Are you ready to celebrate this holiday season in the Big Apple?

You want your company’s gathering to serve much more than apples, of course, but where do you begin with the menu planning?

Have some fun getting ready, and the planning will be almost as enjoyable as the party itself. With these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to a festive and unforgettable party.

Things to Consider

Well in advance of your party date, you’ll need to decide what type and style of food you’ll serve. Will you host a sit-down gathering or a less formal event where guests can mix and mingle more readily? If you’ll have a sit-down event, plan to serve heavier dishes.  Or perhaps guests will serve themselves a variety of dishes at a buffet, then sit down at tables to enjoy their meal. No matter which route you go, consider serving food that’s wintry and filling.

Delectable Menu Choices

Once you’ve decided on the type and style of food to serve, it’s time to narrow down the menu choices. This is when it really gets fun. Consider having your party venue do a taste test with you to sample menu items for yourself before finalizing the menu. If you’re leaning toward serving entrees, consider pan-seared chicken breast, artisanal ricotta ravioli, pan-roasted wild sea bass, or petite medallions of filet mignon. Or paninis such as pulled pork or vegetarian are a perfect on-the-go choice for mingling party guests.

Mini Meals

Appetizers that are satisfying enough for busy party guests yet easy enough to combine with socializing include hummus dip, smoked eggplant, spiced beet salad, avocado steak fries, hot artichoke hearts, crispy baby shrimp dumplings, lime marinated chicken tacos, white truffle pizza, grilled baby shrimp, mini cheeseburgers, roasted French brie crouton,  and wild mushroom pita tart. Party guests also love healthy salads, so add some to your menu, like baby rocket arugula, Italian fruta mista, chopped Mediterranean, or smoked wild salmon salad. Cheese platters featuring a variety of silky, creamy, and savory choices are other big hits at holiday parties. Is your mouth watering yet? We haven’t even gotten to dessert yet.

Sweet Treats

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without sweet and tasty treats. Dessert possibilities are vast and include Belgian chocolate-covered strawberries, carrot cake, New York cheesecake, warm chocolate molten cake, and chocolate pizza. Consider serving a variety of chocolates as a way to cap off a scrumptious meal.

Festive Refreshment

To perfectly enhance the delicious food you’ll serve, remember the beverages when making party plans. Because you will have party guests with a variety of preferences, serve a mix of beer, white wine from Italy and Spain, sparkling wine from France and Italy, and mixed drinks. Fun and festive cocktail choices include a classic chocolate martini, Moscow mule, or caipirinha.

Of course, before you ever plan the food, you’ll need to set up your party location. At Ayza, our one-of-a-kind venue goes hand-in-hand with our world-class menu items and beverage variety.

If you’re looking for a truly unique location and atmosphere, we’d love for you to check out Ayza this season.