Christmas parties at the restaurant: offer group menus and collect inquiries

Plan early

For Christmas parties at restaurants, many companies and associations begin searching in late summer. Those who only think about offers in November often find that the best dates are already taken. Therefore, decide early which days you offer for groups, how many seats are available, and which menus are on offer.

• Define appointments and capacities: How many groups per evening, how large?
• Clarify the minimum number of people and conditions for exclusive rooms.
• Calculate menus and document allergens.
• Promote the offer from late summer onwards: website, notice board, regular customers.

Design group menus

For large groups, à la carte is difficult. Fixed menus make planning and the kitchen easier and give organizers certainty regarding the budget.

• Two or three menus at different price points, each with a vegetarian alternative.
• Clear statement of what is included: courses, aperitif, beverage flat rate or not.
• A deadline by which the menu selection must be finalized.

On a dedicated page, the menus can be displayed clearly. With the menu template from Same-QR, you create a menu titled Christmas parties, with the menus as categories and the allergens in the additional line. The link to this fits into any response to an inquiry.

Capture inquiries cleanly

Inquiries via telephone, email, Instagram, and at the counter easily get lost during the high season. A standardized form helps to obtain all important details at once: name, company, date, number of people, desired menu, phone number, and special requirements.

Same-QR provides a contact template with a form. Guests send their inquiry, you see them collected and respond with confirmation or alternative date. A QR code for this fits on table stands, invoices, and posters in autumn.

Allergies in groups

In a group of thirty people, there are almost always some with allergies, intolerances, or special requests. Therefore, actively ask about this during booking and request that the organizers collect this information internally. Provide the list to the kitchen in good time, with names or seat numbers, so that the correct dish ends up with the right guest in the evening.

Confirmation and process

• Written confirmation with date, time, number of persons, menu, and terms.
• Rules for cancellations and changes in the number of persons.
• Possibly a deposit for large groups.
• A short reminder a few days in advance requesting the final number of attendees.

In the evening itself, a small printed menu menu on the tables helps. It looks festive and answers the question "What is there today?" before it is asked.

Common mistakes during the Christmas season

• Too many groups for one evening for the kitchen and service.
• Inquiries on various channels that no one consolidates.
• Unclear conditions for cancellation or fewer people.
• Allergies that only become known in the evening.
• Regulars who no longer get a table on group evenings.

Those who plan the season with clear capacities, fixed menus, and a path for all inquiries will experience a more relaxed December – and guests and organizers will return next year.

Frequently asked questions