Challenging times for everyone in food service this week. Here are some consumer expectations for Christmas 2020 which can be applied in your home or as a host. Whatever your plans this Christmas, Red Box wish you a safe and happy celebration.

Confidence in dining out was promoted by the eat out to help out schemes following the outbreak of the pandemic. However optimism in food service operators has been compressed with the most recent restriction increases across large parts of the UK. But the feelings of dining 'out' also apply to any guests we may be hosting this Christmas in our smaller Christmas Day bubbles.

So what can we do to promote services this season or make our guests more comfortable. Things are smaller - parties, social engagements, social circles, menus, budgets and events. According to the 2020 CGA and Fourth Business Leaders Survey, hygiene and cleanliness ranked top when it comes to food and drink, whereas prior to Covid-19 this was sixth on the list.

While everyone is desperate to maintain some sense of normality and celebration, it is important for operators and hosts to blend good food and drink with a safe environment to create memorable experiences. While dining out, consumers want to see visual safety precautions, limited seating, PPE and QR Codes. When dining at home, people want to make family of all ages who may be feeling nervous, confident that safety has been considered and their feelings are tended to after a long period of profound social isolation.

Keeping the buffet alive with individual platters promotes social distancing, and focusing on sustainable and local produce and decorations fits the spirit of community and support seen throughout the year.

Focusing on the postive impact you can have at this time of year, recycling rppsonsibly any Christmas items and using recyclable goods will give everyone a festive lift rather than seeing waste at a time when many feel stretched.

Bringing something new this year with an inventive non alcoholic Christmas toast, buttered rum, mocktails and 'low and no' alcohol are trends this Christmas. As many of us have found an unsaitiable appetite for alcohol during the years lockdowns, there is a tide of alternative drinkers who may be forced to drive home at the end of the Christmas celebrations.