Throwing a Memorable Holiday Party
For foodservice professionals, the holidays are a time of catered affairs, office parties and large social events. Use the occasions to incorporate a few well-defined touches, distinguishing your services from the competition.
There are many ways you can enhance the experience of every guest. From planning and execution to featuring special amenities, follow these tips to outperform and gain rave reviews.
Don’t Omit the Basics
- Minimize miscommunication – confirm and then reconfirm every detail including number of guests, event timeline, location and menu.
- Inquire on the handling of leftovers in advance. They may want guests to have the option of taking home the extras or request the food be donated to those in need.
- Place a stock of supplies nearby for immediate use such as disposables, napkins, glassware, ice, water, and flatware
Perfect Menu Planning
- Showcase the talents of your chefs and bartenders by creating specialized offerings including elaborate desserts, or beautifully garnished seasonal beverages with mulled spices, peppermint and other festive flavors.
- Serve food that accommodates dietary restrictions such as gluten, peanut and shellfish allergies as well as vegetarian and kosher preferences. Efficiently label food that caters to these conditions and train your servers to mention the options to guests.
Going the Extra Mile
- Help coordinate tables, décor, and other details to reduce the host’s party planning stress. Presentation can make all the difference, so add a touch of sparkle or color to service areas and staff apparel that complements the season.
- Make personalized place settings with small gift boxes containing after dinner mints or chocolates
Whether you’re working an office holiday party or a glamorous New Year’s Eve bash, plan to impress your clients with delicious food, dazzling décor and superior service.
Here are some ideas for making a holiday event memorable:
Games and activities: Try a white elephant gift exchange, where guests bring a quirky or humorous gift. Other games include a holiday scavenger hunt, Secret Santa, or a penguin waddle race.
Karaoke: Set up a karaoke station where guests can sing their favorite winter songs.
Trivia: Test guests' knowledge about winter facts, holiday movies, and winter sports.
Ice skating: If possible, add an ice skating activity to the event.
Ornament station: Set up a DIY ornament station where guests can create their own holiday ornaments.
Decorations: Create a warm and inviting environment with a few familiar holiday decorations.
Scents: Use scents of the season to create a holiday atmosphere.
Music: Play holiday music to set the mood.
Going the Extra Mile
- Help coordinate tables, décor, and other details to reduce the host’s party planning stress. Presentation can make all the difference, so add a touch of sparkle or color to service areas and staff apparel that complements the season.
- Make personalized place settings with small gift boxes containing after dinner mints or chocolates
Whether you’re working an office holiday party or a glamorous New Year’s Eve bash, plan to impress your clients with delicious food, dazzling décor and superior service.