Charging relatives for Xmas dinner

themull1

I always cook the dinner and my mam always buys me stuff towards it, but i think its shocking to charge per head.!!

Skintbint_3

I think it's absolutely shocking. Much better to ask each member to bring a plate of food and a bottle of wine so that the cost is spread and people get to eat and enjoy one another's food contributions.

bestpud

Blimey! I've never heard of anything like that before!! :eek:

We are going to my parents and are taking desserts, drinks and crackers.

I wouldn't be paying £120 for the four of us, that's for sure, but then I can't imagine any of my relatives wanting to charge guests!

I suppose it makes things easier if she is a bit tight though... I mean, you wouldn't feel uncomfortable about filling your plate if you'd paid that much! :cool:

NKC

why do her guest/paying customers keep going back - you do it once and learn from you mistakes. there are thousands of excuses you can make up to avoid the embrassment of saying no and causing any dramas.
i suppose she expects a xmas gift as well!!!!!

wanchai_2

3v3 wrote: »

Totally get that, but ... her Mum must be prepared to pay it or she wouldn't go?

If I were 80yo and it was a toss up between hosting dinner for the family or paying £30 to be wined, dined and see the family ... I'd be thinking £30 is a small price to pay for the least hassle. What's the alternative? Being alone?

:eek::eek::eek::eek: I find it hard enough to believe that someone would CHARGE their own family for Christmas dinner, but would she really exclude her 80yo mum if she didn't pay up?

candygirl

wanchai wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek::eek: I find it hard enough to believe that someone would CHARGE their own family for Christmas dinner, but would she really exclude her 80yo mum if she didn't pay up?

Yep:(:(:(:(:(

sugarwalsh

Then I would feel I had done something wrong as a parent. How old is this woman? I would guess in her 50's perhaps? She should look after those who love her or else she will end up one sad, old, lonely lady.

What an awful way to live your life.

Megan

Hermia

If I tried to charge my relatives £30 for a meal I think they would get more demanding! If you are charging £30 you couldn't fob off the vegetarian with some extra spuds and veg, you'd have to cook them something special or they will be subsidising the cost of the meat. Or if someone was unable to eat one dish because of health problems you'd presumably feel under more pressure to offer other options. What if there is a greedy relative who eats more than their fair share?! I just think it turns what is usually a fun and informal dinner into a bit of a nightmare. I can't see why this family doesn't just put all that cash together and find a restaurant to go to.

carole.uk

lol i know someone who did this last year, she charged her sons & daughter including the 2 year old grandchild £15 each..i know one of her sons wife didn't want to go but she caused such a fuss if anyone said no that they gave in eventually for the peace.. apparently one of her sons, his wife & their 2 kids were late arriving and mash & veg was the only thing left ... pmsl I wonder if she will do the same this year

spikejrt

While I think £30 is too much per head, I wouldn't have an issue if my parents asked for money towards Christmas dinner etc.

Having said this, on Christmas Eve me and a couple of friends throw a big party for 22, with a 3 course dinner, drinks etc and charge everyone £20 a head - all 22 invited come every year so obviously there are people out there who don't mind.