Hosting Perfect Holiday Parties

When you cater to customers, whether in-house or out, are you making money? Details make the difference—from logistics to menus to marketing. Let’s review some best practices and practical ideas for holiday gatherings, special events and more.

That long table of tempting options remains popular with guests, especially when there’s a customizing aspect. The dessert bar could include Katy’s Kitchen® chocolate sauce, nuts, sprinkles and other toppings, for everything from cheesecake to pies to cookies. Logistically speaking, Brickfire Bakery® frozen cakes, brownies and cookies can go right to the display table and get cut into smaller pieces after you’ve done other setup tasks. Served on ProPak® high performance platters and plates, your holiday dessert table will look second to none.

For knockout appetizers, complement appealing products from Intros® with signature sauces – ethnic, spicy or with a flavor twist. Pair battered green beans with stirred-together Ranch and Italian dressings from Katy’s Kitchen® for comfort food plus unique taste. Sauces made with beer are definitely on-trend. Try premade pork potstickers from Intros ® teamed with a simmered-together mix of light beer, garlic, pimento, scallions, brown sugar and butter. To serve sauces, squeeze bottles are fun – or use ProPak® bowls and small ladles.

Finger foods have real appeal – especially when you pay attention to presentation. For example, add your favorite Katy’s Kitchen® seasoning blend and a touch of hot sauce to create spicy Intros® Cauliflower Bites, served in paper cones. Or let partygoers grab a cup filled with Intros® Battered Corn Nuggets and then pick and choose from an array of sauces to fill a second cup for dipping.

Operators need to be ready for continued demand for takeaway options for holiday celebrations. And, while that may certainly start with the food itself, how it’s packaged to-go is nearly, if not, as important. When looking for takeout packaging, look for options that upholds food safety and maintains food quality. We recommend ProPak® containers. ProPak takeaway containers are available in a variety of materials, including foam, aluminum and plastic with hinged polystyrene, and guarantee temperature and texture are well maintained.

Line trash bins with double layers of ProPak® can liners. Simply remove the first bag and a second is instantly ready for business. Use ProWare™ brooms and mops to easily clean up spills during service to keep the restaurant looking sharp for customers. Another savvy trick: Place ProPak® serving utensils in decorative containers; offer dips in pretty ProPak® disposable bowls or cups. Fewer dishes to transport and wash!