I received an interesting press release the other day, detailing the requests dealt with by Quintessentially Lifestyle, a private members’ concierge service that has somehow (and inexplicably) survived the recession and is still going strong, charging rich (and perhaps stupid) people (from) €1,400 per annum to do bizarre things for them.

I might be misunderstanding, but being a member of Quintessentially Lifestyle seems a bit like being a really rich toddler whose parents don’t love you so you have a nanny who is paid to obey your every order, bend to your every whim. Take a look at what these overpaid brats have asked for so far this year:

- A Q assistant flew from Dublin to Paris to exchange a designer dress for an Irish member

- Obtained flight acceptable ID for an Irish member who was in London, en route to LHR without a passport

- Organised luxury homes and cars for a family of four and entourage of six during the NFL weekend [hold up: entourage of six? Why does a family of four have an entourage of SIX?!]

- We sourced fresh truffles from Italy to be delivered to Hong Kong within 48 hours

- Secured front row seats for top shows during London and New York Fashion Weeks

- A Russian member [and this is my favourite one] asked to close the Vatican for a private excursion

I know that I sometimes spend my money on unreasonable things, and I definitely don’t do as much for charity as I should, but this seems so . . . decadent, to the point of wasteful. Does this turn your stomach as it does mine, or would you do the same if you had the moolah?