Creating a memorable corporate Christmas party with canapés & cocktails

As we enter into December, the annual office Christmas party approaches; an opportunity to celebrate the year and reward your team’s hard work with a memorable event. But how do you make a lasting impression, and what shows your employees your gratitude for their efforts this year? Class and sophistication. And what two elements show class and sophistication? Canapés & cocktails.

This blog will offer tips on using cocktails and canapés to elevate your corporate Christmas party, sharing our top food choices and mobile bar options.

Planning and Preparation

Before diving straight into booking a venue and sending out invites, to create the perfect corporate Christmas party, you need to plan, plan, plan. One of the most important considerations at this stage is budget. How much are you willing to spend on your party’s elements, including venue, food, drinks, entertainment and decorations? 

Establishing your budget from the beginning can streamline the preparation process, indicating exactly what each aspect of your evening is costing you. 

Get Booking

Now you have a clear idea of how much money you’ll be spending, it’s time to book a venue, caterer, and entertainment. 

Your venue is going to be the first indicator to your staff of the evening to expect ahead so selecting somewhere that ties in with your night’s theme is crucial. If you’re going for a classy vibe, be sure to find somewhere that provides the perfect atmosphere, considering lighting, decoration and music.

Classy doesn’t necessarily equal expensive; you can host the party in your very own office! For a cocktail and canapé-style evening, ensure your venue has plenty of space for your workforce to mingle and move about, encouraging social interaction to create a memorable night. 

Plan a Showstopping Menu

Once you have your venue booked, it’s time to plan your menu. For a classy and sophisticated party, canapés are the star. Canapés are bite-sized appetisers, usually constructed with four layers. These are:

1. Base: Typically, canapés start with a base such as a small piece of bread, cracker or pastry. From here, the canapé is built.

2. Spread: To add flavour and moisture, a spread is usually added, such as butter, cheese, pâté, or hummus.

3. Topping: The main ingredient and flavour in a canapé is the topping, which can include anything from meat to vegetables or fruits. Popular canapé toppings include smoked salmon and cured meats.

4. Garnish: Finally, what sets canapés apart is their presentation, and a garnish is the perfect way to add that finishing touch. Popular canapé garnishes include herbs such as chives, caviar or a drizzle of sauce.

For your corporate Christmas party, it’s important to have a mixed supply of canapés, including various flavours, textures and dietary options. At Robert & Victor, we have a special Christmas Menu, serving up delicious, festive canapés including:

Mini Pigs in Blankets

Nothing says Christmas like pigs in blankets so why not give your guests a Christmas dinner taster with our mini pigs in blankets?

Brie & Cranberry Mini Brioche

Combining two classic Christmas flavours, our brie and cranberry mini brioches are sure to wow your guests!

Fig & Goat Cheese Parcel

Our fresh fig and goat cheese parcels, baked in a crispy filo pastry are the perfect nibble to satisfy your guests’ palates.

If you’re looking to take your office Christmas party to the next level, why not consider a grazing board for your staff to pick from at their leisure? Our grazing boards suit a minimum of 20 people and include a variety of cured meats and cheeses, bread, nuts and sweet treats including the classic mince pie and candy cane.

Browse our full festive R&V Christmas Menu.

Curate a Cocktail List

The perfect accompaniment for your canapés is of course a variety of dazzling cocktails. On brand with the sophisticated vibe of your evening, cocktails enhance the festive mood and are sure to impress your guests. Here are some tips for crafting the perfect cocktail experience:

1. Seasonal Ingredients: Cranberry, nutmeg and cinnamon don’t need to be used exclusively in your food; they are also perfect for creating seasonal cocktails, whether for flavour or decoration.

2. Signature Drinks: Wow your guests with some signature cocktails that fit the theme of your evening, such as a Gingerbread Martini or Cranberry Gin Fizz.

3. Mobile Drinks Bar: Bring the bar to you with our mobile bar hire, including service staff who will bring your event to life and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

4. Mocktails: It’s important when catering to a variety of guests that non-alcoholic options are also on offer so that everyone can be included. Mocktail versions of all your signature cocktails can be a great way for everyone to enjoy the festivities. 

Provide the Entertainment

A Christmas party isn’t a Christmas party without music and entertainment! This should be no different for a corporate Christmas party so allowing your guests to party together is a great way to boost social interaction and company morale. Consider arranging a DJ, live band or maybe even a comedian to create a memorable evening. Other elements that can elevate your night include a photo booth with fun props or even a karaoke booth to lift the Christmas spirit.

Stay Organised

One of the key factors in creating a successful and memorable corporate event is staying organised. Drafting a timeline for the evening, including contact details for caterers and entertainers can greatly reduce the chances of things going wrong and ensure your guests enjoy a seamless experience all night long. Sharing this timeline with any external parties such as bar staff or DJs helps to keep everyone on the same page and the event running smoothly. 

A corporate Christmas party is often the highlight of the year, especially for your employees who have worked hard all year and deserve to let their hair down. Centering your party around fancy cocktails and festive canapés can elevate your evening, encouraging guests to mingle and celebrate, leaving a lasting impression going into the new year.

This holiday season, go above and beyond and craft the perfect Christmas party through the help of Robert & Victor, your ideal festive catering events partner. To enquire, contact us today to learn more about how we can bring that Christmas cheer to your corporate party!