Choosing the Perfect Menu for a Corporate Holiday Party

“People will forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Let’s be honest no one remembers the PowerPoint slides. Or the awards. Or even the open bar.

What they remember is the food.

At corporate holiday parties, the real MVP is the menu. It sets the tone, sparks conversation, and brings people together around shared flavors and festive moments. Whether you’re hosting 40 employees or 400, the right catering transforms your event from another date on the calendar into a meaningful celebration.

If you’re planning a corporate holiday party in New Orleans, you’re in luck. The Four Columns serves up seasonal flavor with authentic Cajun-Italian flair, customizable classics, and all the holiday touches that say “thank you” without saying a word.

1. Start with the Goal: Formal or Festive?

Before choosing between gumbo and canapés, take a step back and think about the vibe.

Looking for something elegant? A plated dinner with dishes like Grilled Chicken with Tasso Sauce or Ribeye with Marchand du Vin sets a refined tone. Prefer something relaxed and social? A casual cocktail hour with shrimp canapés, mini crab cakes, and bite-sized catfish keeps it light and interactive.

For larger teams, a buffet or family-style service is often best. Picture stations filled with seafood gumbo, roast beef, stuffed mushrooms, and seasonal sides giving guests the freedom to enjoy their holiday favorites at their own pace.

At The Four Columns, we make all of these formats work—on-site or off-site—because we know one size never fits all.

2. Add a Local Twist with Signature Cajun Dishes

This is New Orleans. And no holiday celebration here is complete without a little hometown flavor.

Let us bring the heat (and the heart) with favorites like:

• Chicken & Sausage Gumbo a must-have
• Crawfish Étouffée or Crawfish Pasta rich, creamy, and unforgettable
• Shrimp-Stuffed Bell Peppers or our beloved Catfish Four Columns savory showstoppers rooted in local tradition

These aren’t just menu items they’re conversation starters. Guests taste the soul of the city with every bite.

3. Highlight Seasonal Catering Options

The holidays are a time to go festive and your menu should reflect the season.

Our seasonal catering specials make it easy to offer something special without the stress. Consider:

• Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote
• Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
• Holiday Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
• Our signature Four Columns Special Dessert

Round out the menu with holiday hors d’oeuvres like Crabmeat Casserole, Mini Muffulettas, and Stuffed Mushroom Caps. Trust us—these dishes feel like a celebration.

4. Plan for Dietary Preference

Your team is diverse, and your menu should reflect that. We offer plenty of options for guests with dietary needs—without sacrificing flavor or creativity.

• Vegetarian favorites like Eggplant La Rose and Vegetable Lasagna
• Low-carb options like Shrimp Mold and Assorted Cheese Trays
• Fresh salad stations with fruit, greens, and pasta

Planning ahead for dietary needs shows that your company cares and The Four Columns will work with you to create inclusive menus that everyone can enjoy.

5. Make the Dessert Table the Grand Finale

If you skip dessert, you’re skipping the most photographed part of the evening. Don’t let that happen.

End the party on a sweet note with:

• Pecan Pie Tarts
• Pumpkin Squares
• Chocolate Mousse
• Or go big with a Dessert Table featuring Strawberry Shortcake, Black Forest Cake, and Cherry or Strawberry Cheesecake

Our desserts aren’t just delicious they’re the grand finale your team deserves.

6. Presentation Still Matters

Food is only part of the equation presentation is the exclamation point. Even the best menu can fall flat without attention to detail.

Whether you’re dining in one of our elegant ballrooms or ordering catering off-site, The Four Columns delivers a polished experience with:

• Festive table arrangements
• Optional serving staff in uniform
• Full bar and drink packages available upon request

Everything is coordinated, clean, and customized for your company’s tone whether that’s upscale and formal or cozy and casual.

7. Make It Effortless with Full-Service Catering

Planning a holiday party while managing year-end goals? We get it. That’s why we make catering stress-free from start to finish.

Brittany Smith and her team at The Four Columns handle:

• Menu planning and dietary accommodations
• Setup, serving, and cleanup
• Staffing and rentals
• Pick-up or delivery (yes, we travel!)
• Flexible space layouts for every event size

All you need to do is give us your headcount, date, and locationv we’ll handle the rest.

Let’s Talk About Your Holiday Party

The holidays are a time to connect, reflect, and celebrate the people who make your company thrive. Don’t let bland food steal the spotlight.

At The Four Columns, we create holiday party menus that are rich in flavor, grounded in tradition, and served with style. From signature Cajun dishes to seasonal surprises, we bring the heart of New Orleans to every bite—on-site or wherever your team is gathering.

Ready to plan something delicious?
Let’s make this year’s celebration the best one yet.

Ready to plan your party?
Reach out to Brittany Smith at (504) 340-4109 or email brittany@fourcolumns.com to start planning today.

From our family’s table to yours, let’s make this holiday party unforgettable.