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Original poster

Out For Christmas Dinner

63 replies

CurryLover55 · 18/12/2021 16:36

Does anyone go out for Christmas dinner? I never have & can’t imagine ever wanting to spend the big day at a restaurant. It’s all about home & family for me.

OP posts:
jesusmaryjosephandtheweedonkey · 18/12/2021 16:37

I don't as I wouldn't want to work Christmas Day . So I always feel sorry for the staff .

SophieHatterPendragon · 18/12/2021 16:39

My ex’s family always go out for lunch. I personally didn’t enjoy it but that’s prob because they insisted on going to the same god awful carvery (cheap) as they did for Sunday lunches. Dry horrible food left under lights too long. I would have happily cooked and hosted by MIL wanted the carvery or nothing

I can defo see the appeal for many people if it means you don’t have to cook or clean up and get a yummy meal

ParkheadParadise · 18/12/2021 16:39

No but everytime it's my turn to host I always suggest it.😄
I'm hosting this year for 18 adults & 12 children.
I'd love to be going out.
My mil's have in the past gone out and had a lovely time.

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FionnulaTheCooler · 18/12/2021 16:43

We did it once and it wasn't great. The food was mass produced and not great quality and the staff seemed harassed and anxious as there were two sittings on Christmas day and we were in the first one so there was time pressure on them to get everyone fed and out in time for the second sitting to start.

JohnLapsleyParlabane · 18/12/2021 16:43

We're going out this year as we're staying with my elderly parents. This way they'll get the meal they want with reduced stress (DH would usually cook but Mum is embarrassed by her kitchen) and I'll get to know that they enjoyed what could well be our last Christmas together.
So for some of us, eating out is also about family.

Original poster
CurryLover55 · 18/12/2021 16:47

parkheadparadise wow that’s a lot of people! I’d like to see the size of your turkey!!

OP posts:
Thismummyrunstheshow · 18/12/2021 16:47

We did it once a few years ago, I didn't enjoy it personally, wouldn't do it again.

Greenybluetowel · 18/12/2021 16:49

We went out 2 years ago, it's very expensive but the key was we went last sitting so no feeling harrassed. We are going again this year. The restaurant we go to you have to order by 3rd December so it's all very organised. I cook dinner everyday so its a massive treat to have this day off! This year DH family are joining us so 12 of us, relaxed all Christmas Day then out for 4pm to enjoy a lovely meal and no dishes!

roses2 · 18/12/2021 16:52

No because it's around £100 a head for decent quality round here. I'd rather buy and do it myself

AuntieMarys · 18/12/2021 16:53

Yes we do. It's all about no cooking here.

Icantremembermyusername · 18/12/2021 16:57

My ex. Although he found a new partner pdq after we split up she hasn't invited him on Christmas day. He and ex (lovely) MIL are going out. She is NOT happy having spent the last 5 years being waited on by me.

CrimbleCrumble1 · 18/12/2021 16:57

I went out last year and I am this year. It was a huge success with my family, I felt like I got Christmas back. Unwrapping the presents was so enjoyable knowing I didn’t have to check the Turkey or whatever. I put a Turkey crown in the oven on my way out to the restaurant and it was cooked when I got back so we had delicious Turkey sandwiches in the evening.
My DH and I went for a lovely walk after the lunch while my adult DC played on Wii games.
I hope to go out for lunch every Christmas Day.
I’m going to cook a gammon roast on Boxing Day but there’s no pressure for it to be perfect and then go and watch a pantomime.

ParkheadParadise · 18/12/2021 17:00

@CurryLover55

parkheadparadise wow that’s a lot of people! I’d like to see the size of your turkey!!
Tell me about it *@CurryLover55* Most of them aren't keen on Turkey. I plan to buy lots of alcohol so most of them will eat what I give them 😄😄 after a couple of drinks. So far I have turkey, chicken, gammon, roast beef and my brother and 3 bil's will be happy with Sirloin Steaks 🙉🙉
peaceanddove · 18/12/2021 17:03

God, yes we often do. This year we're having Christmas lunch at an 18th coaching Inn with real fires and fabulous food. My cousin and her family are joining us so we'll all have a fantastic time.

For us it's all about relaxing and enjoying ourselves and letting someone else do all the hard work.

Bloodybridget · 18/12/2021 17:03

DP and I did two years ago, because we were in a hotel. Went to a pub, and it wasn't brilliant, but actually preferable to cooking just for the two of us (I'd finished chemo not long before, and neither of us had the energy to host other people at home).

I would do it again if we were on our own, but I'd hope to find a better venue.

PinkSyCo · 18/12/2021 17:22

Some people don’t have room for big (or any) dining tables in their homes, so they have their Christmas lunch out for the very reason that it allows them to eat with their family. The two aren’t exclusive. Hmm

Palavah · 18/12/2021 17:26

Only in non-Christian countries.

It's a luxury to have a family meal at someone's home. Not everyone has that option.

Lollyneenah · 18/12/2021 17:30

I'm eating out with my family and brother too 😊 I don't really enjoy cooking and neither do any of the other adults. I spend the other days of the year doing breakfast, lunch and tea. Christmas day I just want to chill out, play with the kids and drink champagne Grin

Pre-kids I worked in hotels and did Christmas every year so I feel like I paid my dues, and always tip very well Smile

Luredbyapomegranate · 18/12/2021 17:41

Once after my mum died - was the best thing (crap though).

However I have a few friends who go to posh pubs and it’s really good. If everyone in the family is looking after little kids/working to the wire/disabled so cooking is a horror, it’s a great solution. The staff are on good overtime in these kind of places, and the tips can be big.

BarbaraofSeville · 18/12/2021 17:44

I wouldn't due to the expense for something that's likely to be quite mediocre.

If I didn't want to cook and I had the space, I'd buy in from M&S, Cook etc.

If I wanted a gathering and didn't have the space, I'd go out 2 days before or 2 days after for the same or better experience at a third of the price.

DaisyWaldron · 18/12/2021 17:51

No. I feel shit when I have to work Christmas Eve/boxing day, so I would just feel bad for all the staff working on Christmas Day.

MyAnacondaMight · 18/12/2021 17:53

I did one year and it was actually really good. Takes the pressure off, people tend to behave better when in public, and everyone can choose what they prefer to eat. It made sense that year due to complicated family politics, and I’d happily do it again.

MissAmbrosia · 18/12/2021 19:08

i have done in the past, but mainly when away. Like PPs said - I always feel slightly guilty about people having to work. My BIL used to own a pub and we went there quite a few Xmas's. Paying punters were all chucked out about 2pm and then we all pitched in. A catering kitchen helped.

userxx · 18/12/2021 19:19

I really enjoy going out for Xmas dinner, it can get a bit Groundhog Day doing the same thing.

PollyRae16 · 18/12/2021 19:20

We did it once and it really didn't feel like Christmas
Day at all. Never again!

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