We weren't sure what to do this year. I used to cook for the whole family when I wasn't working on Christmas Day, and enjoyed doing it, but don't feel able to cook for hoards since Arthur took hold of my joints.
Mother in law stated that she was going to ignore Christmas this year as she is still deeply mourning the loss of my father in law. She just wanted to be alone at home and ignore Christmas. We were very insistant that this was not an option and that we would support each other through the day.
My husband Dennis suggested lunch out, but everywhere charges such a rediculous amount on Christmas Day, that I said that due to our reduced circumstances since I finished work that we could no was afford it.
My mum discovered that a local hotel was doing Christmas day lunch (3 courses and a drink) for £24.95 each..... I didn't beleive it, but it was true. Hotel is a but run down and has recently changed hands (again), so was taking a risk from the start. I offered mother in law the option of just the 4 of us at our house with me cooking or going out with my mum and brother to the hotel. She chose the hotel (I did not take offence!)
My mum booked it for 6.
A week later, something made her go in to check, and they had no record of our booking! what would have happened if we had just turned up! She paid a £60 deposit.
Anyway, I went in on last Tuesday to check all was ok (and the hotel was still open!) and the receptionist said 'you do know that you have to pay the balance before the 24th and pre order your meal?' erm, no, no one had told us that! SO...... I paid the balance and found out what everyone wanted and pre ordered.
All the warning bells are ringing....... what on earth were we doing..... we considered cancelling..... I was expecting turkey 'roll' and tinned potatos at best, food poisoning at worst!!
Anyway...... the meal was really good! Nice starters, loads of lovely turkey and veg, all the trimmings (only thing they forgot was stuffing), super desserts, wine less than £10 a bottle (and it was very nice), service with a smile and very attentive, even nice coffee to finish.
In fact, it was incredible. Especially since we found out that the food and beverage manager had walked out on Christmas Eve!
We laughed from the minute we got there, the atmosphere was great, we all enjoyed it and gave a suitably hefty tip to the staff.
Just shows, sometimes things are better (miles and miles) than you expect!
Bet they won't be charging less than £25 a head next year..... if they are still open that is.
Saved on the shopping, cooking and washing up too. Even mother in law had a great time, which was the best thing of all.
Jan xxx
