Whenever December comes around, all companies face the same challenge: throwing the ideal Christmas party. Even though this celebration is meant to celebrate yearly successes and boost office morale, those who plan these yearly events know how difficult it can be to organize the perfect party, especially considering how high the expectations are when it comes to the holiday menu. So, to help you throw the best Christmas bash possible this year, here are some wonderful food and drink pairings your employees are bound to love:
Pasta platters and white wine
If you’re throwing a more formal and elegant event for your employees, your food and drink choices should reflect the occasion as well. Being inspired by the theme of winter, it might be a good idea to opt for a buffet table with a selection of small pasta platters with a creamy white sauce. To offset the texture, opt for a dish with additional bacon or chicken cubes, for that crunchy flavor. Pairing beautifully with all of these ingredients, white wine is the ideal option for a white pasta dish.
Meaty bites and red wine
On the other hand, if you want to treat your employees with a beautiful red wine, then the best option would be to choose salty meats. Most red wines, especially Pinot Noir, pair beautifully with earthy dishes, as they tend to tone down that strong and vigorous flavor of the meat. So if you’ve opted for a nice red, consider offering some classic Christmas appetizers, but with a fun twist, such as appetizer meat balls, pigs in a blanket with an added touch of camembert, small party wieners with a robust sauce, or even delicious lamb samosas.
Finger food and cocktails
Cocktails are the perfect option for any party, and they can easily be modified to suit every theme. When it comes to Christmas, feel free to get creative, and opt for something like a White Chocolate Peppermint Martini, a Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail, or even a Salted Caramel White Russian. However, no matter which kind of cocktail you opt for, it can be a bit tricky to find the perfect food combination. That is why it might be best to hire the help of some reliable catering companies that will construct a unique and creative holiday menu for your office party, completing the event with delicious Christmas finger foods.
Spicy snacks and beer
If you are throwing a more casual and relaxed office party, choosing a nice selection of beers might be the perfect option, as it truly is the drink everyone loves and enjoys. But even though it might seem difficult to find the perfect food pairing when it comes to beer, just keep in mind that anything salty, crispy and spicy is a great idea. For example, you can opt for a richly seasoned Christmas ham, in combination with crunchy potato bites flavored with hot paprika – a quick bite that will satisfy any palate.
Desserts and coffee
Coffee is a very versatile yet still quite powerful drink, as you can truly make it hundreds of different ways, from a classic short espresso to a brandy-infused, slightly alcoholic alternative. But no matter which type of caffeinated drink you opt for, coffee always pairs incredibly well with chocolate and cinnamon, which is why it’s such a good choice to offer at a Christmas party. Whether you decide on gingerbread and chocolate chip cookies, mini Christmas puddings, small chocolate mint cakes, or even mini cinnamon buns, you can never go wrong with a coffee and classic Christmas dessert pairing for your office holiday party.
Being inclusive
Although keeping your employees happy and satisfied is a good idea all year round, it’s especially important to be inclusive of everyone during the holidays. That is why it might be wise to send an office-wide e-mail before you start planning the party, and find out about any allergies, dietary restrictions or even dietary preferences your coworkers might have. That way, you can offer something for everyone, from vegan finger foods to nut-free desserts. Similarly, don’t forget to offer a selection of freshly-squeezed juices, as well as some virgin cocktails, in case any of your employees don’t drink or prefer alcohol.
No matter which food and drink combination you choose for your holiday party, there’s no denying these