With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start making plans for Christmas, especially if you are planning to throw a Christmas holiday party. Christmas party catering is not as easy as you may have imagined. From picking out gifts to making the arrangements for the dinner, there’s a lot that you will have to take care of.

However, the most important thing that will leave a lasting impression on your guests is the meal you serve. The success of your party largely depends on what you put on their plates. Therefore, take your time to decide upon the perfect holiday catering menu to make sure your party is a big hit!

Here are a few tips that can help you serve the perfect meal at the Christmas holiday party.

Who’s invited?

The first thing that you need to do is determine the type of party that you want to throw. Are you planning a formal Christmas dinner for your colleagues or a more casual party for your close friends and family? The key to throwing a memorable party and serving the perfect meal is to make sure you plan everything according to the likes and dislikes of your guests. Go through your guest list to decide things like whether you want to host a sit-down dinner or a cocktail party, whether you will serve the food buffet style, etc. 

Christmas-Themed Food

What’s a Christmas party without Christmas-themed food? To make your party truly memorable, make sure you include Christmas-themed items on the table. Here are a few ideas to get creative with your food and serve some fun dishes this Christmas:

• Red and green-colored pasta: Red and green are the colors of Christmas. You can incorporate them into your menu by serving red and green-colored pasta salad. It is not only guaranteed to put everyone in the Christmas mood but it also serves a crowd, which means less work and more fun for you!
• Grape Christmas tree: Decorating the Christmas tree is a huge part of the festival that we all love. Now, you can bring the fun to the dinner table by making a Christmas tree out of grapes. Grapes and cheese is a classic combo, so you can also use cheese to decorate your grape tree and make it look even more appealing.
• Christmas Brownies: Christmas brownies are a hit among children and adults alike. The idea is simple. All you have to do is bake some brownies and give them a Christmas-y touch. Whether you do this through the frosting, or bake the cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree, the possibilities are limitless.

Healthy and Yummy Food

While we all love Christmas, it is no reason to start eating unhealthy foods. Therefore, make sure that whatever you serve to your guests is not only yummy but also healthy. For example, add a dish or two for healthy eaters who may be trying to avoid gaining holiday pounds. 

Add Vegetarian Options

Another thing that you need to take into consideration is that not everyone has the same food preference. This makes it important to make sure that there is at least one vegetarian dish on your table. You don’t want your vegetarian friends to go home with empty stomachs so plan your menu accordingly.   

Choose the Right Drinks

So you are planning to serve a three-course meal? Well, it is best to think it through. Make sure that everything from your appetizers to desserts and drinks pairs well together. Keep in mind that the drinks you serve are an important part of the meal and will leave a strong impression on your guests. This is why it is essential to take your time when it comes to choosing the right drinks for your Christmas party. It is a good idea to have non-alcoholic options for people who are driving. Also, if there are going to be children at your party, make sure you have age-appropriate drinks.

Be Punctual!  

Nothing ruins a Christmas party like delayed food! No one likes to wait for food, especially when they are at a Christmas dinner. So, make sure that you don’t keep your guests waiting. Be punctual with the dinner and serve food on time. If your guests arrive early, it is also a great idea to serve small appetizers and drinks as soon as they walk in. This will buy you some time and keep your guests happy.

Make the Right Quantity

Food shortage is the worst thing that can happen at your Christmas holiday party. Running out of food to serve at a party can be pretty embarrassing. Therefore, make sure you order plenty of food. In fact, it is advisable to have more food than you need. For instance, if you have invited ten people to your party, you should serve enough food to feed at least twelve people. This will make sure you don’t run into an embarrassing situation.

Remember, Christmas is all about sharing and spreading love, so invite everyone over for a hearty meal this year. However, keep in mind that it is better to start planning early than panicking at the last moment. Follow these tips to make sure your Christmas party is a true hit and your guests remember the evening for years to come. Merry Christmas! 

Author Bio:

Lauren is Sales Manager at Personal Touch Dining, an award-winning San Diego catering company that supplies all levels of catering in California. The Personal Touch Dining team has gained widespread recognition for their creative and diverse menus, with seasonal ingredients for every occasion. Lauren enjoys blogging about tips and trends in the wedding and event industry and sharing ideas with those planning for an upcoming event.