Yep, eneely makes a good point. Hosting a regular game can be a financial burden for some people. I have no problem with hosts who take donations or charge a small fee to help cover recurring costs like food, drinks, and cards, and I'll happily contribute in these cases.

Don't get me wrong, though. I'm still firmly in the "friends don't rake friends for profit" camp, and I strongly dislike charging a fee/rake to recoup nonrecurring costs for things like tables, chairs and chips.

A couple of my players usually leave something for the house. I used to ask for $3 from each player but stopped years ago because I didn't want it to be misconstrued as a rake or seat charge, even if it barely covered half of my food/beverage expenses. Home games are illegal in my state, but there even "more illegal" (a matter of degree) if the host benefits in any way.

I always have bottled water, soft drinks (just what my sister and I usually drink), several snacks (chips, dip, bakery cookies, candy), some beer (e.g., Sam Adams), and coffee with or without Bailey's and whipped cream (I like one around midnight and wouldn't dream of not sharing). Anybody who isn't happy with this selection is free to bring their own stuff.***

As long as I can afford it, I'll continue to provide something nice for my guests. If/when the day comes when I have to cut back, I will do so -- I'll probably need to put my nickel chips into play then, too, lol.

*** Even though I list the exact soft drinks on my invitation and request that players wanting something else bring their own, every so often I'll get a player who actually complains about the selection.