Inviting Others When It is Not Your Party

by Annoyed in NC
(North Carolina)

Dear Miss Manners

For several years now I have spent New Year's Even by inviting some friends to go to a local Inn for drinks followed by dinner at a restaurant, another location. Everyone pays their own way and the guest list has varried over the years. This year I asked friends if they wanted to change up the schedule since the city was not having fireworks and start with dinner and proceed to the Inn for drinks. Everyone agreed and my friend's husband went over and spoke to the restaurant manager to make the reservations since he knew them. Next thing I know these friends are including other couples to this event. I was not very pleased since I felt this was my party and as such they should check with me before they invite other guests that I have never met.

Tell me Miss Manners am I wrong to expect that they not go inviting people I have never met without asking me. To me it seems extremely rude and lacks manners. What is your opinion?