There are six weeks across November and December that can make or break your year. For most many hospitality operators, a strong Christmas trading period, and a strong Summer) is what helps you through the quieter months.
The window to maximise this opportunity is now. From securing those last-minute work function bookings, to ensuring your team can deliver under pressure, every action you take this week will compound through December.
This isn’t just about surviving the rush—it’s about banking revenue that carries you into 2026. Finishing January in a strong position will mean executing on three things: filling every available seat possible, running tight operations, and keeping your team intact through the busyness pressure.
6-Week Action Plan
Part 2: Weeks 4 – 6
WEEK 4: PEAK PERFORMANCE MODE (early-mid December)
You’re in the thick of it now. Functions every night, consistent walk-ins, pressure mounting. This week is about execution and keeping your team together.
Operational excellence
- Daily team briefings—5 minutes to align on the day ahead
- Monitor stock levels closely; don’t run out of key items
- Check reservations system daily for double-bookings or issues
- Maintain kitchen prep ahead of service (stay ahead of the wave)
- Keep communication tight between FOH and kitchen
Team wellbeing
- Ensure staff are taking their breaks
- Watch for signs of fatigue—address early
- Celebrate the wins with the team
- Communicate openly about what’s working and what needs adjusting
Function management
- Call to confirm final numbers 48-72 hours before each event
- Follow up after major functions—feedback and future business
Financial vigilance
- Monitor daily sales against targets
- Keep on top of invoices and payments
- Ensure you’re tracking public holiday wage costs (25, 26 Dec, 1, 2 Jan)
- Cash flow check: can you cover the next fortnight’s costs?
Post-Christmas planning
- Keep up with customer communication re after Christmas hours (or closure)
- If staying open consider if your needs are: roster skeleton crew and plan for a quieter service model OR, continuing to scale up for a busy post Christmas / holiday period
- Plan January trading hours if these are going to change from your typical hours
WEEK 5: HOLD THE LINE (mid December)
Still busy. Stay focused.
Operational Discipline
- Continue daily briefings and check-ins
- Monitor and maintain food safety protocols (heat, volume, fatigue = risk)
- Ensure key equipment is operating efficiently
- Keep waste under control despite high volume
- Double-check staff rosters for the last week before Christmas —any gaps?
Stock & Supply
- Place final major orders before supplier closedowns
- Build buffer stock for critical items
- Confirm delivery schedules won’t leave you stranded
- Order extra cleaning supplies, bin bags, consumables
Customer Communication
- New Year trading hours should be visible everywhere
- Manage customer expectations about wait times and availability
- Keep pushing gift vouchers—pre-sold revenue with no labour cost now
Post-Christmas Clarity
- Consider what stock needs to be used up before any closedown
WEEK 6: THE FINAL PUSH (end December)
This is the home straight.
Final confirmations
- Call remaining function clients for final numbers and details
- Triple-check rosters for the final push.
- Confirm which staff are working public holidays (if you are open on any) (and ensure that all of the team understand public holiday payments)
- Brief team on Christmas week procedures and expectations
Team care & recognition
- Team briefing: acknowledge the hard work, set expectations for final push
- Thank your crew genuinely—they’ve earned it
Open or close?
- If closing after Christmas: Plan for reopening (cleaning, restocking, team return)
- If staying open: confirm rosters for a quieter / busy period (depending on your region)
- January planning: review what you’ll do differently with trading hours/model
January
Once you’re through this, take stock in late January:
- What worked? What didn’t?
- Where did you make the most margin?
- What will you change for next year?
Document it while it’s fresh. Your future self will thank you.
The money you make in the next six weeks isn’t just December’s profit—as you know, it’s your buffer for the quieter months. Every extra cover, every upsell, every function you secure now is money in the bank when you need it most. But don’t sacrifice your team or your standards chasing revenue. Find the balance between pushing hard and protecting what matters.
Six weeks. It’s what stands between you and a strong start to 2026…
Questions? Need support? Contact the Restaurant Association Helpline team (0800 737 827) – we’re here to help.