The holiday season is here, making it the perfect time to gather with friends, family, and colleagues. Whether you’re planning an intimate get-together or a large celebration, food plays just as important a role as the decorations and guest list.
A thoughtfully planned holiday party catering menu will ensure your event is a success and leave your guests raving about the delicious offerings.
So, where do you start?
Don’t worry! Whether it’s a casual gathering or a sophisticated office party, we’ve got you covered with a selection of delightful dishes that will impress your guests. Let’s explore the holiday party catering menu picks, ensuring your party is stress-free and filled with mouthwatering flavors.
1. Begin with Appetizers
Appetizers set the tone for the entire party. Small bites are perfect for mingling and keeping your guests satisfied while the main course is being prepared.
Some of the top picks for holiday party catering menus include:
Mini Quiches
The ultimate finger food, mini quiches are ideal for holiday parties. Versatile, delicious, and easy to eat, these bite-sized appetizers appeal to guests of all ages, making them a must-have on any catering menu.
Stuffed Mushrooms
A refined and flavorful appetizer enjoyed by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. These hollowed mushroom caps are filled with a tasty blend of ingredients, creating a delightful treat for your guests.
Charcuterie Boards
A showstopper at any holiday gathering, charcuterie boards combine a selection of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
These appetizers are just a few of the best options to kick off your holiday party catering menu on the right note.
2. Main Courses
When it’s time for the main course, you want dishes that are filling, festive, and easy to serve. Here are some classic and crowd-pleasing options:
Roast Turkey or Ham
These are the stars of the holiday meal, offering comfort and nostalgia with their traditional flavors. A perfectly roasted turkey, seasoned with herbs and served with rich gravy, is always a crowd favorite. Meanwhile, honey-glazed ham adds a sweet and savory touch that complements nearly any side dish. Both options are versatile and pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Vegetarian Lasagna
This hearty dish is a must-have for non-meat eaters and is so flavorful that even meat lovers may ask for seconds in the holiday party catering menu. Layers of tender pasta, sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, creamy ricotta cheese, and tangy marinara sauce come together in perfect harmony. It’s a wholesome and satisfying option that caters to vegetarian guests while feeling indulgent enough to please everyone.
Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket
Slow-cooked to perfection, beef brisket is juicy, tender, and packed with rich flavors that develop over hours of cooking. Seasoned with savory spices and often basted in a flavorful sauce, it’s a standout dish for any holiday menu. Whether served sliced with roasted vegetables or over creamy mashed potatoes, this dish adds a gourmet touch to your holiday party catering menu and will leave your guests raving.
3. Side Dishes to Complete the Meal
No holiday party menu is complete without side dishes that add flavor, texture, and variety to complement the main courses. Here are three crowd-pleasing options that are easy to prepare and sure to impress:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and buttery, garlic mashed potatoes are a comfort classic that never disappoints. The rich flavor of roasted garlic blended with fluffy potatoes elevates this dish. For an added twist, consider topping with shredded cheese, chives, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve warm alongside roast turkey or beef for the ultimate cozy pairing.
Roasted Vegetables
A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables—such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes—seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roasted until golden and tender, makes for a flavorful and nutritious side dish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, and you can enhance the dish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch. It’s versatile and complements almost any main course.
Stuffing
Stuffing is a must-have on any holiday party catering menu. Whether you stick with the traditional combination of bread cubes, celery, onions, and sage, or get creative with additions like dried fruits, nuts, or sausage, this dish provides a savory balance to the meal. Stuffing pairs perfectly with roast turkey, chicken, or ham, making it an essential addition to your holiday spread.
These side dishes not only enhance your holiday menu but also provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures to create a memorable dining experience.
4. Delightful Desserts
No holiday party is complete without the excitement of desserts. A carefully chosen dessert catering menu adds charm to the celebration and ensures your guests leave with happy memories.
Here are some delightful options to include:
Classic Pies
Pumpkin pie, with its warm spices; pecan pie, offering a sweet, nutty richness; and the classic apple pie, filled with cinnamon-infused apples, are all holiday favorites. Top them off with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence.
Mini Cupcakes
These bite-sized cakes are perfect for a festive gathering. Decorate them with winter-themed designs such as snowflakes, candy canes, or red and green sprinkles. Their small size makes them easy for guests to grab and enjoy without needing plates or utensils.
Cookies and Brownies
Offer a variety of holiday cookies, like gingerbread men, sugar cookies with colorful frosting, and rich, chewy brownies. Add peppermint brownies or thumbprint cookies filled with jam to mix things up. Arrange them on decorative platters for an eye-catching presentation.
Desserts are often the highlight of the meal, so make sure they’re not only delicious but beautifully presented. A variety of options will cater to different tastes, making your holiday party even more memorable.
5. Don't Forget the Drinks
While the food takes center stage, don’t overlook your drink offerings. Be sure to include a mix of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to cater to all your guests. Here are some holiday favorites to consider:
Punch
Punch is always a crowd-pleaser and can be made in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations. For a festive twist, try a cranberry-orange punch infused with cinnamon, or a fizzy citrus punch with a touch of ginger. Serve it in a decorative bowl, garnished with floating fruit slices and ice cubes shaped like snowflakes or stars for an extra festive touch.
Tea
Tea is a versatile beverage that suits any holiday gathering. Offer a variety of teas, including black, green, and herbal options, to cater to different tastes. Add seasonal flavors like spiced chai, peppermint, or cranberry for a festive flair. You can also provide honey, lemon slices, and sugar cubes, allowing guests to customize their tea to their liking.
Lemonade
Lemonade is a refreshing drink that can brighten up any party, even during the holidays. Try a fun twist with cranberry lemonade or sparkling lemonade with a hint of rosemary. Serve it chilled in a pretty pitcher or punch bowl, garnished with lemon slices, cranberries, or mint leaves. It’s a simple yet charming drink that guests of all ages will enjoy.
An excellent drink selection can elevate your holiday party catering menu, ensuring your event stands out and is memorable for everyone.
Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Party Catering Menu Experience
To ensure your holiday party goes smoothly and is enjoyable for both you and your guests, here are some helpful tips:
Choose a Reliable Caterer
The key to a successful holiday catering experience is working with a trusted caterer who can deliver high-quality food and excellent service. A professional catering team will help you plan a menu that fits your event and handle the details, so you can focus on enjoying the celebration.
Plan for Dietary Needs
Take the time to consider your guests’ dietary preferences and restrictions in advance. Whether it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, or other dietary needs, making sure there’s something for everyone ensures all your guests feel included and can fully enjoy the meal. Communicating these preferences with your caterer ahead of time will help them create a well-rounded menu.
Prepare Early
Avoid last-minute stress by staying ahead of schedule. From finalizing your menu to setting up the dining area, early preparation is key. This will give you ample time to relax and enjoy the event rather than scrambling at the last minute. With everything ready ahead of time, you’ll be able to host with ease.
Final Thoughts
Planning the perfect holiday party catering menu doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these must-have dishes and helpful tips, your event is sure to be the highlight of the season.
From savory appetizers to indulgent desserts, this menu has something for everyone. Whether you’re hosting or contributing to a potluck, these ideas will keep your guests satisfied and make your holiday party stress-free.
Keif’s Catering offers a wide range of options to cater to various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that your event is both enjoyable and seamless.
Happy planning, and may your holiday party be one to remember!
Frequently Asked Questions
You should include a mix of appetizers (like cheese boards or stuffed mushrooms), main courses (such as roast turkey, ham, or vegetarian lasagna), sides (garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables), desserts (holiday cookies or pumpkin pie), and drinks (tea, lemonade, or punch).
Consider your guests’ preferences and dietary needs. Include a balance of meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free options to make sure everyone has something they can enjoy.
Cheese and charcuterie boards, shrimp cocktails, and mini quiches are great options. They’re simple to prepare, look elegant, and are easy for guests to grab while mingling.
Absolutely! You can stick to classics like roast turkey and mashed potatoes but add a twist with items like vegetable lasagna or chocolate fondue for variety and fun.
Plan your menu early, work with a reliable caterer if needed, and choose dishes that can be prepared or served easily. Buffet-style setups can also save time and keep the event casual and fun.