General Discussion

Bettie

(19,147 posts)

48. If you can't afford the meal

Tue Nov 25, 2025, 11:29 AM

5 hrs ago

either don't host or make it a potluck.

Or, alternatively, let the guests know long before that they will be asked to contribute (when the invitation goes out) and let them decide if it is worth it.

I would never charge a guest for a meal at my home. That feels rude.

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PatSeg Heidi

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Highlight:

NEW GOLDEN ERA! Thanksgiving hosts weigh the ethics of CHARGING THEIR GUESTS FOR DINNER. [View all] Miles Archer Yesterday OP

I think it's a good idea myself. Kingofalldems Yesterday #1

+1 leftstreet Yesterday #5

This message was self-deleted by its author Just_Vote_Dem Yesterday #10

. dalton99a Yesterday #2

$9.20 for 10 russet potatoes? Yikes! Diamond_Dog Yesterday #7

My store has an 8 # bag of russets for 3.99 with a loyalty card. Some niyad Yesterday #11

Prices vary a lot throughout the country (n/t) Retrograde 19 hrs ago #42

Having lived all over the country, I am, unsurprisingly, well aware of that. niyad 18 hrs ago #43

Who's paying $21 for a 10 lb frozen turkey? Prairie Gates Yesterday #15

"Pass the hat for our gracious hosts and cooks!" bucolic_frolic Yesterday #3

Or just have a potluck. Dulcinea Yesterday #4

I always cook the turkey, the taters, the turnips, the rolls, and one dessert. Scrivener7 Yesterday #16

Cluelessly rude is putting it mildly. 3catwoman3 Yesterday #31

It was so weird and shocking, I didn't really know how to react in the moment. Scrivener7 Yesterday #32

We always provide the pies Wednesdays Yesterday #21

Exactly! N/t TexasBushwhacker Yesterday #33

yes, yes, yes.... markie Yesterday #35

That is a much more reasonable solution PatSeg 4 hrs ago #50

I have no problem asking people to bring a dish, or wine or whatever. rsdsharp Yesterday #6

AYFKM??? Invite my friends, or be invited, and then tell/be told, "fork over"??? niyad Yesterday #8

Potluck works. Many hands makes light work. SheltieLover Yesterday #13

Or everyone go to a restaurant. Then each pays their share. Wednesdays Yesterday #24

An excellent idea. One year, friends and I went to a T-Day buffet. It was niyad Yesterday #26

Hubby and I aren't with family this year Tree Lady 17 hrs ago #44

Sounds absolutely lovely. Looking forward to pics! niyad 7 hrs ago #46

100% nothing wrong with that, my sister has done that for a few years obamanut2012 Yesterday #9

In lean years, we've done a potluck. Everyone pitch in and bring something to share. Greybnk48 Yesterday #12

Charging your guest is a shitty thing to do. Omnipresent Yesterday #14

Your words are true. chouchou Yesterday #19

If they are being charged, they are customers, not guests. niyad Yesterday #22

Exactly! Omnipresent Yesterday #30

I'd die in my chair if my husband wanted to charge for Thanksgiving dinner. chouchou Yesterday #17

Thankfully, this will be our 32nd year of rejecting Thanksgiving. And, 35 years of booting XMAS. RedWhiteBlueIsRacist Yesterday #18

AMERICA IS GREAT AGAIN Blue Owl Yesterday #20

ok ok ok ...i've got a plan!!! ret5hd Yesterday #23

Brilliant!!! niyad Yesterday #28

Now, why am I thinking of Trump boasting about affordability? Norrrm Yesterday #25

I would think that asking guests to bring a dish would WhiteTara Yesterday #27

Dear Nattering Nabobs of Negativism. Things have never been better. Just compare. usonian Yesterday #29

Ah, spiro. He almost seems normal compared to the current bunch. niyad 7 hrs ago #47

That is rude, rude, rude. mwmisses4289 Yesterday #34

I read about this for wedding receptions too! forthemiddle Yesterday #36

A belated HAPPY 24th DUnniversary to you! niyad 23 hrs ago #38

It IS tacky. If you cannot afford a big wedding dinner, don't do it. niyad 23 hrs ago #41

We did ours for $1200 total. SomewhereInTheMiddle 9 hrs ago #45

Oh I agree PatSeg 4 hrs ago #52

I prefer the old and tried method of cooking a few of the main dishes, and then have everyone bring their special dishes SWBTATTReg 23 hrs ago #37

How absolutely cool is that!!! niyad 23 hrs ago #39

I don't invite people over for events and then charge them. BlueTsunami2018 23 hrs ago #40

If you can't afford the meal Bettie 5 hrs ago #48

If push came to shove, I'd go the potluck route as well. Miles Archer 5 hrs ago #49

Yep, I would be Bettie 4 hrs ago #53

What? rzemanfl 4 hrs ago #51

To me, it's all about the phrasing and the approach. Wednesdays 2 hrs ago #54

It's the Trump Tax NameAlreadyTaken 2 hrs ago #55