How to… prepare for Christmas
Don't miss the year's biggest opportunity for profit and promotion
The festive season is something everyone looks forward to immensely. Because of this, it is of the utmost importance to over-prepare and plan meticulously.
All elements of planning must be thought through to the very last detail, making sure that staff are up to speed on all activity that will be happening and that they are aware of the increased workload over this time.
Weekly meetings are advised to ensure that all bookings are accounted for and nothing slips through the net. Pricing and ordering must be done well in advance to avoid any surprises. All levels of the catering chain know that the festive season brings an exceptional level of demand so being as organised as possible is a must.
All menus should reflect traditional Christmas festivities without deviating into overcomplicated recipes that may be unmanageable at a busy time. Although guests will want the wow factor, this can be achieved by expanding what you already know and making it with extra special care. It is important to remember what people really want from a Christmas meal, so this must be incorporated into a menu well in advance, making sure that you have the capacity to deliver excellent quality at the time of every execution.
Training staff on efficiency can help in terms of making high-quality food quickly to meet all possible deadlines.
Online platforms are a fantastic way to keep track of all bookings and allow prospective customers to see clearly what is available. Check that your return times, availability and cancellation charges are all clearly stated and up-to-date to make the customer experience as efficient as possible.
When the time comes and it is nearly Christmas, although you will have had a very busy month, remember to be kind and welcoming to all guests and show your gratitude to them at all times.
Ensure that all staff are briefed on the client's requirements and remain attentive and willing. Dress code should be clean and tidy, making sure that your look is as professional as it can be.
Nine tips for making the most of Christmas
1 Prepare ahead of time and get organised with menus, chairs, tables, crockery, linens and staff well in advance. It is a good idea to have experienced staff in a team who will be able to cope under high pressure.
2 Do not try to experiment. Tried-and-tested recipes work best when there is high demand for quantity.
3 Christmas is a time to advertise your business to a wide audience. Make the most of getting your message out to ensure future business.
4 It is imperative to have all equipment checked and serviced before the busy season. Maintaining good relationships is a must with both equipment suppliers and ingredient suppliers.
5 Ensure all orders are placed with suppliers well in advance. Remember they will have many different companies wanting supplies from them, so demand will be high.
6 Ensure that the quality of the products you are sourcing is good enough to serve. Don't cut corners just because costs are high. Keeping a consistent standard will reward you in the end.
7 Ensure that all staff know your recipes and prices and can recommend dishes with confidence to prospective clients.
8 As enquiries and demands from prospective clients will be high, it is worth giving extra support to your events team and making sure they are well versed in the service you supply. Excellent customer service is a must to ensure that your customers return.
9 Always check seating plans and make sure you are accommodating as many people as you possibly can at one time while keeping the floor in a smooth, steady rotation.
Vivek Singh, owner of Cinnamon Club, Cinnamon Kitchen and Cinnamon Soho, is appearing at Taste of Christmas at ExCel London on 7-9 December.www.tasteofchristmas.com
