7 Christmas Party Catering Ideas to Elevate Your Festive Fête

The Yuletide season is supposed to be about spending quality time with loved ones. Unfortunately, the stress of feeding a crowd can quickly spoil your holiday cheer.

Luckily, we at Duvall Catering & Events know a thing or two about preparing a stunning Christmas feast. With nearly 50 years of experience in holiday event catering in Charleston, we can make your jolly jubilee more memorable (and delicious) with our wide assortment of chef-prepared foods.

Interested in learning more about how you can take your Christmas party from meh to merry? Here are seven holiday catering ideas perfect for your Charleston celebration, whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large corporate event:

Traditional Turkey Dinner

Nothing says “happy holidays” quite like a traditional turkey dinner. Hearty and comforting, this entrée works for intimate family gatherings as well as large office parties because it can be served plated or buffet-style. It also pleases a wide range of palates.

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas party catering idea, look no further than our sweet tea-brined smoked turkey breast. Tender, juicy, and oh-so flavorful, this protein is best paired with classic sides and a big slice of pie for dessert.

Baked Brie

Referred to as the “Queen of Cheeses,” brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavor. When baked, brie is great for spreading on crackers or crostini and topping with honey, fruit preserves, or toasted nuts.

For those searching for a truly indulgent Christmas party catering idea, the chefs at Duvall have prepared Baked Brie en Croute Bites. This appetizer nestles warm brie and cranberry and caramelized onion compote inside puff pastry for a delightful bite that’ll have guests asking for seconds.

Potatoes

No Christmastime spread is complete without a hearty potato dish. Whether roasted, mashed, baked, or fried, this starchy root vegetable pairs perfectly with a variety of proteins, from brown sugar-baked ham to prime rib. Potatoes can be served with a vegetarian roast, too.

To impress your holiday guests, the holiday party catering pros at Duvall have whipped up Sharp Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and crispy, they’re sure to be a standout on your dinner table.

Braised Short Ribs

Slowly simmered until tender and infused with a rich, savory sauce, braised short ribs are a showstopper at Christmastime. Ideal for a sit-down meal, they pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or roasted vegetables.

This holiday season, Duvall’s chefs are putting a creative twist on a classic with Braised Short Ribs and Caramelized Onions Ragu Rigatoni. One of our best holiday party catering ideas yet, this pasta dish combines the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of short ribs with the sweet depth of caramelized onions.

Dips and Spreads

For cocktail parties with heavy hors d’oeuvres, dips and spreads are a must-have because they are easy to serve and even easier to enjoy while mingling. Pair them with crackers, veggies, or crostini. Oh, and a martini (or two).

This year, our Christmas party catering menu features Cranberry Jalapeño Cheddar Dip. This vibrant spread combines sweet and spicy flavors for a memorable dish that’ll have guests reaching for more.

Bruschetta

A traditional antipasto, bruschetta consists of grilled bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze. Light and refreshing, this appetizer is great for cocktail parties and casual corporate gatherings.

Inspired by the seasonal selection of farm-fresh produce in Charleston, our chefs have prepared a Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta. Topped with a creamy herb goat cheese spread and fresh sage, this version adds a warm, savory twist to an Italian favorite.

Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookies are the sweetest way to finish a holiday celebration. From buttery shortbreads to spicy gingersnaps, these crowd-pleasing treats are best served with cozy drinks like coffee, hot cocoa, and cider. Party-goers can even take a few home for jolly ol’ Saint Nick.

At Duvall, we have a big sweet tooth. That’s why our holiday party catering menu includes an assortment of decorated Christmas cookies and cakes. Our pastry chef has also prepared cardamon pavlovas with spiced fruit, cranberry white chocolate bread pudding, and other festive desserts that’ll delight your guests.

Holiday Party Catering Ideas for Every Celebration

These Christmas party catering ideas are just the beginning! At Duvall Catering & Events, we offer a wide range of menu options tailored to fit any holiday gathering, whether it’s an intimate dinner or a grand affair.

Ready to make your celebration unforgettable? Contact us today to learn more about our holiday party catering ideas. You can also download our Holiday 2024 menu.