Why not paella?
By mid-December, many people have had a few turkey dinners. A live paella and tapas spread feels festive in a different way: warming, generous and shared.
Cooking in winter
Live paella needs a ventilated, covered space, so winter events usually mean a covered terrace, courtyard, marquee with open sides, or a venue with a suitable area. Check with your venue early.
A Spanish-style menu
- Canapé tapas with mulled wine or cava
- Paella: a chicken, a seafood and a vegan pan
- Churros with hot chocolate for afters
Drinks
Cava, Spanish red wine, sangria or a warming mulled wine all suit a Spanish-themed Christmas party. Always include alcohol-free options.
Keeping guests warm
If the event is partly outdoors, patio heaters, blankets and hot drinks keep guests comfortable while they watch the paella cook.
Dietary needs
Office parties bring together lots of different diets. Collect them with the invitation and give your caterer the totals.
Timing
Christmas parties often start after work, so food may be served after dark. Make sure the cooking and serving areas are well lit.
Why live cooking works in winter
A steaming pan on a cold evening draws people in. Live cooking gives guests something to gather round, warm their hands near and talk about. If the venue has a covered courtyard, terrace or open barn, the cooking can be the centrepiece of the party, with guests drifting between the warmth inside and the action outside.
Planning timeline
Christmas party dates are some of the busiest of the year for caterers and venues. Book the venue first, check it allows live cooking and has a covered, ventilated spot, then contact caterers as early as possible, ideally in late summer or early autumn. Collect dietary needs with the invitation, confirm numbers a few weeks before, and share the running order with everyone involved.
Book early
Christmas party dates fill up. Corporate catering · Get a quote.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote.