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.
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 [email protected].
