Office holiday parties have evolved beyond lukewarm punch and a grocery-store cookie tray parked beside the copier. Today, workplaces are springing for catered lunches, appetizer spreads, and end-of-year blowouts, giving restaurant operators a chance to earn a spot on the nice list.
The trick is making it special without making the office manager work overtime. Offer food that travels well, packages that simplify headcounts, and enough holiday flair to outshine the average meeting lunch. After all, one smooth celebration could lead to catering orders all year.
Make It Mingle-Friendly
Small bites give employees the freedom to snack, socialize, and slip away before Greg from accounting starts retelling his cruise story.
Take some of the decision-making off the host’s plate by bundling bites into good-better-best party packages. A basic spread might include three appetizers and dips, while premium tiers can add hot items, dessert, beverages, and serviceware.
¡Adelante!™ Mini Chicken Tacos are easy to pass around and even easier to eat, while Zebec® Fully Cooked Fire Grilled Chicken Breast and Chicken Thigh Skewers pair nicely with warm pita and a flight of dips. Delancey Street Deli® Soup can join the party in a selection of mini soup flights, served in small cups with toppings like croutons, shredded cheese, or crispy onions for a warm grab-and-mingle option.
For something a little unexpected, dress up Entice® Cauliflower Cheese Bites with sweet chili and teriyaki sauces, cilantro, and black sesame seeds. Or serve crispy battered mushrooms with bacon sour cream, a rich, savory detour from the usual cheese-and-cracker spread.
Dress Up Lunch
Not every office party needs a carving station and assigned seating, but it should feel more festive than eating a cold turkey sandwich at your desk. Create limited-time menus with a little holiday sparkle, such as Roma® Heritage Lobster Ravioli finished with brown butter and herbs.
For a crowd-friendly pasta spread, Piancone® Bacio® Cheese Stuffed Pastas bring plenty to the table. Lasagna rollettes, cheese manicotti, and jumbo stuffed shells feature a creamy blend of Bacio® cheeses and come ready to sauce, heat, and serve. Pair them with seasonal sauces, roasted vegetables, and Roma® Buttered Garlic Knots for a buffet that feels homemade without requiring someone’s nonna to clock in.
Or, turn the assortment into a holiday pasta bar by letting clientele choose two stuffed pastas, a vegetable, salad, and garlic knots. A standardized package feels customizable while keeping production predictable in the kitchen.
Sweeten the Spread
Pie bars hit the sweet spot between festive and fuss-free. Start with a mix of Heritage Ovens® Pies, such as HERSHEY’S® Chocolate Cream, Chocolate Coconut Cream, REESE’S® Peanut Butter Cream, and HEATH® Toffee Apple. The cream pies are ready to serve once thawed, while the apple pie bakes from frozen.
Pre-slice the pies, label each flavor, and set out whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, chopped Magellan® Candied Nuts, and toasted coconut. Operators can price the bar per person, offer whole pies as add-ons, or package individual slices with boxed lunches.
And don’t forget the forks. Consider First Mark® to round out each order with dessert plates, cutlery, napkins, serving utensils, and cleanup supplies. Bundle the basics into the per-person price or offer a complete serviceware kit as an add-on.
Don’t leave beverages as an afterthought, either. Turn them into an easy add-on with seasonal options like Rejuv® Cran-Lemonades, flavored teas, Guest House® Premium Hot Cocoa, festive coffees like White Chocolate Raspberry Iced Coffee, or zero-proof punches.
Simplify the Season
Ahead of the Yuletide season, create a holiday catering guide that answers the most important questions, including:
- What comes with each package
- Per-person pricing and minimum orders
- Ordering deadlines and cancellation policies
- Dietary and allergen information
- Delivery, setup, and cleanup options
- Add-ons, including drinks, desserts, and serviceware