5 Mouthwatering Holiday Party Menu Ideas
From appetizers to desserts, your guests are sure to love these menu items
With the holidays on the horizon, proactive hosts are in the midst of party planning. Whether for your company holiday party or your neighborhood New Year’s celebration, the right menu is a must to bring out the best in your event.
For small gatherings and large groups alike, these holiday party menu ideas are an easy way to fill your table while keeping friends, loved ones, colleagues, and neighbors coming back for seconds! From appetizers to desserts, here are some classic favorites your guests are sure to love.
Top 5 holiday party menu ideas
1. Meat & Cheese Tray (Charcuterie Board)
Your holiday appetizers can make a powerful first impression. That’s why charcuterie boards are a common pick among savvy hosts. By choosing a diverse blend of meats, cheeses, spreads, and crackers, you can make sure there’s a little something for everyone.
Charcuterie boards also add a unique design flare to the table. With a rich array of colors to complement your holiday party’s aesthetic, there’s no better way to prep your guests’ palates.
2. Honey-Glazed Ham
There’s something about the sweet and savory flavors of honey-glazed ham that fit in perfectly with any holiday party. As a popular choice on our custom buffet entrée menu at the Pioneer Grill, this is one of the best holiday menu picks for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s alike. If you choose to prepare this delectable dish, be sure to give yourself plenty of time for the mouth-watering flavors to set in, as honey-glazed ham is best cooked low and slow.
3. Cranberry Wild Rice Blend
When it comes to your holiday party menu, you can’t go wrong with cranberry. As a memorable menu addition and a guest-favorite side, our cranberry wild rice blend strikes the perfect balance between fruity notes and a symphony of savory flavors.
Whether we’re providing holiday event catering near Alexandria, MN or serving parties of up to 100 guests in our on-site locations, this seasonal dish is an often requested choice.
4. Glazed Whole Baby Carrots
With a sweet glaze, baby carrots are a colorful and well-rounded addition to any holiday plate. Quick to prepare but sure to satisfy, this delectable dish is a win-win for hosts and guests alike, complementing a mosaic of main courses from sirloin to pork loin.
5. Pecan Pie
Whether you pronounce it pea-can or puh-kahn, everyone can agree on the delicious nutty notes and signature spices of pecan pie. As one of the best desserts for the holidays, this is a popular choice all the way from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. From the crispy and buttery crust to the brown sugar-coated pecan bits, you can be sure there won’t be a single slice left of this homemade staple by the end of the evening.
Let Us Take the Menu Preparation Off Your Plate
As you plan the ins and outs of your holiday party, hiring a local caterer in Alexandria, MN is an easy way to alleviate stress. That’s where our seasoned team at the Pioneer Grill can help. Whether on-site in one of our beautiful rooms or off-site within a 15 mile radius of Alexandria, we’re here to make your holiday party easy and memorable. Reach out today for a complimentary quote.
We look forward to serving you. Happy Holidays!
Last updated November 13th, 2024
Meet the Author
Rob Rodas brings over three decades of culinary expertise to Vivie and the Pioneer Grill as the Director of Culinary Services. With a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant Administration from Southwest Minnesota State University and ongoing pursuit of a Food Business master’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Rodas merges academic excellence with practical skill. Over the last decade, Rodas has been a driving force in redefining senior dining in healthcare at Vivie. Residing in Alexandria, MN for 23 years, Rodas cherishes family travel, golf, and moments with his wife Joy, children Anthony and Alana, and granddaughter Elena. Passionate about delivering an exceptional culinary experience, Rodas is dedicated to transforming dining for residents, staff, and the community.