Christmas Party Bookings: Deposits, Set Menus and Group Tables

For many pubs, December is the busiest month of the year. It is also the month when the diary gets out of hand: big groups, changing numbers, people who “will confirm next week”, and tables held for parties that never materialise.

The earlier you get organised, the more of it you keep.

Open your Christmas bookings early

Parties are planned in October and November. Open December bookings as soon as you can, and tell your regulars and your local groups first.

Take a deposit on every group

A deposit turns a maybe into a booking. It is the single best way to protect your busiest dates from no-shows and last-minute cancellations. Decide your rule in advance (for example, a set amount per head for parties of six or more) and apply it to everyone, so it never feels personal.

Make it easy to choose

• Publish your Christmas menu so guests know what they are booking.
• Let guests add a note when they book with any special requests, rather than telling you on the night.
• Set a cut-off date for final numbers so you can order stock with confidence.

Keep the rest of the pub trading

Limit how many tables you give to large parties on your busiest nights so you do not lose your regulars and walk-ins. Online bookings make that limit easy to hold, because the system tells people when a slot is full.

A simple plan

1. Set up your December sittings and table limits.
2. Add the deposit rule.
3. Share your booking link on social media and in the pub.
4. Check the booking list weekly and chase any groups yet to finalise.

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