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. Milk Street Cafe is offering holiday appetizer platters with items like teriyaki meatballs, mushroom triangles, and chicken quesadillas for $33.55 a dozen with a minimum order of three dozen. Also on offer, large platters of fruit and cheese, pinwheel sandwiches in assorted flavors, and artichoke parmesan dip with pita chips and crostini for $92.35 each. If delivered before December 23, orders of $1,000 and up get a 10 percent discount and orders between $500 and $1000 get 5 percent off.
2. Murray Hill Talent can provide the Figgy Puddin' Carolers, four costumed performers who can greet guests as they arrive or provide live music during an event. The act is $600 for one hour and $800 for two hours.
3. For parties with nonholiday themes, Bakers' Best Catering is offering drop-off catering packages complete with decor items. Packages include the Polynesian Luau (suckling pig, grilled pineapple skewers, and coconut shrimp, with leis, drink umbrellas, and grass skirts for tables) and A Night in Morocco (lamb kebabs, couscous, and lentil salad, with lanterns, patterned linens, and Moroccan glassware). For planners going the traditional route, Bakers' Best can also coordinate holiday menus with appropriate decorations such as ornaments and lights. Food, which includes servingware, is priced at $15 to $20 per person and decorations are an extra $5 to $10 a head (some decor items must be returned). Delivery is additional, depending on location.
4. Sweet, a Back Bay bakery, is offering cupcakes in seasonal flavors including candy cane and chocolate-pomegranate. The treats are $36 a dozen, or can be packed in individual boxes for party favors for an extra fee. Specialty toppers like logo cut-outs or piped designs are additional. The bakery has also started offering full-size cakes that can serve up to 50 people. Four days advance notice is required for cakes, and custom designs are available.
5. Dorset Tea and Coffee can provide hot beverages like mulled cider, caramel cappuccino or hot chocolate, which includes whipped cream and a Cadbury candy bar as a stir stick. Drinks range from $2.50 to $4.50 each, and if baristas are required (some drinks are self-serve), staffing fees start at $35 an hour. The company also offers organic desserts, including seasonal treats such as apple crisp tartlets, cinnamon swirl pastries, and decorated sugar cookies. Pricing ranges from $4.75 to $2.75 for individual baked goods and there are discounts on orders of 3 dozen or more. Orders require at least 48 hours advance notice.
6. Jeri Solomon Floral Design is offering budget-minded holiday arrangements to top tables or dress up an event space. Solomon uses blooms in seasonal colors, as well as festive fillers such as pine cones, ornaments, berries, and glittery branches. Arrangements start at $50. Delivery is available throughout the Boston metro area.
