With countless holidays throughout the year, choosing the perfect time to cater a celebration in the office or for your clients or guests can be challenging. But worry not! We have compiled a list of the top 25 holidays that are perfect for catering. From healthy options to festive treats, this comprehensive guide will help you plan the ultimate holiday party for any occasion. Read on for the best types of food, specific dishes, and tips for overcoming common catering challenges.
🥗 Healthy Eating – January
Kick off the new year with a focus on healthy eating. Opt for catering options that feature fresh salads, lean proteins, and wholesome grains. Consider a build-your-own salad bar or create-your-own Buddha bowl station to provide your team with customizable and nutritious meal options.
🥠 Chinese New Year – January
Celebrate Chinese New Year with an array of delicious Chinese dishes. Popular catering options include dim sum, noodle dishes, and stir-fried vegetables. Make sure to include some lucky foods like dumplings, spring rolls, and whole fish for a prosperous year ahead.
🏈Super Bowl – February
The Super Bowl calls for classic game-day fare, such as buffalo wings, sliders, and nachos. Add a creative twist by offering a variety of wing sauces or toppings for a DIY nacho bar.
💘Valentine’s Day – February
Sweeten up your office with Valentine’s Day-themed treats. Offer a spread of chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped cookies, and red velvet cupcakes. For a healthier alternative, include a fruit platter with heart-shaped fruit skewers.
🎭Mardi Gras – February
Bring the taste of New Orleans to your office with a Mardi Gras-themed menu. Serve up jambalaya, gumbo, and po’ boy sandwiches. Don’t forget the traditional king cake for dessert!
🍀St. Patrick’s Day – March
Embrace the luck of the Irish with a St. Patrick’s Day feast. Offer dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and shepherd’s pie. Include a selection of green-themed desserts for a festive touch.
🥧 Pi Day – March
Celebrate Pi Day at the office with an assortment of sweet and savory pies. Offer classics like apple, cherry, and pecan, as well as quiches and pot pies for a more substantial meal.
🏀 March Madness – March
Get your team excited for the NCAA basketball tournament with a catering spread that features finger foods and bite-sized snacks. Offer a variety of sliders, mini hot dogs, and pretzel bites, along with a popcorn bar and assorted dips.
🐇 Easter/Passover – April
Honor the spring holiday season with a corporate catering menu that includes traditional Easter or Passover dishes. Serve items like glazed ham or roast lamb, deviled eggs, and matzo ball soup. Include fresh, seasonal sides like asparagus and roasted carrots.
🌍 Earth Day – April
Celebrate Earth Day with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly catering options. Offer plant-based dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and reusable or compostable serving ware. Include dishes like veggie wraps, grain bowls, and roasted vegetable platters.
🪐 May the 4th – May
Embrace your inner Star Wars fan with a May the 4th-themed catering spread. Offer galaxy-themed desserts, like galaxy donuts and star-shaped cookies, as well as themed dishes like “Wookiee” wraps and “Death Star” meatballs.
🌮 Cinco de Mayo – May
Bring the fiesta to your office with a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Offer an office taco bar with a variety of proteins, toppings, and salsas, as well as sides like elote and churros for dessert.
🌞 Summer Menus – June
Welcome summer with a seasonal menu that includes fresh and light options at your company. Offer dishes like grilled chicken, summer salads, and cold pasta dishes. Include refreshing drinks like fruit-infused water and iced tea to keep your team hydrated.
🏳️🌈 Pride Month – June
Celebrate Pride Month with a colorful and inclusive menu. Feature a rainbow-themed spread with items like fruit skewers, rainbow bagels, and colorful pasta salads. Don’t forget to include a variety of sweet treats like rainbow cookies and cupcakes.
🧀 National Cheese Day – June
Indulge your team with a cheese-themed spread for National Cheese Day. Offer a gourmet cheese platter, grilled cheese sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese. Add some charcuterie and crackers for an extra touch of sophistication.
⚽ World Cup – June
Celebrate the international soccer tournament with a World Cup-inspired menu. Offer dishes from participating countries to introduce your team to new flavors. Consider a potluck-style event where each team member contributes a dish from a different country.
🌭Independence Day – July
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a classic American menu. Offer barbecue favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and ribs, along with classic sides like coleslaw and potato salad. Include patriotic-themed desserts like flag-themed fruit platters or red, white, and blue cupcakes.
🍦 Ice Cream Month – July
Cool off during the hot summer months with an ice cream social. Offer a variety of ice cream flavors, as well as a selection of toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fruit. Include alternatives like sorbet or frozen yogurt for those with dietary restrictions.
🍗 Fried Chicken Day – July
Treat your team to a comfort food classic with a Fried Chicken Day celebration. Offer crispy fried chicken alongside sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and coleslaw. Include some biscuits or cornbread for a true Southern feast.
🔥 National Grilling Month – July
Embrace the summer season with a National Grilling Month-themed menu. Offer a variety of grilled dishes like burgers, hot dogs, and veggie skewers. Include summertime sides like pasta salad, corn on the cob, and watermelon slices.
🧇National Waffle Day – August
Celebrate National Waffle Day with a waffle-themed brunch. Offer a waffle bar with a variety of toppings like fruit, whipped cream, and syrup. Include savory options like chicken and waffles or waffle sandwiches for a more filling meal.
🍺Oktoberfest – September/October
Bring the spirit of Oktoberfest to your office with a German-inspired menu. Offer classics like bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut. Include a variety of mustards and German potato salad for a truly authentic experience.
🎃Halloween – October
Host a spooky Halloween-themed office party. Offer themed foods like mummy dogs, witches’ finger sandwiches, and spider web dip. Include festive desserts like pumpkin-shaped cookies, candy corn, and caramel apples.
🍗Thanksgiving – November
Show your gratitude with a Thanksgiving office feast. Serve traditional dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Include a variety of sides like sweet potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie for dessert.
🎄Holiday Parties & New Year’s Celebrations – December
End the year on a high note with a festive holiday party. Offer a spread that caters to various winter holidays, like roast beef or ham, latkes, and yule log cakes. For a New Year’s celebration, include finger foods, champagne, and a dessert bar with an assortment of sweet treats.
Corporate catering is a great way to celebrate holidays, boost team morale, and enjoy delicious food. By choosing the right holiday and carefully planning the menu, you can create a memorable and enjoyable event for your team. Keep in mind dietary restrictions and preferences, as well as any logistical challenges, to ensure your office catering event is a success. Happy celebrating!
