I am the exact same way..I avoid any company at all costs. DH says every once in awhile.."we never have anyone over"..WELL HELLO-DO YOU SEE THAT THE DINING ROOM IS COMPLETELY ENGULFED BY YOUR BOXES OF STUFF AND YOU HAVE TURNED IT INTO AN OFFICE-NOT JUST AN OFFICE, BUT A REALLY,REALLY MESSY OFFICE??!!! WHERE DO YOU PROPOSE PEOPLE SIT...ON THE CEILING???
I was trying for an "away" party, but he wanted bowling-which is $15/kid. It would be my luck that all 27 kids would show up. Next year, it's gonna be WDW for sure..
I really feel for you waiting for your head count. I hatehatehate it when parents are so inconsiderate. And you KNOW they have been through this before, they know how frustrating it is..The last Chuck E. Cheese party I had, I ended up having to call parents, a couple of them were irritated?

("I tried to call you but your line was busy"..) This was after I wrote on the invitation, 3 TIMES in different places to please, please please call me -yes or no- so I know how many ....still had to call over half. I finally decided it was easier to clean the house than to deal with THAT kind of frustration. But in reality it is much easier just to leave town altogether!!