Seasonal Catering Guide

HOLIDAY

SETTING THE STAGE

The holiday season is here, and with it comes a shift in our guests' tastes and cravings. To kick off the best foodie season of the year, we're excited to introduce our first-ever seasonal catering guide!

Inside, you'll find menus and recipes bursting with holiday flavors that will help you elevate your catering game. Whether you're setting up a traditional buffet, planning a hospital-wide event, or hosting a cozy reception, we've got you covered with tips and tricks for every occasion.

These holiday flavors and creative marketing ideas are sure to be a hit with our guests. So let's dive in and make this holiday season extra special for everyone!

DID YOU KNOW?

INCREASED DEMAND

The catering industry sees a significant spike during the holiday season, with increases of up to 30% in catering orders compared to other times of the year!

FRESH, LOCAL, ECO-FRIENDLY

Thirty-five percent of holiday catering guests request healthier menu options, including gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb dishes. Don’t forget to highlight the healthier selections!

POPULAR DISHES

While 75% of holiday catering orders include traditional dishes like turkey, ham, and stuffingthere’s a growing trend toward ethnic and fusion flavors, with 40% of customers showing interest.

HOLIDAY CATERINGS 101

The holidays bring more events, giving us the chance to connect with more guests. Understanding each event's unique needs is key to making a great impression—especially during this time of year! We'll explore four types of catering, with holiday menu suggestions, tips, tricks, and inspiration photos.

HOLIDAY TEMPLATES

Don't stress the holidays! We have five sample holiday menus to fit different types of catering events and guest lists, from traditional buffets to executive gatherings and appetizer parties. If you need something more customized, just check out the Catering Menu Index to pick your menu items and use the editable menu templates to create your signage.

For a full list of holiday recipes, click here for the Catering Menu Index.

THE EVENT

HOLIDAY BUFFET

Holiday catering is a big deal since we're we’re taking care of the people who care for our patients! These events are a great chance to make a positive impact on the front line with festive, thoughtfully curated menus.

Make sure to use the new menu standards to plan ahead and get your holiday menu out early! DO

Follow catering timelines

Check for quality and presentation

Keep carving station clean

Keep food full & plentiful

Consider utility needs

THE EVENT

RECEPTION

Holiday receptions are all about creating a relaxed vibe where guests can mingle and have fun. Work with your client to pick the right timing and setup. For food, go with bite-sized hors d’oeuvres, small plates, and festive food stations to keep things lively.

Have you considered a chef attended station?

Choose foods that are easy to eat and serve them in vessels that are convenient to carry.

THE EVENT

HOSPITAL-WIDE

Hosting our big annual hospital catering is a lot of work, but it’s one of the year's highlights and a great way to show our appreciation. With some planning and teamwork, we can make it a fun event everyone will love and remember!

DESSERT

PLAN

• Engage your client early in the process

• Walk the space to spot any bottlenecks

• Set up multiple food lines

• Don’t forget third shift needs

EXECUTE

• Cook in stages with your equipment

• Time food to keep up with rushes

• Have extra help ready to jump in

• Make sure everyone knows their role

• Assign clear communicators

• Don’t let the food run out!

RECAP

After the event, chat with your team about what worked and what didn’t. Note quantities, leftovers, and what ran out. This will be super helpful for next time!

THE EVENT

EXECUTIVE CATERING

Executive caterings are a big deal! Schedule a meeting with your client to understand their specific expectations, including the guest list, location, and preference for a plated meal or buffet. Consider any dietary preferences or allergies and offer a flexible menu with room for adjustments. This is our chance to deliver an outstanding experience and show off what we do best!

Think about what your guests really want. If they love coffee, why not surprise them with a hand-crafted coffee experience instead of the usual dessert for a midday event?

Don’t forget to consider china rentals, if needed!