This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, A Personal Organizer, LLC earns from qualifying purchases.
Getting Ready For The Holiday Party Season
Today, on the blog, we have a special guest. My husband and I met Chef Charles Webb at a party a couple of weekends ago. We discussed our businesses and thought it would be an excellent idea for him to share his expertise here on the blog. As we are all getting ready for the holidays, there’s no better time to discuss planning and hosting a holiday party. Take it away, Chef Charles!
Helena, thanks for having me on your blog.
Holiday Party Food
The holidays provide us with as much excitement and energy as we can handle, and while we often go into a holiday party with great enthusiasm, when it comes to actually planning and hosting, we can sometimes get overwhelmed.
Beverages often receive a lot of attention and consideration with all the “cheer” in our season’s greetings, but fantastic food will make you the ultimate host to all your guests.
Whether professionally catered (we’re partial 😉 or self-assembled, a few key points are not to be forgotten.
As the owner and executive chef of Avanti Gourmet, based in the Chicagoland area, and having scaled across the globe, I have gained valuable experience in what kind of food makes for a fantastic holiday party. Here are a few tips on what not to forget.
Don’t Forget The Nibbles
The annual holiday party is a great time to let loose. That said, guests will need a steady supply of delicious snacks to help them absorb all those extra glasses of wine and cups of eggnog.
The solution: Have a variety of snacky foods readily available, such as pistachios, almonds, olives, cheese, charcuterie boards, crostini items, and sliders.
The food stations and tasty bites in small bowls give guests a help-yourself vibe, allowing you to enjoy the party with your friends and family instead of standing in front of a hot stove all night.
Make Food Fun!
Many online resources can guide you in creating a fun and doable holiday party menu without being a chef, especially if you are on a budget.
Research these online resources to find some great inspiration for your creative spread. Don’t be afraid to mix classic holiday favorites with new and inspired food items.
Book Your Caterer Early
If you decide to go with a chef or catering group, remember that booking in advance will help you secure the best talent.
Not all catering groups are created equal. There are only 3 Fridays and Saturdays in December this year where you can use their services, and with many bookings ahead of time with their “regulars,” it can be a considerable challenge to get the caterer you want
Remember Special Diets
Finally, be mindful of your guests’ dietary needs. Now more than ever, this must be a significant consideration for any host.
There are more considerations than in the past.
Some of the special diets you may need to consider include pescatarian, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and keto diets. Additionally, we must be mindful of allergies to dairy, nuts, gluten, and shellfish. Religious restrictions include Kosher, no pork, and no cheese, among others.
To be a great host, you should be prepared to offer something to everyone so you won’t be stuck in a situation where someone has nothing to eat.
Be mindful to check in with guests about any dietary restrictions mentioned in the invitation and leave an area on the RSVP form where they can leave their notes.
This information will help you prepare the catering company for these potential challenges. We love all of our guests, and they are all VIPs. To ensure success, we kindly request that you notify us of any special dietary needs in advance of the holiday party.
Ready To Party
If you keep these three points in mind, you or your catering team will be well-prepared to host your guests and provide an amazing culinary experience at your holiday party.
Happy holidays!!!
Many thanks to Chef Charles Webb for these great tips on hosting a holiday party! Check out more from the Chef on Instagram.
Want more local, national, or international press on Chef Charles Webb? He is a Google search away and was just in Globo a few weeks back in Brazil.
CW Founder & Chef Charles Webb
It’s not just food; it’s an experience… m: 312-8602188
w: chefcharleswebb.com e: Charles@ChefCharlesWebb.com
More Thanksgiving
Tips and ideas to help you prepare and enjoy this special holiday with your friends and family.
