Holiday Party Recap: A Twist On Menu Trends

As an event planner in NYC, I know that a party always starts with a call: a client with a vision. This client was a woman calling to plan a holiday cocktail party for her hedge fund. In the first call we reviewed her vision.

She rattled off a well thought-out list of directives:

• A midtown New York venue
• A clean, loft-like event space that was appropriate for 80 guests
• A catering menu to dazzle – finger foods only – and a specialty cocktail
• A dramatic visual presentation to illuminate the firm’s successful year

And with that, she left the Deb’s Catering team to plan a holiday event to dazzle.

The call to action was immediately dispatched to the design and creative teams who sat down to brainstorm. Michael Ross, the lead designer on this event, chose to clothe the tables with a black and white striped cloth with a red overlay – the look, “festive sophistication with an NYC holiday party edge”.

The flowers emphasized the color palate and added a punch of visual power. The executive chef focused on the innovative, tasty, and unusual menu so this very sophisticated crowd would dabble in the unexpected. And no party is complete without a cocktail! Taking a spin on a classic drink, servers met the guests with a Candy Cane Cocktail in a martini glass garnished with a candy cane.

The result – a very happy client with a party that people raved about. We call this “small party catering with a flair of holiday magic”.

Menu:

Mashed Potato Martini Bar

Mashed Yukon gold potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes

Mashed red bliss with skins

Topped with a choice of:

Mushroom gravy, Sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Cheddar cheese, and Bacon bits

Beef chili, BBQ pulled pork, Vegetable ratatouille, Creamed Spinach, Chopped chives, Fried Shallots & Pesto

Asian Infusion Station

Spicy Peanut Noodles in Chinese Take Out Containers

Vegetarian Sushi

Sesame Crusted Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Hoisin Duck Summer Rolls

Individual Bamboo Cups with Wasabi Pea

Passed Hors D'Oeuvres

Bloody Mary Shrimp Skewer

Pesto Turkey Burger Sliders with Mozzarella and Roasted Tomato Aioli

Bite Size Rueben

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Shots

Chopped Greek Salad in Pastry Cup

Fish Tacos with Creamy Slaw, Chopped Salsa and Avocado Cream with Cilantro Micro Greens

Sweet Treats

Chocolate Mouse Tarts with Raspberries

Gourmet Marshmallow Pieces

Sugar Flower Cake Shop Cupcakes

Strawberry Short Cake Shots