How to Cater a Corporate Holiday Party That Employees Will Love

Corporate holiday party with festive catering setup and coworkers enjoying food

How to Make Your Company’s Holiday Party the Talk of the Office

Every office has that one holiday party people still talk about. The one with the perfect food, the laughter, and the feeling that someone actually cared enough to plan it right. The truth? Most company events fall flat because the catering doesn’t connect with the people attending.

If you’re in Utah and tasked with planning a holiday party that feels personal, exciting, and stress-free, you’re not alone. This guide walks you through how to plan catering your employees will genuinely enjoy – from food selection to presentation and timing – so you can pull off an event that feels effortless and memorable.

What We’ll Cover:

Start with the Right Plan for Your Holiday Event

Before you even think about menus or decorations, nail down your foundation. Planning is what separates a chaotic buffet from a polished, professional event.

Coworkers laughing and enjoying a well-catered office holiday dinner

1. Define Your Party’s Purpose

Ask yourself what kind of experience your company wants to create.

  1. Appreciation-focused: Celebrate team wins with an upscale dinner or plated meal.
  2. Fun and casual: Think finger foods, themed stations, and festive drinks.
  3. Networking-friendly: Mix-and-mingle setups with easy-to-hold appetizers.

Having a clear purpose helps your caterer suggest the right menu and service style.

2. Choose a Venue That Matches the Vibe

The venue sets the tone. A corporate ballroom demands something elegant; an office gathering can be casual and interactive. Brown Brothers Catering often helps clients match menus to their space – whether it’s a conference center, rented hall, or converted office lounge.

3. Set a Realistic Timeline

The best holiday parties are planned at least six weeks ahead. That window lets you:

  1. Finalize guest count and seating
  2. Lock in menu choices
  3. Coordinate setup and service times

If you’re reading this with less time left, don’t panic – an experienced caterer can still pull off something impressive quickly.

Build a Menu That Wows Everyone

The menu is where your event comes alive. It’s not about fancy ingredients; it’s about food that fits your people.

Event planner reviewing corporate holiday catering checklist with team

1. Keep It Inclusive

Every great company party respects dietary preferences. Make sure to include:

  1. Vegetarian and vegan dishes that feel intentional
  2. Gluten-free and dairy-free options
  3. Familiar favorites presented in new ways

At Brown Brothers Catering we’ve seen how offering choice makes employees feel seen. A mix of creative dishes and classics keeps everyone happy.

2. Lean into Seasonal Flavors

People associate holidays with warmth and comfort. Think slow-roasted meats, hearty sides, and seasonal desserts like peppermint brownies or apple crisp. Add one unexpected flavor, such as a cranberry-balsamic glaze, to make the spread truly memorable.

You can take inspiration from our seasonal wedding menus in Utah, which showcase how flavors and presentations shift beautifully throughout the year.

3. Balance Comfort with Creativity

Here’s what works well for corporate holiday menus in Utah:

  1. Starters: Mini beef wellingtons, spinach-artichoke crostini
  2. Entrées: Roasted turkey breast with herb butter, grilled salmon with lemon dill sauce
  3. Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted winter vegetables, butternut squash risotto
  4. Desserts: Cheesecake bites, hot chocolate bar, or mini crème brûlée

Presentation matters as much as taste. Simple touches like warm serving trays, garnished platters, and consistent dishware elevate the experience.

Smart Catering Logistics That Save You Stress

Good catering isn’t just about food. It’s about how seamlessly the meal fits into your event’s flow.

Catering buffet table with festive holiday dishes and appetizers

1. Timing Is Everything

Plan food service around your event’s main activity. For example:

  1. Cocktail hour first? Serve passed appetizers.
  2. Speeches before dinner? Have a timed hot entrée service ready right after.
  3. Holiday games or awards? Schedule dessert afterward for a natural transition.

2. Staffing Makes or Breaks the Event

A strong catering team ensures guests are taken care of without long lines or empty platters. Aim for at least one server per 15–20 guests.

3. Setup and Cleanup Should Be Invisible

A professional caterer should handle:

  1. Setup of buffet or plated areas
  2. Serving coordination
  3. Cleanup and disposal afterward

Brown Brothers Catering handles every stage – so planners can actually enjoy the party instead of managing it.

How to Stay Within Budget Without Cutting Quality

You can impress employees without breaking the company card. The key is smart choices, not sacrifice.

1. Prioritize What Matters

Spend where it counts: quality ingredients, experienced staff, and timing. Save on extras that don’t affect the guest experience (like over-the-top table decor).

2. Choose the Right Service Style

  1. Buffet: Best for casual and large groups. More variety, less cost per head.
  2. Plated dinner: Great for upscale events but requires higher staffing.
  3. Food stations: A mix of both – perfect for interactive parties.

3. Ask for Menu Customization

A good caterer adjusts menus for your budget and theme. At Brown Brothers Catering, we help clients rework menu combinations or portioning so they still get top-tier presentation at a realistic price.

Build Trust with Experience and Expertise

If you want your event to run smoothly, work with a team that’s handled every type of corporate celebration. At Brown Brothers Catering, we’ve helped hundreds of Utah businesses deliver memorable holiday parties – from small office luncheons to 500-guest evening banquets.

We know what it takes to make employees feel appreciated: good food, thoughtful timing, and genuine hospitality.

Credibility matters to both search engines and people. So, if you’re comparing options, look for caterers with:

  1. Consistent event experience and reviews
  2. Clear communication before and during service
  3. Flexibility in menu design and event adjustments

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Planning a corporate holiday event shouldn’t be overwhelming. Whether you’re finalizing your menu or just starting to brainstorm, Brown Brothers Catering can help you bring it all together.

✅ Explore our Event Catering Services to see how we can make your corporate celebration unforgettable.

✅ Or Request a Quote and we’ll build a custom menu to match your vision and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

The sweet spot is six to eight weeks before your event date. This gives your caterer time to design a menu, reserve staff, and plan logistics with your venue. If your event falls in November or December, booking earlier is better, as those months tend to fill up quickly. Brown Brothers Catering often accepts last-minute bookings too, but early scheduling ensures you get the exact menu and setup you want. Learn more about timing in our corporate catering planning guide.
A strong holiday menu strikes a balance between comfort and creativity. You’ll want a main entrée like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or salmon; two sides, such as garlic mashed potatoes and winter vegetables; and a signature dessert that feels festive, like mini cheesecakes or a hot chocolate bar. You can explore our complete menu options for more ideas.
Start by setting a clear budget and sharing it with your caterer upfront. They can recommend adjustments that make sense - like switching from plated meals to buffets or offering smaller dessert portions without sacrificing presentation. Focus spending on food quality and service, not extra décor. At Brown Brothers Catering, we also offer menu pairing suggestions that give you maximum value for every dollar. For helpful insights, read our tips for making business catering affordable.
It depends on your company culture and policies. If your leadership supports it, a few curated options can enhance the celebration. Offer one or two signature cocktails, beer, and wine, but always include great non-alcoholic alternatives like flavored sparkling water, cider, or mocktails. Having both options keeps everyone included and comfortable. Our beverage options are great additions to any company event.
We’re not just a food provider - we’re event partners. Brown Brothers Catering combines award-winning recipes, personalized menus, and decades of experience in Utah events to deliver exceptional results. Every menu is tailored to the client’s theme, budget, and dietary needs. Our team manages every stage - from design and prep to setup and cleanup - so you can actually enjoy your event instead of managing it. Discover how we’ve helped others achieve success in our corporate event catering stories.
Look for a company that offers transparent pricing, strong communication, and proven experience with corporate events. Ask to see photos of past setups, request sample menus, and check online reviews. Most importantly, choose a caterer that listens to your needs and can adapt quickly - that’s the hallmark of a true professional. Visit our about page to learn more about our philosophy and expertise.

Bring Joy to the Table This Holiday Season

A successful company holiday party isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection – the shared laughter over dessert, the manager thanking the team, the feeling that your company truly values its people.

With the right plan, great food, and the right partner, you can turn a simple event into a lasting memory.

Let’s make this year’s celebration one your team will still be talking about next December.

Get a Quote Today or Explore Our Catering Options.

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