Son and Daugher-in-law hosting skills....

Calendargirl

Can he afford to host these gatherings? Is money a factor?

I thought that might be an issue, too. Some young people - who don't appear impoverished on the outside - are struggling. I wonder if the OP has thought of that - the 'potluck dinner' serving size indicates it might be?

If it were my son, I'd ask him outright and offer to help out financially with social events - but I know in advance that he wouldn't take offence at being asked. Some young men might not be happy with such questioning though.

Some of these replies are a bit sharp in my opinion!
We have a relative who is similar- not a great host- again in my opinion.
Slow at greeting or helping with bags unloading car etc, slow at offering drinks or snacks. Does produce nice meals though. We always make good welcomes for visitors so it rankles
Maybe take a few items/ ask your son if he’d like anything bringing before a party or get together - ask him have you got enough for ?……,.
When you’re there - ask him if he’d like you to offer people a drink or whatever.

It’s good of him to invite you but, as others have said, he’s your son. I’d just have a motherly word, in a jokey way. I wonder if they can afford it and if they can’t it’s very kind of them to have you round anyway.

I wouldn’t do the “subtle hinting” some people have suggested - he’s your son and if it needs saying , say it!
Most children learn by example ,but this time it seems to have passed over his head.

I blame the Parents

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Can he afford to host these gatherings? Is money a factor?

Is this real !
As others have said he s yours

Talk to him, he obviously doesn’t realise, perhaps he’s not much interested in food. Do it in a lighthearted way, but talk to him.

I’m with all the ‘he’s your son!’ folk.
Just tell him! ‘Next time remember to serve drinks’ and ‘There wasn’t enough food last time, make sure that you get more’
I thought that was what mothers were for?!

Maybe the next time you have them round for a meal you could exaggerate the important issues (in your opinion) subtly. That sounds like a contradiction in terms but I'm sure you get the gist!

???- I had to laugh only because it reminded me of my son’s house warming party - everyone they met in the pub the previous day, was invited - oh just “pop in “…..as a result, by the time family got there, nothing was left - a sausage here, a sandwich there, some crisps. We just put it down to amateur planning. Things have improved since ?

Just be glad you get an invite ?

V petty

Do you enjoy the visits otherwise?

It would get me mad if my mother took over my host role in my own home.
I would avoid doing that again.
Other guest can fend for themselves and ask for a drink if they want

He's your son! Will he have any memories, happy or not, of your family hosting guests when he was younger? Does his partner and/or her family enjoy hosting, or absolutely dread and hate it?

I expect the guests enjoy his company and nip into the nearest takeaway on the way home.

It's really not important.

He’s your son! Surely you can find a way to chat about it pleasantly? Or just leave it be.