10 Food, Beverage and Venue Ideas for Intimate Holiday Parties

Just in time for the holiday season, lifestyle brand Goop and Social Studies collaborated on a limited-edition collection of tableware and decor. The exclusive offering includes eight custom-designed styles available for rent or purchase. Plus, an accompanying guide offers suggestions on music, cocktail recipes and more. Called Secret Garden, the place setting includes vintage-inspired flatware, shapely glasses, and dinner and salad plates with a floral print in lush green for a modern take on festive tableware. Silver tapers, napkins and a matte white mini vase complete the look. Items range in price from $14 to $58.

Situated on the 14th floor of the newly opened W Nashville, rooftop bar Proof takes inspiration from the historic rail yard in the city’s Gulch neighborhood with an industrial aesthetic featuring exposed duct vents, steel beams and polished concrete floors. A collection of original Jim Marshall prints are on display, including an iconic image of Jerry Garcia. Four sliding garage doors line the outdoor terraces, providing a 360-degree view of the city as well as access to outdoor seating and a hidden sunset catwalk.

Taylor DeCosta of Irvine, Calif.-based catering company Taylor Made Cuisine suggests serving a twist on the traditional veggie platter with a whipped feta dip with honey, pomegranate arils, pistachios and chives, served with fresh veggies and pita.

The InterContinental New York Barclay, located in midtown Manhattan, recently launched its B-Suite collection—five residential-style retreats, including the four-bedroom Lexington Suite and the Harold S. Vanderbilt Penthouse with an expansive, private terrace (pictured). Perfect for small corporate holiday gatherings, many of the suites offer connectivity options designed for Zooming in remote team members.

Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, Colo., features over 10,000 square feet of flexible event space that can accommodate both small and large groups. During the holiday season, a grand Christmas tree decorates the historic property’s lobby. Book a party package and receive early bird benefits including 10% off food pricing with a $2,500 food and beverage minimum, complimentary holiday decor and a Champagne toast.

Tuxton Home, a supplier of restaurant-grade kitchenware, recently debuted its new Party Pot ($175), which, as the name suggests, is perfect for parties. In addition to soups and stews, the extra-large 9.8-quart pot also serves as convenient cookware for making batches of holiday libations such as mulled Manhattans, Champagne cordials and persimmon punch.

Amber Mayfield, founder and lead event planner at New York-based To Be Hosted, a food-focused event agency that specializes in dinner parties and intimate event experiences, suggests skipping the traditional seasonal colors of red and green, and instead “I recommend adding colors like black, orange and metallics to the mix.” Pictured: A holiday party dinner table set with a black velvet table cloth, metallic chargers, a garland table runner with red berries and dried orange slices, and candle holders with differing textures.

Convene, the provider of virtual and hybrid events with a network of venues and office locations, is offering three holiday packages, starting at $109 per person for two hours with a 25-person minimum. The packages include a choice of passed hors d’oeuvres such as lump crab cake and BBQ duck and food stations including a steakhouse carving station and sushi, along with a premium open bar. Additional add-ons include a photo booth, live band or DJ, branded holiday gifts, custom floral arrangements and more.

Greydon House in ​​Nantucket, Mass., features 20 unique rooms and is available for a full buyout for $20,000 a night, with each room receiving a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon paired with caviar. Designed by Roman and Williams, the boutique hotel boasts artwork from the likes of Julian Schnabel and Terry Winters, and the on-site full-service restaurant and bar, Via Mare, specializes in the Venetian tradition of small-plate dining with a menu featuring items such as crispy Brussels sprouts, diver scallops and crab toast.

Anheuser-Busch recently rolled out NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer. Made with real fruit juice, the 100-calorie, ready-to-drink beverage includes no added sugar and is available in three flavors: raspberry, watermelon and pineapple. It’s currently sold in select cities in 11 states.