Eating out

Book now. Hotels and restaurants often take bookings months in advance for the festive season, especially Christmas Day, so get moving, especially if you have a particular venue in mind. The same applies to any pre-christmas get-togethers you’re organising, as well as anything in the period between Christmas and New Year.

Think local. Support your local restaurants at this time of year, especially when this means you’re within walking distance and don’t need taxis or to drive, so you can enjoy the walk and work up an appetite. Try somewhere new and near for other festive meet-ups and take the opportunity to revive yourselves at local cafes if out shopping.

Keep in touch. Everywhere is likely to be busy in the runup to Christmas, so keep the restaurant or café up to date with any changes. If you have to cancel, tell them as early as you can so they can offer your table to someone else. Always let them know in advance if the number of guests in your party changes or if you think you may be late. They’ll really appreciate the heads-up as most places will have two or three sittings.