What are you supposed to say when booking a table over the phone and they same "Name?"

[AintNobodyHereButUsChickens]

That always flusters me for some reason. Do I say Mrs Surname? Firstname Surname? Firstname?

I give my surname.

A fake surname, or a fake first name and surname because they will inevitably write down gibberish if I give them my real name.

i book online whenever possible

Same, we really don't care what name you give as long as we can identify the table you've booked from it when you arrive. If I've got the name already then I'll ask for more info (forename if you give surname and vice versa).

Would be nice though if everyone was always on the same page and the whole party, if not arriving together, knows the name the table is booked under. I've been on the recieving end a few times when someone gives a name and we don't have the table and ask if it could be in an alternative name, and it's definitely not, until the booker arrives and actually it is, but somehow not knowing that is still all my fault 🤷🏼‍♀️

And I don't even react now when we get 'funny' names, I've booked a fair few Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse, couple of Mini Mouse too. Happened too many times now to raise a comment even. Plus, you never know if something that appears to be fake/attempt at funny is actually someone's real name and I don't want to offend someone.

Surname only

whatever you feel comfortable with, i say my surname. Do you ever go to Starbucks ? just do what you do there.

id use surname eg claton party

My first and surname are hard to pronounce so I just tend to go with something like Sam or Jo but then I have to remember what I’ve said when we get there!

It's just a kind of non secret password for your table, they're not going to check you off against a list of bad tippers or anything😊
You can just say it's something generic that could be either eg (Ms) Gaye or go for something off the wall like Ms Bellybouncers if you want

I'm dreadful really and usually give my husband's first name, which throws people. My surname is too common to use.

I like to use a made up name, I have a few favourites. Normally from tv shows or films but not always obvious characters.

I never call actually, I make DH do it but he gives his first name then surname!

The reason I make him do it is he is retired and I’m full time at work so it’s only fair. I happily book online though, that’s easy!

Walk in to the restaurant with a copy of "Fly Fishing" under your arm while you're at it.

Whatever name you give, it just needs to match the one you say when you arrive. Doesn’t require much thought.

How do the security services book a table ? E.g. cover names or legit names ?