I agreed to cater for a party of 40 for a friend for free, she buys the food, then she upped the number to 96!?

Friend?? Friend?? She's not your friend. She is using you because you are a nice person and letting her use you. Tell her, "NO" in no uncertain terms that you can not cater a 96 person party by yourself. Tell you that you will need $12, or $20, or $50 per person to cater this party. This will be a lot of work and you will need help. If she says "no", walk away. You haven't lost anything.

Show her this message and blame it on me. I wouldn't do it for free, and neither should you.

Judith my friend,

I would make it short and sweet. Just tell her the truth and say that you are sorry to say that you feel taken advantage of with her change in plans and unless she is willing to pay for your services that you simply cannot manage to do it.

This is provided you want to and the money makes it a worthwhile project.

Judith, you are too good to worry about returning her game with any negative behavior, so even though you feel you would like to put her in her place, don't. You are a lady and I know you are just reacting.

In the end though she doesn't sound like anyone you should be friends with. Let someone else run around after her spoiled butt. Count her out of your friendships.

That's what I think.

peace, jude

Just don't say anything. Cook enough for only 40 plates like you said you would for free. And tell the rest that Mc Donald's is right around the corner.

i like the americans response! haha! great idea but... in all honesty... if you are friends then you really ought to chat with her about this. i reckon she would come round to thinking theat either her, her family and/or ohter friends could help out wioth their catering expertise or... she will might have to hire someone!

Judith i never cook for my friends for free because of just that. either tell your friend to find someone else or charge your friend 100 to 150 to cook.