How do I invite people to our own birthdays?

[SplshMtn99]

DH & I are both turning 40 in Sept / Oct. Neither of us want a "party"....nor do we think anyone will throw us a party.

However, I want to invite some close friends & relatives out to a local restaurant with us to celebrate DH's birthday. And he wanted to do the same for my birthday just 3 weeks later.

Since we don't expect that anyone would want to join us twice so soon apart.....we sort of need to invite everyone just once. But that looks like we are each inviting everyone to our own "party".

And of course....to me, it looks like since we invited them....we need to pay for them?

Also.....neither of us wants any presents.
Opinions on how to handle all this please.

 

[aprilgail2]

Just send out invites and put a footnote on each such as "please no gifts, your presence is the best gift of all"

 

[Pooh67_68]

I havn't a clue, good luck.

 

[minniecarousel]

I see nothing wrong with calling a few close friends and say that you guys want to go out for dinner for your big 4-0s & would they be willing to be a part of the party - & say right up front that everyone would pay their own dinner and you don't want presents. If they're close friends and/or family, there shouldn't be a problem (at least from my experience.)

 

[Tea Please]

I think if you are inviting people to a dinner party, then you should pick up the tab. I would be insulted to be invited to a "pay your own way party". That is just my 2 cents.

 

[Amberle3]

Just spread the word that you plan on going out for dinner to celebrate your birthday in lieu of a party.

When you tell (or email) people include something like "We know there's been some talk of a birthday party for <whoever>. Our plan to celebrate the day is to have a wonderful dinner at <restaurant>. If you're free that night we'd love to see you there." If you want you can add a "BYOW" (Bring Your Own Wallet) at the end.

I've been to plenty of birthday dinners for family and friends at restaurants, and never once did I think I wouldn't be paying for my own meal.