Suggestions please.

[screenman]

My youngest who still lives with us has invited us out for a meal to meet his future in laws. Now I will want to pay the bill, how can I do that without the others trying to do the same. I imagine most of us have been in that situation.

My thoughts were to get there early and give the place an open card payment.

 

[Dayvo]

That should do the trick, but maybe your son's in-laws might think you're being a bit flash. Have you met them before?

Just say when the menus are being read that 'this meal is on me and you can get the next one,' thereby making them feel more comfortable.

Possibly.

 

[winjim]

At the point where you notice the meal is finished and nobody is going to order any more, get up to use the toilet. On the way back, discreetly accost the waiter with a credit card.

 

[TVC]

Wot Dayvo said.

If her dad turns out to be the gorilla that cut you up last week you csn decide not to buy his chips.

 

[winjim]

Actually on second thought, my way is a bit weird and sneaky. I'd go for Dayvo / Rocky's suggestion.

 

[midlife]

Alternatively, at the end of the meal go to the loo and escape out if the window. You will never have a meal out with them again so the problem goes away forever

Shaun

 

[bikingdad90]

Is this just a meal or a congrats on engagement or a we are having a baby news breaker meal?

If it was me, I would phone ahead and give the card details for the meal and reservation, explaining the situation and try and blag a free bottle of wine/beer etc.

 

[screenman]

Engagement.

 

[annedonnelly]

Like Dayvo & Rocky said. It can get embarrassing if someone is too pushy in trying to pay.


And congrats on the engagement btw

 

[Levo-Lon]

At the point where you notice the meal is finished and nobody is going to order any more, get up to use the toilet. On the way back, discreetly accost the waiter with a credit card.

thats what i always do...then when they start haggling just say its paid ,you may tip the waiters

 

[Cuchilo]

Turn up in bib shorts and say we are wrestling for the bill

 

[Drago]

I'd eat the meal then pretend I forgot my wallet

 

[stephec]

A drinking competition should sort it.

 

[Drago]

On a serious note, the last time this arose for me I excused myself on the pretence of going to point Percy at the porcelain and used the sneaky opportunity to settle the Bill.

 

[winjim]

Make sure you start by loudly asking "Nobody's having a starter, are they?" and declaring that the second cheapest bottle of wine really is the one that would go best with your meals.