The festive season is all about celebration, and there’s no better way to bring people together than with a delicious Christmas party buffet. To make sure your buffet is festive, stress-free, and a hit with guests, here are some top tips and tasty ideas to inspire your menu.

1. Mix Up the Flavours: Sweet, Savory, and Seasonal

A great Christmas buffet has a little something for everyone. Make your buffet a holiday feast by balancing sweet and savoury options. Here are a few ways party food ideas to mix up the flavours:

• Savory Classics with a Twist: Mini quiches, bite-sized sausage rolls, and mini meat pies are all crowd-pleasers. Try elevating them with seasonal ingredients like cranberry sauce, chestnuts, or caramelised onion jam.
• Sweet Treats: Miniature mince pies, holiday cookies, and fudge are great for adding a sweet touch. Create a dessert board with chocolate truffles, peppermint bark, and mini cheesecakes to offer guests a variety of indulgent options.
• Seasonal Fruits and Nuts: Winter fruits like pomegranates and clementines not only look beautiful but add a fresh touch. Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture and a nod to the season. You can get festive with a traditional nut cracker too!

2. Make It Easy to Serve and Eat

The best buffet items are easy to serve and can be eaten without too much fuss. Keep things bite-sized and avoid foods that require too much cutting or handling. Here’s how:

• Bite-Sized Portions: Serve items like stuffed mushrooms, mini skewers, or sliders that guests can enjoy in a single bite or two. Finger foods make it easy for people to mingle while they eat.
• Small Plates and Utensils: Provide small, sturdy plates and utensils. We like to use compostable plates and cutlery so that we are doing our eco-friendly bit for the planet. Check out these mini compostable bamboo plates by Eco Leaf Products here.
• Labelling for Dietary Restrictions: Label dishes to indicate if they’re vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free or dairy-free. It’s a small detail that makes the buffet accessible to everyone.

3. Build a Festive Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are more than a trend—they’re a versatile, visually appealing way to offer a range of foods that guests can mix and match. This Christmas buffet idea is a firm favourite at Sharesy. Here’s how to create a Christmas-inspired charcuterie board:

• Include Cured Meats and Cheese: Select a variety of meats like prosciutto, salami, and smoked ham, and pair them with a selection of hard and soft cheeses like brie, cheddar, and gouda. If you know you have vegetarian guests coming, we suggest separating the meat from the cheese.
• Add Holiday Flavors: Fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, spiced nuts, and dried cranberries add a festive touch. Arrange them alongside the meats and cheeses to create pops of colour and texture.
• Garnish for a Festive Look: Use rosemary sprigs and sage leaves to give the board a holiday feel. A scattering of cranberries or edible gold dust can also add an extra holiday sparkle.

‍

4. Serve a Variety of Hot and Cold Foods

Offering both hot and cold options keeps the buffet interesting. Here are a few tips to make sure you strike the right balance:

• Hot Foods: If you have a way to keep food warm, serve holiday staples like roasted potatoes, mini meatballs in cranberry glaze, or even a baked camembert with crusty bread.
• Cold Foods: Cold options like smoked salmon blinis, finger sandwiches, and bruschetta are easy to serve and always popular. A cold pasta or grain salad with festive ingredients like roasted squash or cranberries is also a great option.
• Thermal Food Trays: Invest in a few thermal trays to keep hot foods warm, especially if you expect the buffet to last for a while. Cold items can be pre-chilled and placed on a platter with garnish.

5. DIY Food Stations are Trending

Make your buffet interactive by setting up DIY food stations where guests can build their own plates. Here are some ideas that add a fun, festive twist:

• Holiday Slider Station: Offer mini brioche buns with choices like roast turkey, pulled pork, or plant-based patties. Include festive toppings like cranberry sauce, caramelised onions, and herb aioli.
• Hot Chocolate Bar: A hot chocolate station with whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and chocolate shavings is always a hit. Provide regular and dairy-free milk for a crowd-pleasing setup.
• Gingerbread Man Decorating Station: This is a fun and interactive station for little kids and grown ups alike. Set out gingerbread men and an assortment of decorations like: icing tubes, sweets and chocolates and let your guests get creative.

6. Plan for Drinks: Festive Sips and Self-Serve Options

Make drinks easy to access and fun for everyone with self-serve options and festive non-alcoholic choices:

• Signature Holiday Cocktail: Offer a signature holiday cocktail like a cranberry Moscow mule, mulled wine, or spiced cider. Make it batch-friendly so guests can serve themselves.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Include festive mocktails, sparkling water with cranberry garnish, and hot beverages like hot chocolate or herbal tea. A variety of drink choices ensures that everyone has something they’ll enjoy.
• Self-Serve Bar: If you’re offering alcohol, set up a self-serve bar where guests can help themselves to wine, beer, and mixers. Include holiday-themed mixers like ginger beer, spiced cranberry juice, or orange slices.

7. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

Little details make a big difference in creating an easy to serve but show-stopping festive buffet. Here are some finishing touches to add that holiday magic:

• Festive Table Decor: Use holiday-themed linens, candles, and twinkling lights to set a warm, inviting atmosphere. A small centrepiece with evergreen branches or poinsettias adds a festive touch.
• Holiday Napkins and Utensils: Offer Christmas-themed napkins, plates, and cutlery for an extra holiday vibe.
• Serving in Style: Use wooden boards, ceramic platters, and holiday trays to serve dishes in a visually appealing way. Arranging food thoughtfully not only looks great but also makes it easy for guests to help themselves.

A Christmas buffet should be stress-free, festive, and delicious. These Christmas party buffet ideas are sure to help you have a fantastic festive feast.

If you are looking for Christmas Work part inspiration, check out our blog 'Our Top Work Christmas Party Ideas in London 2024' here.