When hosting an office party, we want the catering to last the stretch of the party. Some foods fare better than others after those three hours elapse. When fridge space is scarce, you want office party foods that fit the bill. Because it’s all fun and games until the ice melts and sauce congeals. While perishable items like dishes made with meat, dairy, or eggs should be refrigerated within two hours or less, there are other foods that will last a little longer. When you only have access to a mini-fridge and microwave, you don’t have to settle for chips and soda. Here’s how to feed your team like a Top Chef.

1. Antipasto Platters

Finger Foods for the Office Party: Marinated olives, hard cheeses, cured meats, roasted or marinated vegetables

Marinated olives, hard cheeses, and cured meats. Nothing on an antipasto platter (Italian first course) requires a full kitchen, just toothpicks and a table. It’s easy to transport and welcome at any gathering.

2. Mediterranean-Inspired Grain Salads

Finger Foods for the Office Party: Grain bowls and salads

Hearty salads and one-bowl meals of grains are addictive and nourishing. Grains like quinoa, barley, and couscous are the perfect base for herby vinaigrettes and crisp vegetables like cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. A large bowl of this brain food requires little attention once it’s placed on the table. Vegetarians will certainly appreciate the effort.

3. Baked Goods

Finger Foods for the Office Party: Muffins, scones, croissants, danishes

Catered baked goods can be stored using plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Rich mocha scones or seasonal pumpkin muffins are perfect for breakfast and brunch events. Just don’t forget the box of coffee you’ll sip on well into the afternoon.

4. Zippy Chicken Wings

Finger Foods for the Office Party: Chicken wings and similar appetizers

Chicken wings, in all their saucy glory, can be safely left out for up to two hours at room temperature. Still, they’ll likely go fast. Baked or fried, a tempting tray of wings will summon all appetites.

5. Crostini

Finger Foods for the Office Party: Grilled toasts with spreads and toppings and seeded crackers and dips

No soggy bread here. A catering tray of prosciutto (cured Italian ham) and guacamole, smoked salmon, and grilled veggies and pesto sauce on crostini (grilled toast) is perfectly suited for room-temperature eating. Just ask your caterer to keep the bread and toppings separated until party time, then allow your guests to build their own.

6. Slider Selection

Finger Foods for the Office Party: Slider bar with the right portions for your party

If your crowd demands perishable goods like meat, we recommend making it a slider party with hand-held sandwiches. Just order the right portions—no more, no less—and watch the clock. With temptations like fried chicken, sliced beef tenderloin, and crispy tofu, they’ll likely come back for seconds within the hour.

7. Fruit Tarts

Finger Foods for the Office Party: Mini desserts like chocolate dipped fruit, cakes, and tarts

Encourage mingling and casual conversation with mini treats. Fruit adorned with chocolate or nuts are no-brainer finger foods that won’t disintegrate before the office party begins. Allow your caterer to build a beautiful platter of assorted sweets, including fruit tarts, chocolate covered strawberries, and other colorful confections.

If you’re too busy or too tired to hunt down a restaurant that caters in your area, we’ve got you covered. ezCater makes it easy to order business catering from over 60,000 restaurants nationwide. Whether you want a comforting hot meal or work lunches that don’t have to be refrigerated, we can help.