You just need to keep after the people who haven't responded. Of course it was their responsibility to reply promptly, but they didn't, so you have no choice if you want to know how many to expect. I understand the temptation to plan without the non-responders and turn them away on space grounds if they show up, but as you correctly acknowledge, that would be unbelievably rude -- not only to them, but to your other guests and the bride, all of whom would be embarrassed and uncomfortable, too. Guests' failing to respond promptly to an invitation is impolite and inconsiderate, but a host's deliberately humiliating invitees and embarrassing the rest of the guests is way over the line. I know I'd never forget it if I saw someone do that. That may be a lot of calls and/or emails, but I can't tell -- you said "fewer than half" have responded, but you didn't say fewer than half of how many. You also say you are "co-hosting," so there are at least two of you to divide the calls. As the event is in your home, I can't imagine that it is THAT many. I sense that your frustration isn't at the magnitude of the task but your resentment at having to do it at all. I understand that resentment -- they were wrong and inconsiderate -- but I'm afraid you'll just have to get past it or you will make it difficult for yourself to be a gracious host. When you first planned the shower, were you figuring on a sit down luncheon, or did that idea just sort of occur to you after you didn't get many "yes" responses? Anyway, I think you have to either follow up with the non-responders or just go ahead and prepare for most of them coming. I can't figure out what you mean by "Half of those who did respond did so through back channels that make it difficult to track," so if that is significant, please explain. Your other question is about keeping guests out of private areas of your home. I would think that even though your family members went upstairs to use a bathroom (presumably when the powder room was occupied), shower guests who don't even know you well or at all would be a lot less inclined to do so. But if you think that they might for some reason, the only thing I can think of would be to put up a gate (like a baby gate) at the top of the stairs, put away sensitive papers, and close your office door. If you think you can't enjoy yourself because you will be worrying that people will snoop, maybe you should have the shower elsewhere. Everyone has her own comfort level, and although you cannot be rude to your guests (like, don't post signs or make comments about "invading my personal space"), there is no law that says you have to entertain in your home. The one or two times I have been invited to parties where the guests were not even allowed into the house at all, or parts were barricaded off (as opposed to simply closing the doors to rooms; that's fine), I have to admit I found it rather off-putting, even though I had no intention or desire to go to those areas anyway -- it just sort of seemed to send a message of distrust. It's nice of you to give a shower. I am sure it will be lovely whichever way you do it. Have fun!

popi We are Christians and wanted a Christian education for our kids. What I have found out though is that many of kids at this school put themselves on a "I am a better Christian than you are" pedestal and judge very harshly students that don't follow their lead. My son is more outside of the box. He skateboards instead of playing football. Listens to harder rock "Christian" music than most and is does more his own thing. We are far from wealthy and don't run with they parents who are and who have seats on the board or contribute extra money to the school. My older daughter had the same experience and she left the school. She told me that the kids that got up on stage and professed their love for and commitment to Christ were the meanest, most two faced and hardest partying kids at the school. She never fit in either. I have a concern of being able to get him to school when the weather is bad since I will have to be driving SD10 to school if he goes else where. The drive to the school that we have chosen, should he go, is about 20 minutes without snow or ice. That is something that we have to discuss. My DH says that he will find those types of people at the other school and not like it there either. I agree that he will find those types of people there but since the school is much larger he probably won't be with them the entire day nor will the mold that he is expected to fit into be so strict. I want to meet with the principal and see what they have available to address his learning disabilities. I need to speak to his special ed teacher at his current school and get her honest opinion about it. I emailed her today but have not heard back from her. I will also talk to the super at his current school and let him know why my son would be leaving and that he should take a hard look at what is being learned there about being a Christian as apposed to what is being taught. I think it's a shame.

@User...you are correct...Spike ran That (The?) Homesite...which was the predecessor to the GardenWeb. I wasn‘t talking about cutting and pasting links. I was discussing hyper texting, I.e., highlighting in green (as I did your name). When you do this, Houzz sends an email, alerting you that someone either mentioned your name in a post, or was asking you a direct question. It’s why you received an email, telling you about my reply to you. You did not hyper text my name, therefor, Houzz did not alert me to your reply. I just happened to check the thread, and saw it. Hyper texting is easily done from an iPhone or iPad. I rarely use my computer. The iPad is how I interact with the internet, 99% of the time.

Do you have any chair in your house now of a similar size that you can just place in the spot where this recliner would need to be placed just so you can both have a better “ feel” for how new recliner would look sitting so far from wall? I think your fiancé has a concern that must be considered carefully for this corner space. You’d hate to have a chair you love but a room you don’t like the finished look of bc of the chair fit. Have you heard of Ekornes stressless recliners? Suggest you find a place to look at their different features & sit in one or two at least for a basis to compare. They are a Scandinavian made product but have a variety of base styles & sizes Of chairs. I have a leather, non power mid sized recliner in my den / office with a wooden base which fits well into this room with a Arts &Crafts style Stickley oak desk & book case. The chair fits well into a corner with much less than your 2-3’ needed.. My husband who has back issues loves this chair & it’s his reading chair. I will note that I found a very old thread on this site rating Ekornes sofas & chairs with mixed reviews on mechanisms but didn’t read enough to determine if the 9 year old thread was addressing power units or non power. Our chair is loved by all who sit in it, the leather quality is good & has worn well. It struck me that style of this chair would blend well with your chaise & for the price range you’re considering, it’s certainly another good option worth a look.