Replies to 'Getting Along With Your In-Laws'

I went through somewhat of the same thing for my daughter's 1st birthday.  My in-laws are big drinkers and feel that alcohol is necessary to have at pretty much every occasion.  I went to my husband's cousin's graduation party, who requested that alcohol not be present, and because of this my in laws were mad and thought it was ridiculous.  Those who know my in-laws knew why my husband's cousin did not want alcohol present at her party.  Anyway, during this party my MIL was going on and on about how ridiculous that they always have alcohol present at partys.  With my daughter's party coming up I told my MIL that I was not going to have alcohol at her party.  My MIL just looked at me and then asked in more of a statement tone than question, that I wouldn't get mad if they brought alcohol.  My response was that I would serious question why she would feel the need to bring alcohol to a one year old's birthday party.  The party is for my daughter, not for my in-laws.   They did not bring alcohol to the party but they did smell like they had been drinking before they arrived.

I have been with my husband for 4 years now and it has been problem after problem with them.  Especially his sister who thinks she is the best of everything.  I have recently fought with her and have not spoken to her in two months.  With the holidays coming up, I am seriously stressing out because I don't know the right way to handle it.

I hope you have better luck in the future.  My advice is to be up front about who you are and what you feel is right.  If  your MIL does not like it, she will just have to get over it.  She had her chance at throwing the ideal party for her children, now it's your turn.