Almost half of Britons will charge their loved ones for Christmas dinner this year.
Overall, 46 per cent of hosts across the UK will ask their guests to contribute towards food and alcohol on the big day, saying they have an ‘obligation’ to help pay for it, according to MoneySuperMarket.
But is it ‘common’ to ask your family and friends to pay their way? And if you’re doing it, should they be handing over cold hard cash? Or will a simple money transfer do?
Etiquette and money saving experts have revealed their ultimate guide to navigating the tricky move.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold told Femail everyone should consider charging their guests for their festive roast in this day and age, due to it ‘getting more and more expensive to host’.
The average UK family will spend £1,800 and host seven people this Christmas, according to the data. Hence, money saving expert Matthew Sheeran insists hosts ‘shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask guests to contribute towards the cost’.
But there should be careful consideration on how best to broach the somewhat controversial subject, and our experts have shared the rules you must follow to ensure your big day isn’t spoilt with disagreements.
From never surprising your relatives with a last-minute bill, to accepting exceptions and splitting the costs fairly, there’s a few helpful tips to make the process of charging for a Christmas roast run smoothly.
Here, the experts share their ultimate guide on how to navigate charging your family for their festive dinner…
DO charge guests for their Christmas dinner
Speaking on behalf of online game Slingo, etiquette expert and former royal butler Grant Harrold said: ‘I think with the world we live in at the moment and the cost of living crisis that, it is OK to charge at Christmas as it’s getting more and more expensive to host.
‘Now, I’m not saying you’re going to turn up at somebody’s house and you’re going to be issued a menu with prices of each dish on as that would be ridiculous but it’s more something that is agreed in advance.
‘In days gone by, people would offer to bring a dish like a pudding or starter or the crackers and while that still happens, now it’s more a case of saying, can I put something towards the meal, and at that point, you say, yes please, that would be amazing.’
Meanwhile, Matthew Sheeran a money saving expert at Money Wellness, a free debt counselling service, agreed.
He added: ‘Christmas is magical and all about bringing people together and sharing. So hosts shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask guests to contribute towards the cost.
‘It’s not cheap to host Christmas dinner when you factor in expenses for ingredients, decorations, and drinks. And that’s before you consider the extras you don’t see like increased utility costs, such as water and energy.
‘By charging guests you share the financial responsibility – the burden doesn’t just fall on one person, making it a fairer arrangement for everyone.’
DO split the costs equally
Overall, 46 per cent of hosts across the UK will ask their guests to contribute towards food and alcohol on the big day, saying they have an ‘obligation’ to help pay for it, according to a new survey by MoneySuperMarket (stock photo)
Discussing how to go about deciding what price to charge your loved ones for their Christmas dinner, Grant said: ‘What would be the most sensible thing to do is to go Dutch.
‘So depending on how many people you’re inviting and what the cost is going to be to host and then divide it equally between everyone.
‘Obviously there may be exceptions, say if people don’t drink but a way to get around that is to just charge for the food and then you provide some alcohol and encourage everyone to bring their own, which most people normally do anyway.’
DON’T surprise relatives with the bill on the day
Grant insisted: ‘Check beforehand that everyone is happy to go Dutch to make sure there are no arguments on the day.
‘Just keep it all fair. Etiquette is all about thinking of others and being polite and kind. And if somebody has got a problem, they must not wait until after the meal to then question or raise a grievance.
‘You’ve got to make sure that it’s discussed in advance and whatever you have agreed on is paid in advance, whether it’s cash or a transfer, as it makes it difficult to ask on the day.’
Agreeing, Matthew said: ‘If you plan on charging guests, you should agree with them on the cost and expectations upfront.
Etiquette expert and former royal butler Grant Harrold (pictured), says everyone should consider charging their guests for their festive roast in this day and age, due to it ‘getting more and more expensive to host’
‘It shouldn’t come as a surprise on the big day. You need to make sure they’re comfortable – and can afford to get involved.
‘Cost of living pressures have meant that charging for Christmas lunch is more acceptable now than ever. But it should be done with sensitivity and transparency to make sure everyone feels included and valued.
‘No one needs a New Year fall out or the financial hangover of not speaking up,’ warned the expert.
DON’T kick up a fuss if someone can’t afford it
‘There are always exemptions and if someone can’t afford it for whatever reason, then if they’re friends and family it shouldn’t be an issue and you can take them out of the payments and if it’s for genuine reasons, nobody should mind,’ explained Grant.
‘But most people want to contribute in some way so if they can’t afford it financially you could encourage them to bring a dish or organise some games just so they feel involved.
‘Obviously children will be eating less and not drinking so you could charge less for children.
‘It’s difficult when it comes to elderly people as they could be the richest at the table but again if they are friends or family, you will be aware of whether they can afford it.’
DO ask for dishes if you’d prefer food over cash
Not everyone will feel comfortable with asking for cash from their loved ones to help with hosting them at Christmas. Thankfully, Matthew revealed a way to get around this.
He said: ‘If you find charging people awkward, you could ask guests to contribute by bringing dishes or drinks to help reduce the cost.
‘Make sure you manage the requests well, so nothing is missing or you don’t end up with two lots of sprouts.
‘When guests contribute, they are also more likely to appreciate the effort, work, and cost that went into the meal.
‘This shared investment might also come with the added bonus of motivating guests to show up on time and be more engaged.’