Christmas dinner with friends: get the date, then get the table
The Christmas dinner with your mates is the one everyone says they're up for. Then it's "I'll check", "maybe the week after?", and suddenly every decent restaurant is fully booked until the 27th.
The fix is boring but it works: agree the date first, fast, and book the same day. Whenabouts handles the first bit. One link, everyone taps when they're free, and you see the night that suits the most people.
How it works
- Create a plan. Name it ("Xmas dinner 🍽️"), set the date range and choose evening, daytime or any time. Use "Which days work?" to keep it to weekends, weekdays or individual days.
- Share one link. WhatsApp button, or paste it anywhere. Everyone taps the days they're free, or "maybe". No account, no app. Invite as many friends as you like.
- Lock in the best date. Whenabouts highlights the date that works for the most people. Once you confirm, anyone who opens the link can add it to their calendar with "Add to Google Calendar" or a .ics file.
Why the date has to come first
December tables go early
Lots of pubs and restaurants open Christmas bookings in the autumn. Festive set menus often need a deposit per head and pre-orders a week or so before. That's fine, but only if you know the date and the numbers.
A rough headcount helps
The results show who's free and who's a "maybe" on each date. That's handy when the restaurant asks "how many?".
Lunch can be your secret weapon
Evenings in December are rammed. A weekend lunch is often easier to book and easier for anyone with kids or a long trip home. Choose "any time" and see what your group prefers.
Dinner, lunch or a proper catch-up?
Not everyone wants three courses and a cracker. If the group's split between a festive menu, a curry, or drinks at someone's flat, try Spin the Plan: add the options, spin the wheel to choose, then lock in a date. Settled in a minute, and nobody has to be the one who decided. Planning a party rather than a meal? Try the Christmas party planner.
Booking checklist
- Send the date poll as early as you can. November is good. Mid-December is brave.
- Confirm the date as soon as the winner's clear. Most people is enough; don't wait for a perfect day.
- Book that day. Ring or book online while the table's still there.
- Check the deposit and pre-order rules. Then tell the group straight away, before anyone forgets.
- Post the link again. Once confirmed, everyone can add it to their calendar from the plan page.
- Sort the bill rules up front. Split evenly or pay for what you order? Decide now, not at 11pm.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I organise Christmas dinner with friends?
As early as you can, ideally in November. Many venues take Christmas bookings well in advance, and the popular December nights go first.
Is Whenabouts free?
Yes. It's free to create a plan, share the link, collect answers and lock in the date.
Do my friends need an account?
No. There's no login and nothing to download. They tap their dates in the browser.
Can people say "maybe"?
Yes. Everyone can mark a day as free or "maybe", so you'll know who to chase before you book.
Does Whenabouts book the restaurant?
No. It finds the date. You book the table, ideally the same day you confirm.