the whole time. Goddaughter thought she had her own entourage.)
|