Woman Asks Relatives to Pay $330 Each for Christmas Dinner

British influencer and TV personality Carla Bellucci has defended a controversial decision to charge her family members roughly $330 (£270) per person for this year’s Christmas dinner, saying the price reflects the cost, effort, and time involved in hosting the holiday feast. The announcement, originally shared via social media and highlighted in news coverage, has sparked debate about etiquette, inflation, and family expectations amid rising living costs.

Bellucci, known for her outspoken personality, argued that hosting a large holiday meal — complete with multiple courses and drinks — is expensive and labour-intensive, and she believes that asking guests to contribute to the food and preparations is reasonable under the circumstances. She said she hoped relatives would understand the arrangement rather than view it as simply charging for dinner.

Cost of Christmas Dinner and Context

While £270 (about $330) per head may seem steep to some, many families are feeling cost pressures this year. Rising prices for ingredients like turkey, wine, and seasonal produce mean holiday meals are costing more than in past years. Experts say overall Christmas food bills can increase significantly depending on menu choices and the number of people attending.

Etiquette guides note that asking guests to contribute financially to a holiday meal isn’t necessarily taboo — but that timing and communication matter. Specialists suggest such discussions are best held before invitations are accepted, ideally with open dialogue about shared costs or contributions rather than unexpected charges after the fact.

Public Reaction and Online Debate

The idea of charging guests for a family holiday dinner quickly caught attention online. Many people disagreed with the approach, saying Christmas traditions are usually rooted in generosity and hospitality, not transactional exchanges — even amid cost-of-living challenges. Some commenters expressed discomfort with paying to attend what is traditionally seen as a host’s responsibility.

Others saw Bellucci’s stance differently, arguing that splitting costs and sharing the financial burden can be practical solutions when feeding large groups. They suggested alternatives such as potluck gatherings, where guests bring specific dishes, or agreeing in advance on shared contributions rather than one person absorbing the entire cost.

Despite the pushback, Bellucci defended her position, saying that preparing a full holiday dinner takes time and money, and that she should not be expected to absorb all the costs herself. Her defenders noted that if attendees agree before committing, setting clear expectations and contributions can be fair and transparent.

Caroline Etiquette Still Matters

Etiquette experts emphasise that how hosts approach conversations about costs with guests is as important as the costs themselves. Open communication, respect for traditions, and advance notice help prevent misunderstandings or hurt feelings — especially at emotionally charged gatherings like Christmas dinners.

Ultimately, Bellucci’s decision has opened a broader conversation about holiday hosting norms, rising expenses, and how families negotiate responsibility and fairness during festive seasons. It highlights how traditional practices are adapting in response to economic realities, and how social media can amplify personal decisions into public debates.

You might also want to read: You Can Earn $2,500 For Watching Christmas Movies For Holidays