The corporate holiday party is coming up quickly, and you’re in the middle of hammering out the menu. You’ve booked the venue and the caterer, and you have a good idea of what the guest list is going to look like.
You also know you’re going to be serving a buffet-style meal for your employees. Now the question is what should you serve?
Allow these seven holiday party buffet menu ideas to inspire you before your next consultation with your caterer, and you’ll be crafting the perfect menu in no time.
1. Try Miniature Holiday Party Buffet Menu Ideas
One of the most on-trend buffet ideas for your corporate holiday party this year has to be miniatures. Instead of huge portions, think about serving up bite-sized samples. Your guests can taste a wide variety of dishes and flavours, allowing them to discuss what they enjoyed the most.
Of course, you’ll want to be sure to mix true appetizer fare with heavier dishes as well. Think about serving pinwheel sandwiches, beef Wellington bites, or miniature stocking-shaped pita pizzas for something a little more filling, right alongside appetizers like cheese balls and breads and dips.
2. Comfort Classics Are a Huge Hit
If you want to offer up something a bit more substantive for your holiday buffet, think about some comfort classics. Winter meals are often rich in flavour, and for many people, they evoke strong memories of home and pleasant feelings.
What kinds of comfort foods make good holiday party buffet menu ideas? You can go with almost anything, from mac-and-cheese to grilled cheese to hearty soups or shepherd’s pie.
3. Make Vegan and Vegetarian Options Standard
Another great entry on the list of holiday party buffet menu ideas is making at least one vegan and vegetarian dish standard on your menu. If your guests have other dietary requirements, be sure to incorporate them as well.
One great festive idea is miniature vegan blini, topped with delicious red pepper relish. Another is holiday nacho cups—corn tortilla chips filled with guacamole and garnished with a slice of tomato.
4. Take a Trip around the World
Who says you need to stick to favourite flavours from Canada? As far as holiday party buffet menu ideas go, the world is your oyster. Ask your employees for ideas, especially if you work in a diverse office.
You can incorporate holiday traditions from around the world, or you might select a representative dish from different countries and cuisines. If you have a theme, you could also choose foods that tie into it.
5. Don’t Forget Dessert
There are many holiday party buffet menu ideas for desserts as well, and your guests will likely appreciate something to appease their sweet tooth after a hearty meal. Think about keeping it festive, such as with miniature white chocolate–cranberry cheesecakes.
Another idea is a cookie or cupcake decorating station, or a build-your-own sundae station.
6. Deck out the Salad Bar
Another way to include vegetarian options is to set up a salad bar. Salads don’t need to be for summer alone. Add pomegranate, cranberries, and various nuts to make these entries more festive.
In addition to providing more options, the salads can add an element of health and nutrition to the menu.
7. Go Traditional
This one isn’t so much a trend as it is a staple of the holiday party buffet. Go for broke with a traditional holiday meal, served up buffet style. Think turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings laid out for your guests to enjoy.
With luck, these ideas have the wheels in your head turning. Talk to your caterer and begin refining ideas for your holiday party buffet menu now.
