Corporate Holiday Party Catering: Menus to Wow Your Team
The holiday season is the perfect time to show appreciation for your team, and a well-planned corporate holiday party can leave a lasting impression.
Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, catering is pivotal in ensuring the event is memorable. From elegant finger foods to festive themes, here are some catering ideas to help you plan a menu that will give your event the wow factor.
1. Finger Foods: Small Bites, Big Impact
When it comes to corporate parties, finger foods are a crowd-pleaser. These elegant, bite-sized snacks are easy to enjoy without disrupting conversation or mingling. Consider a selection of gourmet canapés and savoury nibbles such as:
- Mini beef sliders – our best-seller
- Peirogis with sour cream and kraut
- Vegan Samosa with tamarind chutney
- A classic Shrimp Cocktail
Pair these small bites with a feature food station or some platters for grazing. Finger foods satisfy your guests and make for excellent conversation starters, as they can conveniently be passed around during the evening.
2. Food Stations: Interactive and Fun
For a more interactive dining experience, food stations offer a dynamic way to engage guests while enjoying their meal. These can be set up throughout the venue, allowing guests to customize their plates or be served by a professional chef. Popular food station ideas include:
- Carving Station: A roast turkey or prime rib station where guests can choose from fresh cuts of meat, accompanied by buns, sauces and condiments.
- Pasta Bar: This is a live station where chefs prepare fresh pasta dishes with sauces such as creamy Alfredo, rich marinara, and pesto.
- Build-your-own Taco or Slider Bar: Who says tacos are only for the summer? Provide a fun and casual station where guests can assemble their tacos or sliders with toppings like avocado, salsa, coleslaw and cheese.
- Pani Puri – Try broadening your cultural horizons by offering street foods worldwide. Our Pani Puri Station has the perfect taste in India.
Food stations provide variety, encourage guest interaction, and can be tailored to fit the event’s theme, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy.
3. Traditional Turkey Dinner with All the Trimmings
Nothing says “holiday feast” quite like a traditional turkey dinner. For those who love the classic holiday spread, a whole turkey dinner with all the trimmings is always a hit. A catered turkey dinner can feature:
- A succulent roast turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce
- Creamy mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables
- Homemade stuffing
- Green beans, almondine and Heirloom Carrots
Pair this hearty meal with fresh bread rolls and a rich pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. For a more formal presentation, this traditional option can be served family-style.
4. Grazing Platters & Wine: A Relaxed and Elegant Touch
For a more relaxed atmosphere, grazing platters paired with wine are an excellent way to offer variety without the formality of a plated meal. Beautifully presented platters can feature an assortment of:
- Artisanal cheeses and cured meats
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Freshly baked breads and crackers with bruschetta
- Olives, nuts, dried fruit and pickles
Serve these alongside local wines or seasonal cocktails to keep things festive. Grazing platters provide a visually stunning addition to the party and allow guests to sample a variety of flavours as they mingle.
5. Themed Events: Adding a Dash of Fun
Choosing a fun theme and designing the catering menu is one way to make your corporate holiday party stand out. Whether a casual Ugly Sweater Party or an elegant Black Tie Gala, themed events add excitement and creativity to your celebration.
- Ugly Sweater Party: Serve comfort foods like mac and cheese balls, mini meat pies, and spiked hot chocolate. Decorate the buffet with festive holiday décor and encourage guests to embrace the theme.
- Christmas Around the World: Showcase international holiday dishes like Swedish meatballs, French Canadian Tortierre, Italian panettone, and Mexican Tamales. It’s a great way to infuse global flavours into your party and encourage cultural exploration.
Black Tie Gala: For a more sophisticated evening, offer a high-end menu with caviar, lobster bisque, and delicate pastry horsd’oeuvress. Pair these dishes with champagne and wine, and let the elegance shine.
6. Dessert Mania: Sweet Endings to a Perfect Celebration
No holiday party is complete without dessert! A sweet spread that appeals to every palate is essential for your corporate event. Consider a dessert station that allows guests to indulge in their favourite seasonal treats, such as:
- Mini cheesecakes with fruit compote
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Holiday-themed cookies, like gingerbread or shortbread
- Decadent chocolate fondue with marshmallows and fruits for dipping
- A selection of cupcakes with festive toppings like edible glitter and candy cane sprinkles
For those who love a bit of flair, serve a signature holiday cocktail and desserts to bring everything full circle.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the suitable catering for your corporate holiday party can make a difference in setting the tone for the event. From gourmet finger foods to themed food stations and traditional holiday dinners, there are endless possibilities to create a memorable experience.
Whether planning an intimate gathering or an extravagant bash, the key to a successful corporate holiday party is great food that keeps your team engaged, happy, and well-fed.
Let your holiday catering reflect the season’s spirit while ensuring every guest leaves with a smile—and, of course, a full belly!