Unexpected family dinner turnaround–how this mom made profit by charging per seat for Christmas feast!

In a world where the holiday spirit often conjures images of generosity and communal joy, one story stands out as a stark departure from tradition. It's a tale that might leave many of us scratching our heads or even shaking them in disbelief.

This is the account of a mother who turned the family Christmas dinner into a profit-making venture, charging each guest a hefty $200 for a seat at the festive table. Why did she turn the season of giving gifts to the season of receiving profit?



The holiday season is always connected with warmth, love, and the spirit of giving. However, for Carla Bellucci from the UK, it also presented an opportunity to tackle the financial pressures of hosting a lavish Christmas dinner.

With the cost of living crisis biting at the heels of many, Bellucci's approach to the festive feast was unorthodox, to say the least.

She planned to host a grand luncheon for 15 people, including nine relatives and her immediate family of six.

The price tag for this yuletide gathering? A cool $200 per person. Now, before you imagine a spread fit for royalty, let's break down what the guests could expect for their investment.


compressed-pexels-nicole-michalou-5778892.jpeg
A mother in the UK, Carla Bellucci, made headlines by deciding to charge each family member $200 for Christmas dinner, aiming to make a profit. Image source: Pexels / Nicole Michalou.



Bellucci's Christmas menu offered a traditional full turkey dinner and a single glass of champagne. That's right, just one.

Any additional libations were to be supplied by the guests themselves. In an interview with Mail Online, Bellucci justified her decision, stating, “It's not cheap feeding people and it also takes a lot of time to put together a nice meal.”

But here's the kicker: the $200 fee wasn't just to cover costs—it included a profit margin. “Everything I do is for profit and my family understands that,” Bellucci explained. It's a statement that might raise eyebrows, considering the usual expectations of familial hospitality.

The reaction to Bellucci's Christmas dinner charge was mixed within her family. Some members were reportedly “disgusted” by the idea and considered not attending. Bellucci's response to the dissenters was unapologetic: “If you want quality, you have to pay for it.”



She compared her dinner to what one might pay at a restaurant or hotel, asking why she should be out of pocket for providing a similar experience.

Bellucci promised a classy affair, complete with the King's speech on the television at 3 pm and a game of charades before guests were to be “kicked out” at 10 pm.



This story of a monetized Christmas dinner may leave us pondering the true meaning of the season. It's a stark reminder of the financial strain that holiday festivities can impose on hosts. Yet, it also challenges the conventional norms of family gatherings, where the focus is typically on togetherness and sharing rather than on turning a profit.

Key Takeaways
  • A mother in the UK, Carla Bellucci, made headlines by deciding to charge each family member $200 for Christmas dinner, aiming to make a profit.
  • The $200 fee included a full turkey dinner and one glass of champagne, with guests expected to bring additional alcohol if desired.
  • Bellucci justified the cost by explaining the high quality of the meal and compared it to the expense diners would face at a restaurant.
  • Some family members were not supportive of the idea, and there was a possibility that they might choose not to attend the Christmas gathering as a result.

How do we balance the financial demands of hosting with the expectations of generosity during the holidays? Have you ever considered charging for a meal, or have you found creative ways to manage the costs without compromising the festive spirit? Share your thoughts on this story or tell us about your own experiences in the comments below!
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Americans over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, The GrayVine is all about helping you make your money go further.

The GrayVine

The GrayVine searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for over 60's. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, we're all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & Fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's America
  5. Money Saving Hacks
  6. Offtopic / Everything else
  7. News & Politics
Share With a Friend
Change Weather Zip code ×
Change Petrol Postcode×