There’s a harbinger of change here, yet another dangerous change to our social network. There’s now a service that allows one to charge guests to attend a party.
Back in the day one had a party, say dinner for eight, and guests corresponded by hosting another dinner party at which the host couple was invited as guests.
No, today we want to give our guests a chance to pay for their dinner, so the regular “moocher” doesn’t get off so easy. There’s an answer for that. Don’t invite him. And as for paying for dinner, proper guests know to bring a nice bottle of wine or flowers for the hostess.
Then again, guests are calling brides-to-be and saying they’re bringing their toddler to a formal evening affair, or calling to say they’re allergic to partridge or tofu or whatever.
Where is Dear Prudence (Slate) when we need her? Let me try to channel her in the moment. If you’re a college student, everyone kicks in for the keg and you can also pass a hat if you need a second keg.
If you’re an adult trying to live in society, have a job and want to move up rather than down, the ladder, host strategic dinner parties. Treat your bosses and colleagues well, and treat your friends well, too. Read a book on etiquette. I was raised on several and yes, did have to walk with a book on my head.
Yes, there’s always someone who hosts more dinners than anyone else and who takes in “strays” over the holidays. That would be our house. We spend more, yes, but we live richer lives for doing so.
One gal puts together an incredible package that includes wine, food, even dead tennis balls for the dog! She’s a regular, we miss her 1,500 miles away but she visits, often.
You don’t charge your friends for dinner. If they can’t reciprocate for some reason (can’t cook, laid off temporarily) suck it up. They’re your friends! If they become perpetual moochers, don’t invite them to your home. Unless it’s your brother-in-law, then suck it up as he’ll be there forever and divorce is the only option. Hope this helps! The Feminist Homemaker, Dee
Cooking with Dee 
In addition to the usuals, I was given, at age eight, Tiffany’s Table Manners for Teenagers which shows one all the silverware in the world and what fork to use first.