A mum-of-four has sparked a fiery debate after she disclosed that she’ll be charging her family members for Christmas dinner. Carla Bellucci, an online figure, made an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain (GMB) this morning, (Wednesday, December 4), to explain why she is asking for “£200 per person” from those wishing to join her for the festive meal on December 25.
Included in the price is a sumptuous three-course feast prepared by a professional chef, complete with champagne, though the cost is only for adults as children under 16 can tuck in without charge. Joining Carla on GMB alongside presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls was chef Theo Michaels, who voiced that Carla’s choice did not keep with the spirit of Christmas.
Shared by GMB was commentary by Michaels: “It’s the concept of charging people for Christmas dinner round your own house – it’s profiteering. The idea there’s a cost of living crisis – if it was that way I’d figure you’d sort of go do you know what? Why don’t we all chip in? Cover the cost of the ingredients.”
Carla, however, insisted that the fee from family members wouldn’t result in any gain for her, explaining to the GMB audience that the gathering would involve eight guests and the £1,600 collected would exclusively settle the chefs £1,000 bill, with the other £600 going towards “Dom Perignon champagne.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
She defended her approach saying: “Nobody is forced to come it’s entirely up to them. I want to drink nice champagne, it’s not going to be £5.99 prosecco.
She elaborated: “I always say to people they’re not forced to come, it’s entirely up to them. Everyone goes in and says it’s this it’s that- most people bring a dish anyway and a bottle of champagne and a gift – it adds up.”
GMB sparked further discussion by sharing a clip of the debate and a poll on X, with many weighing in on whether it’s fair to charge guests for Christmas. Some prefer not to charge family and opt to cook a traditional meal themselves, while others argue that if you’re hiring a professional chef, contributions are justified.
On X, @Geematt commented: “I am a pensioner, and every year I do a full Christmas dinner for my family. I love to do this and would not dream of charging them a penny. Might not be ‘chef’ cooked but it’s always good and enjoyed.”
@StevenJonMiller posted: “Great idea. Will make them value their food even more. It isn’t cheap dishing up Christmas dinner these days.”
Meanwhile, @LoonyLobster shared: “Christmas isn’t cheap. When we host, we buy everything and then split the costs per adult. And we do secret Santa to save on giving gifts.”
@Miker_smith92 tweeted: “If they agree to pay it and choose to go, who are we to stop them? They can always say no lol.”
@alidawn remarked: “Sounds like its an alternative to going to a restaurant which they maybe all agreed with. In that case, no problem everyone chipping in. I wouldn’t charge family and wouldn’t expect to be charged but I would buy the turkey or supply drinks, pudding etc.”
@AjcCritchley shared a touching memory: “I remember one year we as a family were really poor and everyone chipped in £20 for Christmas dinner and that was it. It was one of the best Christmases I’ve had. No pressure on anyone.”
Meanwhile, @foiblesabound remarked on their holiday approach: “I wouldn’t dream of charging my family for Christmas dinner but nor would I hire a professional chef. I’ll be working till Christmas Eve but I love being in the kitchen on Christmas Day cooking for my family. The champagne and bloody Marys I drink help enormously.”