- Office Party Food Can Be Simple or Elaborate - Marshall Astor
Choosing the food for an office holiday party can be tough in the face of spiraling costs and a dismal economy. But good food that people remember long after the holidays are over is possible even on a tight budget.
Inexpensive Catered Party Menus
Instead of splurging on high-end catered restaurant fare, many companies on a budget are opting for cheaper holiday party catering. Local delis, small restaurants and supermarkets are a good source of low-cost catering. Menus from these places usually include things like wraps, deli sandwiches, salads, desserts and veggie or fruit trays, but they can often be customized to suit a particular holiday theme or dietary preferences.
Theme Parties for Cheaper Catering
Building the party around a theme and planning food accordingly can help cut expenses for office party food. Most ethnic foods are cheaper to cater than traditional holiday dishes, so an Indian food menu, Mexican buffet or Chinese New Year themed dinner could cut costs while providing a unique twist on the food choices for a corporate holiday party. For those burnt out on turkey, ham and traditional sides, ethnically themed menu choices can also be a welcome respite.
Pot Luck Office Party Food
When everyone brings a dish to the party, it ensures an inexpensive feast while also making sure that there is at least one item that each person can eat. The key to a successful potluck is advance planning. Many companies use sign-up sheets or put someone in chargeof asking what everyone is bringing to make sure there is a good variety of food.
Office Party Menus on the Cheap
When catering proves too expensive, some companies assign a few of their employees to handle the party food on a tight budget. Instead of limiting the menu to cold cuts and veggie platters, creative party planners choose less obvious cheap dishes.
Warehouse stores often sell soup in bulk, and extra ingredients such as meatballs or fresh vegetables can make these soups seem like more than just a discount dinner. Homemade crostinis with a variety of toppings on slices baguette bread are another inexpensive option that looks like it costs more than it does. Another idea is to serve flatbread with a choice of toppings, varying from sweet to savory, that partygoers can put together on their own. This is a good way to give the illusion of variety while still keeping things within budget.
Limit Food Choices and Keep the Menu Simple
Remember that less can be more if the presentation is good. When on a budget, it's often better to provide a few good-looking treats that everyone will be talking about well into next year than to go overboard trying to have a wide variety on the table.
For those planning on cooking their own food for the corporate holiday get-together, this article on Holiday Party Food Recipes has plenty of ideas. Other ideas for keeping Christmas party costs down can be found in the article Inexpensive Corporate Holiday Parties. Of course, all of these ideas can also be adapted for any company get-together, from corporate anniversaries to coworker's birthdays to a special celebration for the boss.
Bridget Coila - I'm a cell and molecular biologist, freelance writer and photographer currently living in Beijing, China. I'm fascinated by science, ...
