Food can make or break your workplace holiday party. Get it right, and conversation flows. Get it wrong, and your guests might disappear.

According to ezCater’s 2024 Holiday Party Report, 92% of employees say great food makes them more excited to attend. In fact, nearly 10% of those who skip holiday parties cite unappealing food as their reason.

As a food ordering professional, your menu choices can keep spirits (and attendance) high. Fortunately, ezCater knows a thing or two about catering a holiday party. Here’s what to serve this season. 

Set the tone with holiday appetizers 

Catering a holiday party is all about bringing together employees from different teams and departments. Luckily, food is the ultimate connector, and employees agree: 85% say that food plays a central role in sparking social interaction at holiday parties.

So, help break the ice with holiday appetizers that ignite both conversations and appetites. 

Charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards are a go-to appetizer when planning an office party. It’s easy to see why — these crowd-pleasers not only look great on display but also cater to diverse tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Featuring a tasty assortment of sliced meats, an array of cheeses, and seasonal dips served alongside crackers or toast, charcuterie boards invite guests to serve themselves, creating a delicious spread of small bites that caters to every palate.

Plus, they’re a fantastic conversation starter. After all, who doesn’t love discussing their favorite meats and cheeses? To add a seasonal twist, consider incorporating holiday treats like spiced nuts or festive fruit preserves.

Seasonal soups

The 2024 Holiday Party Report reveals that 86% of holiday parties will take place in December. Whether you’re catering a holiday party in snowy Colorado or sunny Florida, a warm bowl of creamy butternut squash or hearty minestrone soup is the perfect choice for the season.

Just remember, unlike a charcuterie board or other self-serve option, soup is best served as the first course at sit-down lunches or dinners, where guests can savor each spoonful without the fear of spills.

Keep the meal flowing with festive entrées 

Entrées are more than just the bulk of the meal — they’re the holiday highlight that employees anticipate most. With 78% of employees citing food as the most looked forward to aspect of the holiday party, it’s essential to keep the meal flowing with festive menu choices that are sure to please. 

Consider these options for catering a holiday party everyone will love. 

Traditional ham dinner

Nothing says ‘this team is a family’ quite like a traditional ham dinner for the holidays. As a tried-and-true option for more formal sit-down meals, classic holiday food catering packages often include pre-sliced ham served with green beans, macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes, and fresh-baked rolls.

For a hassle-free dining experience, make sure to include silverware with your order. 

BBQ sandwiches and sliders

If you’re planning a nontraditional holiday catering menu, look no further than BBQ sandwiches and sliders. Ideal for laid-back office parties, slow-roasted sirloin, fork-tender chicken, and pulled pork drizzled with tangy BBQ sauce make for the perfect hand-held entrées. 

Pair sandwiches and sliders with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, french fries, or sweet potato fries for a seasonal twist. 

Kale salad

Kale salad is a fantastic entrée option for your holiday catering menu, especially if you’re looking for something on the lighter side. It’s a delicious choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone else who wants to balance out the indulgence of the season or simply save room for dessert. 

Picture a festive kale salad loaded with sweet cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, and thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, all topped with a zesty vinaigrette. You could even throw in some roasted butternut squash or crisp apples for a festive pop. 

With food allergies and dietary restrictions becoming more common in the workplace, having a salad option helps make catering a holiday party a breeze. A vibrant salad ensures that everyone has something tasty to dig into, keeping the party just as inclusive as it is enjoyable.

End the party on a sweet note with desserts

What better way to wrap up a memorable menu than with festive treats? When catering a holiday party, dessert is the best way to end the meal on a sweet note. 

Here are two fool-proof options that are perfect for the holiday season.

Holiday cookies

Holiday cookies are nostalgic, easy to eat, and delicious. Opt for seasonal classics like sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies, or consider adding festive options like peppermint bark cookies or snickerdoodles to your spread.

Why not get everyone in the holiday spirit with a catered cookie decorating station, too? Instead of typical office party games, a DIY cookie station filled with an assortment of toppings — like frosting, sanding sugar, and sprinkles — will keep guests entertained and engaged.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is another tasty, easy to eat holiday food catering classic. Served by the slice or as miniature individual-sized pies, these desserts are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings after a hearty ham feast or a lighter kale salad.

Aim to order a variety of festive flavors, like chocolate peppermint, eggnog, and pecan, to keep party guests coming back for more.

Toast the holiday with cheerful beverages

Water is a must-have at any holiday party, but you can — and should — stock a beverage bar with more cheerful options, too. When you’re looking to raise a toast in celebration, fill your glass with one of these fun drinks.

Festive cocktails

Catering a holiday party is all about creating memorable experiences with your team. Festive cocktails can add that extra sparkle, especially since 69% of employees say they would like to have alcohol at holiday parties.

Think about offering crowd-pleasing drinks, like cranberry mimosas, spiced apple cider cocktails, or holiday-themed margaritas. And don’t forget about wine pairings: they’re a fun holiday party idea to compliment your menu and keep the celebration flowing. 

Non-alcoholic seasonal sips

Despite the popularity of alcohol among employees, more than a quarter (27%) of decision makers don’t feel comfortable making alcoholic beverages available at a company party. And that’s okay! 

If you don’t plan to have alcohol on the holiday catering menu, there are still plenty of non-alcoholic drinks that feel just as special as a cocktail. Think along the lines of sparkling pomegranate punch, warm spiced cider, or even peppermint stick hot chocolate to raise a tasty, alcohol-free toast. 

Catering a holiday party just got a lot easier

A holiday party without good food? Total humbug. Today’s employees look forward to holiday food catering more than they do any other aspect of the celebration.

So, if you want to keep your team merry this year, let ezCater handle the menu details. From flavorful appetizers to festive desserts, we’ve got everything you need for catering a holiday party like a pro.

Want to explore other tips for elevating your workplace holiday party? Download ezCater’s Holiday Party Report for more insights on office festivities.