The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of creating a memorable office party. You want to balance festive cheer with the demands of a busy work schedule, all the while embracing the group with whom you spend more waking hours than any other. If you’re looking to simplify your party planning while still delivering a standout event, using pre-made food can be a game-changer. Our friends over at Alchemy Dry Cut Lounge helped us host a party that reflected the salon’s sleek and inviting space, streamlined by using grocery store finds and the fine art of re-plating.
How to Plan a Standout Holiday Office Party
Choose Quality Pre-Made Options
While catering companies can fill up their holiday schedule quickly, grocery stores are always a quick and easy option that can accommodate you no matter the craze of the season.
For this party, we started by selecting high-quality platters and prepared foods from Giant Eagle Market District. They offer a range of reasonably priced festive options that can be a great base for your spread. Dishes we featured at the party included crowd pleasers like a deviled egg platter, caprese salad, and even sushi rolls.
Look for items like artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal dips, and elegantly presented hors d’oeuvres. Opt for foods that can be easily reheated or served at room temperature without compromising their flavor or presentation.
Looking for some more local flair? Here are some more of our favorite spots for pre-made goods:
Chantal’s Cheese Shop
Head here for sophisticated artisan cheese, charcuterie, specialty foods, and even vegan cheeses! Owners Anaïs and Chris always have great recommendations, and love sharing their knowledge with others.
Black Radish Kitchen
No time to pick up the food yourself? No worries here! Black Radish offers catering and delivery so you can focus on other priorities.
Mediterra
A cafe, bakery, and market all in one stop, Mediterra is a wonderful resource for holiday party prep. Their top-notch sweet treats, charcuterie boards, and catered options are not to be missed.
Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy
Looking for some local farm-to-table options? Goat Rodeo makes a variety of fresh and aged cheeses using traditional techniques at their 130-acre family farm in northern Allegheny County.
Re-plate with Flair
Re-plating is the key to transforming store-bought food into a presentation worthy of a holiday celebration. Easily elevate them with these tips:
Upgrade the Platter
Transfer pre-made items from their original packaging to attractive serving dishes. Choose platters, bowls, and trays that match the holiday theme and color scheme. Elegant wooden boards, marble slabs, or festive platters can make a big difference.
Garnish Creatively
A visit to the grocery store, the Strip, or Restaurant Depot for fresh herbs, edible flowers, and seasonal fruits can add a touch of sophistication to your pre-made dishes. For example, a cheese platter can be easily enhanced with sprigs of rosemary, clusters of grapes, or a sprinkle of nuts.
Create Visual Interest
Arrange items in varying heights and shapes to create visual appeal. Use cake stands, tiered trays, and risers to add dimension to your display. This not only looks more appetizing but also encourages guests to sample a variety of items.
Customize and Personalize the Holiday Office Party
Add a personal touch to your pre-made foods by customizing them to fit your workspace’s tastes and preferences. Our party with Alchemy was fun and open, just like the team that works there. We had a great time putting together these finishing touches.
Add DIY Elements
Provide a build-your-own station with pre-made components, such as a hot chocolate bar or cocktail making post.
Label with Style
Use elegant name cards or small chalkboard signs to label each dish. This not only helps guests know what they’re eating but also adds a sophisticated touch to your setup.
Seasonal Touches
Incorporate holiday-themed decorations and elements into your presentation, such as rustic greenery or festive tableware. We hung holiday streamers and bulbs around each stylist station, giving them a personal flair. Maybe next year the salon will embrace a “decorate your workspace” competition! Each contestant can receive an award at the office party!
Beverage Pairings
Don’t forget about the drinks! Pair your pre-made food with complementary beverages to elevate the overall experience. Heather, the owner of Alchemy, provided the wine, going for Gratsi boxed wine, a sustainable and natural option with panache. Boxed wine has never looked so good!
We also created a non-alcoholic punch for the party so attendees could add their spirit of choice. This gave the beverage options versatility while keeping it simple. Always going local, we went with Kingfly Spirits, a craft distillery located in the Strip District.
Final Touches
Napkins and Flatware
Treat your guests to the lovely feeling of cloth napkins and real flatware. Bring some in from home or go online for affordable options. These simple touches make a world of difference.
Music and Ambiance
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with holiday-themed music and appropriate lighting, using candles, string lights, or lanterns.
Story by Lindsay Anne Herring / Styling by Star Laliberte and Lindsay Anne Herring / Photography by Laura Petrilla / Shot on location at Alchemy Dry Cut Lounge
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