Festive financing debates have erupted across Scotland, as almost 50 percent of Glaswegians plan to charge their guests for Christmas dinner.
As the cost-of-living crisis bites, many cash-strapped Scots are agonising about whether to impose money-saving measures and risk comparisons to Scrooge. According to new data, 49 percent of Christmas dinner cookers in Scotland’s largest city will be asking guests to chip in a few bob towards the festive meal.
A survey conducted by MoneySuperMarket found that 46 percent of Brits will ask their guests to contribute towards food and drink for festive celebrations, while 17 percent warned that those who do not pay their share risk creating resentment and arguments.
This attitude could see family and friends asked to pay an average of £17 each for their Christmas dinner, according to research by Natwest.
While the new approach to hosting may seem to fly in the face of the Christmas Spirit, it could become the new norm, as 54 percent of Brits admitted that Christmas in the UK has become too expensive. In fact, these financial concerns are so great that a quarter of people across the country will avoid hosting due to prohibitive costs.
The news comes as ongoing inflation causes the cost of food and utilities to spiral. Separate research by Kantar revealed that the price of an average Christmas dinner for four has risen by 6.5 percent over the past year to £32.57.
This hefty increase is thanks to a rise in the cost of festive staples: the price of potatoes have increased by 16 percent, while a frozen turkey is nine percent more expensive and parsnips are 13 percent dearer. Meanwhile, the value of mince pies has leapt by 40 percent, according to data analysis by Assosia and The Grocer, as Tesco’s premium pack rose from £1 to £3.50.
So should Christmas Dinner be served with a bill? With the big day looming, etiquette experts have weighed in on whether to charge guests for their place at celebrations – and how best to navigate the awkward request.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold told the Daily Mail: “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.”
He advised: “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.”
Matthew Sheeran a money saving expert at Money Wellness, a free debt counselling service, added: “By charging guests you share the financial responsibility – the burden doesn’t just fall on one person, making it a fairer arrangement for everyone.”
Experts recommend tailoring fees to account for guests’ dietary requirements, which will ensure that everyone feels included and treated fairly. For example, children with smaller portion sizes and teetotallers will consume fewer expensive items, so their fee should reflect this.
Harrold said: “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.”
Seasoned hosts also advise that the same level of flexibility should also be exercised to recognise others’ financial situations.
Harrold explained: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Asking guests to bring their own contributions in this way could also be a handy way of cutting costs if you feel uncomfortable asking your loved ones for up-front cash.
Experts stress that whatever your decision regarding Christmas charges, it should be outlined well in advance to allow guests time to assess their own finances and opt out if necessary.
Sheeran stressed: “If you plan on charging guests, you should agree with them on the cost and expectations upfront.”
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