The holiday season puts everyone in a special mindset. People are more generous. Budgets are bigger. And—our favorite part—everyone eats more than usual. If you’re running a restaurant, you might think it’s too late to attract new holiday business. But there’s a hungry (and valuable) set of customers you can still reach: office holiday party planners. Office party season stretches from the beginning of December to the end of January. And now’s the prime time to get ready. Here’s what you need to know to attract—and keep—new corporate clients during the holidays.

It’s All in The Details

Take extra time to arrange the plates and napkins. Something as small as adding doilies on the serving platters you use to make them more festive really adds a special touch. When you’re catering a company holiday party, it pays to focus on the details that others might overlook. The most successful holiday party caterers go the extra mile on presentation and setup. Give partygoers a reason to remark on the beautiful presentation, and you’ll have the whole room buzzing about your brand.

Be Ready to Deliver

If there’s one must-have for busy corporate clients, it’s this: reliable delivery. You’ll want to have extra capacity to do deliveries throughout December and early January. Recruit seasonal drivers if necessary. If you’re known for offering dependable delivery, this year’s holiday party clients will think of you again next year. Be memorable: it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Get in the Holiday Spirit

• Put together a special holiday package. This might include higher-end items (not necessarily your highest end, but fancier than usual). Customers are usually willing to spend a little bit more around the holidays, but they’re not out to break the bank. Make the package all-inclusive (a complete meal, plus dessert) and busy customers who want a no-fuss option will be thrilled.
• Quality is key. It’s important to serve high-quality food all year round, of course. But party planners are going to pay more attention to the quality of the food during the holidays than they would for a regular office lunch. Put your best foot forward by paying extra attention to quality.
• Hors d’oeuvres and treats. There’s an extra special interest in snackable food around the holidays. ezCater’s nationwide data shows that hors d’oeuvres orders spike by X% during December and January. Orders for treats increase by X% across the same period. Capitalize on this by highlighting these items on your menu.

How is your restaurant getting ready for the holidays? Share your experience with me on Twitter.