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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,648
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?


@ROMARY wrote:

Go, enjoy the dinner.

 

Then tell them that 'ooops', you forgot to bring your wallets and offer to wash the dishes instead.

 

(lol)


 

Smiley Very Happy  Good idea, but I'd bet you any amount of money that a host who would charge their guests to have dinner with them is collecting at the door!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,305
Registered: ‎01-04-2014

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?

It could easily cost $50 to prepare Thanksgiving dinner at home, but the way I look at it, when I'm at home I can kick the shoes off. Feel free to go back for seconds. Take as large a slice of pie as I want. And know that I still have enough left-overs for three more meals.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 949
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?

Unless they said they changed their plans and were eating out (in which case I would have no problem paying for my food) I would politely say "circumstances have changed and we will be unable to attend."  Nothing further would needed to be said.  Never would I ask someone to pay for food at my home!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,460
Registered: ‎05-12-2012

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?

we were recently invited to a friend's 80th birthday party....small group.....at a small restaurant.....his wife...the hostess....said we would have to pay for our own meals....we have known these people for a long time....and know the cost of throwing this party wouldn't have been an issue.....my husband went.....but it was definitely a no for me....i thought it was insulting......

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,725
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?

I would decline the invitation.  If you still want to salvage the day, suggest going out to a restaurant.  I would rather do that than chip in for something this other couple will order that you have no say about.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,298
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?

[ Edited ]

Suggest that the 4 of you make reservations out, then there is clean up after.  Just say you want to make it even easier for her since she no longer wishes to cook.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness ~ Dalai Lama XIV

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace ~ Jimi Hendrix
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,744
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?

This all should have been discussed before any plans were made. I agree with @MamaWick make reservations now while you can. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,430
Registered: ‎07-10-2011

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?


@Etoile308 wrote:

Thanksgiving dinner packages come in different price ranges depending on, where you order, what you order, and of course any add ons. And the quality can vary greatly. Before I have a restaurant meal for Thanksgiving, that I'm expected to pay for, I would certainly want all the details. Since they don't seem to have been forthcoming in the invitation where you are not a guest but rather a co-contributor, I would call and cancel.

 

If actually invited as a guest, then I would never expect to have a say about what's on the menu. If I'm paying, I want the side dishes I like, and the dessert of my choosing. 

 

I would call immediately and simply say that you apologize but you won't be able to join them after all. 


@Etoile308  that's the question I asked @Duckncover  also. Do they have a choice of what to eat.

 

Some Posters are saying that they should be able to take home the leftovers. What leftovers? At $25 per person---No leftovers, maybe in the year 1988 not now.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,947
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?

@Duckncover Send them a sweet thank you note, and point out that you are unable to attend this, but want to help others who need help and send are sending a $50 donation to a local charity doing lunches for disadvantaged people.

 

That way you won't feel bad about the whole thing but won't have to go.  I think that's the best solution all around!

 

Stay home and have some hot dogs and watch the parades and movies and have a laugh!  Cheers!  Woman Very Happy

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,430
Registered: ‎07-10-2011

Re: Thanksgiving Dinner charges?


@chickenbutt wrote:

Wow!  That's a new one on me, too.    If it were I, the invitation would be declined at that point.

 

It's not that I don't pay my way in life but that's just beyond, to me.  She made the choice to purchase prepared food (can't cook?) and pay whatever it cost. 

 

But to invite you and then say oh, BTW, you need to pay for your dinner.  I could never do that.   You became their customers, not their guests at that point, IMO.


@chickenbutt  the wife should called @Duckncover  and let her know. @Duckncover  might have said let me see what my husband wants to do.

 

I've heard of a family who did this and the rest of the guest didn't know there was a charge until they were gathered. Some gave the amount they were asked and some didn't so those who didn't, left.