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Why Tipping Matters During the Holidays

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/10/why-tipping-matters-during-the-holidays.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 13:21 GMT by Food & Wine

How to Tip at the Holidays: A Complete Guide to Gratuity Etiquette

The holiday season is a whirlwind of festive feasts, late-night parties, and an avalanche of orders from food delivery apps. With so many people juggling work, family, and the constant buzz of kitchen staff, it’s easy for the fine art of tipping to get lost in the shuffle. Food & Wine’s in‑depth article, “How to Tip at the Holidays,” offers a practical playbook that covers everything from a holiday dinner in a fine‑din­ning setting to a last‑minute take‑out from your favorite pizza place. Below is a concise yet thorough summary of the article’s key take‑aways, broken down by scenario so you can keep the spirits high for everyone on the serving end.

1. Why Tipping Matters During the Holidays

• Server Stress is on the Rise – Restaurants experience their busiest periods during the holidays, with larger parties, extended service hours, and heavier menus. Server wages typically remain flat, so tips are the major source of income for many.
• Shared Income Pools – Even in upscale establishments, a significant portion of the tips you leave ends up in a collective pool that benefits wait staff, dishwashers, and even bussers.
• A Small Gesture, Big Impact – A well‑timed tip can be a morale booster, ensuring a smoother service and a more memorable dining experience.

2. Dine‑In Holiday Meals

Key Tips:

• If you’re part of a large group, distribute a shared tip in a single envelope and hand it to the host or the manager; it ensures every server receives their fair share.
• Always leave the tip in cash if possible; servers often don’t have a way to accept tips electronically, especially in busy venues.

3. Take‑Out, Delivery, and Curbside

Practical Advice:

• The driver or delivery agent’s tip is separate from the restaurant’s staff. Use a tip‑app or a small tip jar when you receive the order.
• For curbside pickups, many restaurants do not collect tips; it’s up to the customer to give the driver directly.

4. Catering and Holiday Events

Important Notes:

• In catering contracts, it’s common for the tip to be pre‑arranged. If the contract doesn’t specify, leave a “service” tip of 15‑20 % of the total catering bill.
• If you are hiring a private chef or catering crew for a holiday event at your home, consider giving each crew member a separate tip (or a shared “bonus” check).

5. Personal Chefs and In‑Home Service

• Personal Chef: A flat fee of $25‑$50 per serving is typical for holiday meal prep, but you can add an extra $10‑$20 for a “holiday bonus.”
• Household Staff: For servers, hosts, or a small catering team who work at home, it’s polite to give a separate tip of $5–$10 for each person, plus a holiday gift (e.g., a gift card, a bottle of wine, or a small baked treat).

6. Special Holiday Considerations

• Holiday Gift Tips – Some servers appreciate a holiday gift instead of a monetary tip. A small gift card, a chocolate box, or a handwritten note can go a long way.
• Service Charges vs. Tips – If a restaurant adds a 15‑20 % service charge to the bill, you still may want to add a small extra tip if you feel the service was outstanding.
• Tip “Pooling” Etiquette – In many high‑volume restaurants, tips are pooled. Handing a single tip to the host or manager ensures every staff member gets their due.

7. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Dine‑in: 15‑20 % (high‑end: 20‑25 %)
• Delivery: $5‑$10 or 10‑15 %
• Curbside: $3‑$5 or 10‑12 %
• Catering: $15‑$25 per server (small) / $25‑$50 per server (large)
• Personal Chef: $25‑$50 per serving + $10‑$20 holiday bonus

8. Bottom Line

Tipping during the holiday season is a simple yet potent way to acknowledge the extra effort that servers, chefs, and catering staff invest to make your meals merry and bright. By following the guidelines above, you’ll help ensure that those behind the counter receive a generous, well‑deserved thank‑you, and that you keep your holiday celebrations as stress‑free and joyful as possible. Whether you’re savoring a candlelit dinner in a top‑rated restaurant or pulling up a box of pizza on a snowy evening, a thoughtful tip goes a long way in keeping the holiday spirit alive for everyone involved.