How to Cater for a Corporate Christmas Party in London (2025 Edition)
How to Cater for a Corporate Christmas Party in London (2025 Edition)
Planning your company’s Christmas party can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. Food is at the heart of any festive celebration, and getting the catering right will set the tone for the entire event. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to cater for a corporate Christmas party in London in 2025, from choosing the right format and menus to managing dietary needs, budgets, and timelines.
(Editor’s Note: This post is part of our 2025 Office Christmas Catering series. If you’re looking for inspiration beyond planning, explore our related reads: 6 Unique Food Ideas for Your Office Christmas Celebrations and Why Meal Delivery Services Are the New Black for Corporate Christmas Dinners.)
TL;DR
If you’re catering a corporate Christmas party in London in 2025:
- Plan early (book by October).
- Decide format (buffet, plated dinner, canapés, pop-ups).
- Include dietary-inclusive menus.
- Budget £25–£80 per guest.
- Work with experienced caterers for stress-free delivery.
Explore Feedr’s Christmas Catering 2025 options.
Key Definitions
Corporate Christmas Catering:
Professional catering services designed for office holiday parties, often including tailored menus, dietary-inclusive options, and flexible formats like buffets, plated meals, or food stations.
Catering Format:
The way food is presented and served: formal plated meals, casual buffets, interactive food stations, or street-food-style pop-ups.
Dietary-Inclusive Menu:
A catering menu that accounts for allergies, intolerances, and lifestyle choices, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, or nut-free options.
Event Catering Timeline:
The suggested schedule for planning: budget and guest list (Sept), venue booking (Oct), menu finalization (Nov), and execution (Dec).
Step 1: Decide on the Party Format
The first decision is: What kind of event do you want to host? This will determine the catering style.
- Formal Dinner: A plated three-course meal or carving station with traditional festive dishes.
- Buffet: Ideal for larger offices, offering variety and flexibility.
- Finger Food & Canapés: Perfect for standing parties where networking is key.
- Food Pop-Ups: Street-food inspired stalls that bring theatre and interaction.
Related Read: The Ultimate Guide to Office Christmas Party Catering.
Step 2: Choose a Menu that Fits Everyone
A successful Christmas menu balances festive tradition with inclusivity. Make sure you offer:
- Classics with a Twist: Roast turkey, glazed ham, nut roast alternatives.
- Dietary-Inclusive Options: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal.
- Seasonal Specials: Mince pies, mulled wine, festive desserts.
- Lighter Choices: Salads, grazing boards, fruit platters to balance indulgence.
Tip: Always ask for dietary requirements early; it avoids last-minute stress.
Step 3: Plan Your Timeline
In London, December catering books up fast. Here’s a suggested timeline for 2025:
- By September: Set budget & guest list.
- By October: Confirm venue and catering style.
- By early November: Finalize menu, drinks, and entertainment.
- December: Enjoy the party (with contingency plans in place).
Step 4: Budget for Success
On average, corporate Christmas catering in London ranges between £25–£80 per person, depending on service style. Key factors:
- Guest numbers.
- Venue costs (in-office vs external).
- Add-ons (drinks, entertainment, décor).
Pro Tip: Always leave a buffer for last-minute additions, like extra guests or extended bar.
Step 5: Work with the Right Caterer
Choosing the right partner makes all the difference. Look for:
- Experience with corporate events.
- Strong vendor network for variety and reliability.
- Flexibility to change menus and service styles.
- Sustainability credentials, which are important for environmentally aware companies.
(Feedr connects London businesses with vetted local caterers, ensuring your office Christmas party is stress-free and memorable. Learn more about our Christmas Catering 2025 services.)
Editor’s Note
This article is part of our Christmas Catering 2025 series. Our goal is to help London businesses plan celebrations that are festive, stress-free, and inclusive. For more ideas, explore:
The Ultimate Guide to Office Christmas Party Catering.
Why Meal Delivery Services Are the New Black for Corporate Christmas Dinners.
Final Thoughts
Catering for a corporate Christmas party in London doesn’t have to be complicated. By planning early, choosing an inclusive menu, setting a clear budget, and partnering with the right caterer, you’ll create a celebration that brings your team together and sets the stage for a positive new year.
Ready to plan your Christmas party? Explore Feedr’s Christmas Catering 2025 options here.
