'Tis the Season for Holiday Events

Local venues and caterers share tips and tricks 

By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist 
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Events can be particularly stressful during the holiday season. For many employers, December through February is booked with staff parties and year-end celebrations. ezCater - a leading food technology platform for businesses in the U.S. - conducted a survey to better understand how today’s employees feel about those holiday parties. The findings align with insight from local venues and caterers on how to plan and execute the perfect holiday event.  
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Plan with purpose 
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Event planning is a balancing act of finding a space that meets your event needs, while ensuring that the event costs remain in budget. ezCater found that on average, companies spend $44 per guest on food and beverages. For larger companies, event expenses can quickly add up!  

Citlali Mendieta-Ramos, the owner and catering director of Antigua Catering and Events, highlighted the importance of creating and sticking to a budget.  

“While it’s important to celebrate your accomplishments, establishing and adhering to a budget ensures you can avoid unnecessary stress. Costs can add up quickly, and it’s tough to please everyone. A clear budget helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps the focus on the celebration,” she said.  

ezCater research uncovered that 52 percent of workers are influenced by the party location when deciding whether to RSVP. Luckily, there are benefits to both in-office and offsite events.  

“Once you’ve set your budget, decide whether to host your celebration offsite or at the office. An offsite venue can provide a refreshing change of scenery, breaking the routine. However, if the budget is tight, hosting at the office can free up funds for gifts, prizes, a higher-quality meal or even employee bonuses,” said Mendieta-Ramos.  

Jaime Peterson, the Director of Business Development at Saz’s Hospitality Group, echoed Mendieta-Ramos’s enthusiasm for both options.  

“If you are keeping your holiday party at the office, cater a nice holiday infused menu and spend a little extra to add some holiday decorations (trees, lights, special linens, etc.). It’ll make a casual in-house holiday luncheon feel that much more special!” said Peterson. “If you are going offsite for your holiday party, booking a venue that can offer a one-stop shop experience will save you time, money and stress!”  
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According to ezCater, 86 percent of upcoming holiday parties will happen during the “go-to” month of December. Regardless of location, early planning ensures not only the selection of your preferred venue, but effective communication and seamless event execution. 

 “Research, book and plan early; don't wait! Dates fill up and giving undivided attention to six events in a day is possible, but getting those details back to the event coordinator early is always appreciated and well reciprocated,” said Allie Gonzalez, event director at Venue3.  

Mendieta-Ramos shared Gonzalez’s sentiment.  

“Especially if you’re using a caterer, getting an accurate guest count as soon as possible is crucial. People often procrastinate with RSVPs, but caterers need this information to prepare effectively during the busy holiday season. Delays can lead to higher costs or logistical challenges, so stay on top of your RSVP process,” said Mendieta-Ramos. 
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Don’t forget about food 
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“Always serve food! No great party is complete without some layer of food. Regardless of if it is a sit-down dinner, a buffet or heavy appetizers, all great parties need some layer of food. Don't skimp on the food,” said Gonzalez. 

92 percent of employees say that the thought of attending a holiday party with exceptional food makes them more excited about the event. 85 percent of employees say that food plays a central role in facilitating social interaction at holiday parties. 

However, it is important that the food served at the event is food that can be enjoyed by all attendees.  
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“Whether you opt for a potluck or hire a caterer, be mindful of coworkers with dietary restrictions. These restrictions aren’t always preferences but genuine needs and accommodating them ensures everyone feels included,” said Mendieta-Ramos. 
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66 percent of the surveyed decision makers plan to incorporate buffet-style food, aligning with the preference for individual meal selections expressed by 64 percent of employees. 
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Lean into festivity 
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Hosting an event during the holiday season is an opportunity to elevate the experience and engage guests.  

“A way to make any party above the top is to have a theme. It's a free way to evoke more fun,” said Gonzalez. 

Festive food and beverages may also encourage guests to attend. 

“Get creative with holiday-infused beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic greeting sippers are a great way to kick off the lunch, dinner or party,” said Peterson.  

Peterson also shared her tip to “Create a dessert station filled with holiday cookies of all kinds and allow guests to build their own little take-home holiday box of cookies!” 

Mendieta-Ramos emphasized the importance of built-in activities.  

“Avoid hosting a party where people simply eat without engaging. Consider fun and interactive elements, such as games or activities with silly or creative prizes. These small touches can break the ice and help everyone feel more connected,” she said.   
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