THE SCOUT 12.02.09 9:00 AM 6 Last-Minute Ideas for Holiday Parties in Washington
As we enter the thick of the corporate holiday party season, here are some ideas and resources to keep a group entertained, fed, and rewarded.
1. Menus, the corporate catering division of Occasions Caterers, is offering a la carte buffet-style options such as a spiral-cut honey-baked ham with rolls and mustard for $187.50 (serves 25), a beef tenderloin for $12.75 a person, as well as salads for $3.50 a person and hot side dishes such as mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese for $3.25 a head. Cakes, including black forest and red velvet, are $32 each.
2. Capital City Cheesecake has a new line of homemade mini cheesecakes in holiday flavors like pumpkin spice and chocolate peppermint, as well as plain cheesecakes topped with apples and cinnamon or gingersnap cookies. The cakes, which are about two inches wide, are packaged in quantities of six and range in price from $12 to $15 per box. The company suggests placing orders at least 72 hours in advance for local delivery.
Menus can drop off buffet-style dishes like beef tenderloin. Photo: Courtesy of Menus
Wolfgang Puck Catering can deliver sweets like these snowflake cookies. Photo: Courtesy of Wolfgang Puck Catering
Capital City Cheesecakes makes mini cheesecakes in holiday flavors such as apple and cinnamon. Photo: Courtesy of Capital City Cheesecakes
Scrooge can make appearances at holiday gatherings through Cast of Thousands Entertainment Company. Photo: Courtesy of Cast of Thousands Entertainment Company
Alembic Cocktail Catering can create a custom menu of seasonal drinks and serve them at an event. Photo: Fredde Lieberman
Individual Caprese salads from R&R Catering. Photo: Courtesy of R&R Catering
3. R&R Catering has special holiday buffet-style menu packages for parties of 15 or more. Options include a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings for $12.95 a person, a "Happy Holiday Buffet" (hot crab and artichoke dip, mini sandwiches, barbecue meatballs) for $12.95 a person, and the "Reindeers Applaud" (caprese salad, balsamic-glazed sirloin, roasted potatoes) for $15.95 a person. Desserts are also available and range from cookies for $1.50 each to an eggnog cheesecake for $41. Servingware, rentals, and delivery are additional.
4. For special seasonal cocktails, newly launched Alembic Cocktail Catering can cater events large and small. Mixologist Jon Arroyo works with planners to create custom cocktail menus and can also provide staffers to mix drinks on-site. Winter specials include the Caipirinha de Cranberry and hot buttered rum. Pricing starts at $100 for a consultation, where the Alembic team designs a custom drink menu. Hourly rates for events start at $75.
5. Cast of Thousands Entertainment Company can provide costumed holiday-themed characters including a singing Christmas tree or Victorian carolers. For kids excited about the recent remake of A Christmas Carol, the company has Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as the usual menagerie of elves, toy soldiers, and snow queens. Performers start at around $235 for one hour and must be booked for a two-hour minimum. There may be travel charges for events outside of the Beltway.
6. As part of its monthlong Treats Tuesday program, Wolfgang Puck Catering will deliver seasonal sweets on December 22. Items include gingerbread men, chocolate-peppermint brownies, chocolate chip cookie lollipops, pumpkin cheesecake squares, mini pecan pies, and other desserts. The one-day service is $25 a person with a 20 person minimum. The items come packaged so recipients may take them home for their own holiday entertaining or share within the office. Five days advance notice is required, and orders can be placed via email to events@wolfgangpuck.com.
George
Inspired by the history of Georgetown and its colonial roots, George offers a refined tavern ambiance. Its beautiful, well-appointed interior features historical photographs of Georgetown, unique mirrors, leather seating, chandeliers, and polished brass bars—it is the ideal setting for your next private party or cocktail reception. More >>
Hargrove III Events Inc.
Hargrove III Events, provides event design, management, and production of special events and meetings. Services include, decoration, set design, entertainment, technical production, special effects, staging, table design, rentals, catering, tenting, and logistics support. More >>
CSI—Capitol Services Inc.
CSI is the leading destination management and special event service provider in the Washington, D.C., area, offering the best of the area’s event management resources all under one roof. Known for developing cost-effective programs quickly and flawlessly, CSI has provided DMC services for countless organizations since 1987. More >>
