Corporate holiday parties are a time of togetherness, bonding, celebrating and more. While you cannot change a company culture or force employees to attend – you can make a critical impact on one of the most important aspects of the party: the food. Guests may not remember décor, what they wore or the company gift, but they will absolutely recall the food. Make sure this is one of the most memorable holiday parties ever!
Before planning any food items, be sure you know your audience. Do these guests want light and easy food that can quickly be eaten? Or do these guests want to sit down and enjoy a filling and beautiful meal together? Are these guests accustomed to a wide variety of menu items that not only taste amazing but are gorgeously presented? Will alcohol be served or, mocktails only?
Once you have a handle on guests’ expectations, start planning a tailored holiday party menu.
Experience is Everything
Guests, chefs, and critics alike crave a great dining experience and food presentation. It has become more important than ever. Your food presentation injects personality, shows effort, brings value, engages multiple senses, and enhances the meal. It separates one dish from another. Also, the experience bestows unforgettable first impressions.
Here are some food presentation tips:
- Create height: Go vertical for a more impeccable and skillful look.
- Use contrasting colors: Brings boldness and a visual delight.
- Serve small portions: It will bring more attention to the aesthetic of the food.
- Choose suitable dinnerware: Pick dinnerware that is complementary to your cuisine and use eco-friendly when you can. Guests love the effort and care for the planet.
- Create themed dishes: Match your brand, current holiday, nostalgic place & time, travel inspired, or a chef favorite.
Want more presentation tips? Read our blog post on 7 tips for professional appetizer presentation.
It’s the Holidays After All
If appropriate, weave in traditional holiday elements. From Snowman Picks to Holiday Drink Stirrers these are simple and fun ways to get guests into the holiday spirit.
Less Waste
A party doesn’t have to create substantial waste. Use eco-friendly products to minimize waste. Bamboo Serveware is beautiful and made from all natural bamboo material to ensure responsible disposal. Pick On Us has a line of dinnerware and bamboo boats. Stock your bar/cocktail stations with ecofriendly alternatives to plastic straws: Reed Straws. Consider placing a table tent card near the straws at events to educate guests about the eco-friendly material.
Customization is King
Suggest a Custom Cocktail Pick with the company logo or other fun representation of their brand. These picks can also be used in food items. Guests will recognize the effort that went into the event and appreciate the thought while they enjoy a cocktail or delicious appetizer. Pick On Us will deliver custom picks in seven short days.
