Interesting, although all of the comments regarding size of venue, licensing, parking, neighbours, taxman etc. etc. are valid there's one thing missing, I think that most Brits would find it rather infra dig to suggest to friends and acquaintances that they should pay for attending a function at their home. If I put on a party of any sort I don't expect those I invite to contribute, it's nice, but not expected, if they bring a bottle of wine/bunch of flowers/box of chocolates but heaven forfend that I should charge them.