Another explanation is that different groups of people have different currencies .

Sue, I'd call AA, just to check. I always do e-tickets, so I never hear from the airlines, merely the dealer, and I have no idea what the delay between the two is. Perhaps you did that? Which reminds me, I'm getting a new issue of my card soon. I wonder if I should wait until after my TG trip to start using it, in case the swipe at Southwest expects the old and it is somehow different than the new.

When I bring something to a party, it's more often than not a host gift. I don't expect to eat or drink of it unless the invite said potluck. So I may show up with a bottle of wine (or not -- I don't pretend to be a good guest as often as I'd like), but it's not about me drinking any of it.

Sarameg, you are wise. I haven't done anything yet, I just checked my CC statement tonight. I was mostly wondering if this is some kind of crazy SOP for Expedia.

I'm going to call them tomorrow, I think it's about time to tidy the house and get ready for bed.

Hee, I can be wise after four fingers of scotch!

I only bring host gifts for housewarmings or otherwise New stuff. Or if I'm imposing. It'd never occur to me otherwise.

Hell, it was only recently I figured out I needed to tip the shampoo person.

Well, we were talking about BYOB and potluck vs. having a cover charge. Bringing a gift for the host is different.

I'm not saying there's necessarily anything wrong in charging an entry fee for a party, just that I personally would have different expectations from a party I paid to go to versus one where I was asked to BYOB. (And would never in a million years think to charge people for one of my parties because of said expectations.)

I am random and erratic. And also don't expect or want gifts from guests.

kashi:

we were talking about BYOB and potluck vs. having a cover charge

But what I'm saying is that the practice of just bringing stuff for your host (which is what I was talking about from the start, hence the mention of flowers) is SOP enough that it doesn't twig me, and I was extrapolating that to it not affecting my expectations of the party.

I only bring host gifts for housewarmings or otherwise New stuff. Or if I'm imposing. It'd never occur to me otherwise.

Likewise. Gifts are for housewarmings, showers, weddings and birthdays. The rest of the time I may bring something to share (and will definitely if requested) but not a gift. I wouldn't even know what to give in those situations, as I don't drink wine and have no clue as to what would be good and what's just rancid grape remains.

Hell, it was only recently I figured out I needed to tip the shampoo person.

Huh. Of course, in the rare instances I've been to a place where they washed my hair, it was done by the stylist.

I am random and erratic. And also don't expect or want gifts from guests.

Neither do I. I always specify "no gifts" on the invitations for any parties I throw. Having people I like at my parties is enough of a "gift" to me.

Different currencies, I suppose. I've never been to a party with a cover charge, not a private one.

I would have been fine with a pot-luck, I'm used to those. But asking for cash, I dunno. Bothers me.

I'll probably go: the hostess is my former boss and a good friend. I'm just vaguely freaked, especially since I'm already having to get in costume for the thing. Bah. Perhaps I am just anti-social.

But what I'm saying is that the practice of just bringing stuff for your host (which is what I was talking about from the start, hence the mention of flowers) is SOP enough that it doesn't twig me, and I was extrapolating that to it not affecting my expectations of the party.

Ah. I don't know. I think bringing a gift versus "You have to pay me $10 to walk through this door" are completely different vibes, even if gift could concievably cost more than the cover charge. But I think it's just a matter of different social conventions, as I've yet to be invited to a party where (barring the previously mentioned special occaisions) gifting the host or paying to get in was SOP.

And now I'm off to the city to see some actors perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. I'm curious how many of them will involve "Fitzmas". I'm willing to bet at least one, though I'll die if they actually use the term.