Who doesn’t like a buffet? Well, we all do. This is why you should consider hosting a Christmas buffet party.
A buffet-style catering setup is a fantastic way to offer your guests variety and allow them to sample festive dishes.
Whether you want a traditional Christmas feast or a more creative spread, here are the best Christmas party catering ideas.
Best Christmas Party Catering ideas for Buffet Tables
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Roast Turkey and Gravy Station
Start with a classic Christmas dish, roast turkey, and gravy station. This is always a hit at holiday gatherings.
Consider setting up a carving station where guests can help themselves to slices of tender turkey, complemented with rich, homemade gravy. You can also offer cranberry sauce and stuffing on the side to complete the experience.
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Christmas Ham with Glazed Sauce
Another holiday favorite idea to consider is a beautifully glazed ham. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a honey glaze, brown sugar, or a Dijon mustard glaze, the sweet and savory flavors of a glazed ham will be sure to delight guests.
Arrange it on a buffet with slices ready to be served, and offer condiments like mustard and pickles for extra flavor.
To enhance the presentation, surround the ham with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or pineapple rings for a festive touch.
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Stuffed Mushrooms
For a bite-sized treat, stuffed mushrooms make a fantastic addition to any buffet. Filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and sometimes sausage or crab, they’re an elegant, yet simple, hors d’oeuvre.
You can offer a vegetarian option or customize them to your guests’ tastes. Consider serving them warm on a platter with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or marinara for extra flavor.
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Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Consider going the potato way by using the idea of a creamy mashed potato station with a variety of toppings.
Serve up mashed potatoes with gravy, and include toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, and bacon bits for guests to customize their servings.
This comforting dish will keep guests coming back for seconds. To elevate the experience, you can add roasted garlic or truffle oil to the mashed potatoes.
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Christmas Vegetable Platter
Veggies will always be a Christmas delight. A vibrant and healthy addition to any buffet, a Christmas vegetable platter can be as colorful as it is delicious.
Consider serving roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. You can also offer a green bean almondine or a roasted cauliflower dish for variety and balance.
To make it more interactive, include a selection of dips like hummus, ranch, or balsamic glaze for guests to pair with the vegetables.
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Shrimp Cocktail
Get the mood of your guests pumped up by offering an elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer, and set up a shrimp cocktail station.
Chilled shrimp served with tangy cocktail sauce will add a refreshing touch to your buffet. Add garnishes like lemon wedges, dill, or horseradish for an extra burst of flavor.
To create a stunning presentation, arrange the shrimp in a tiered serving dish with ice and decorative greens.
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Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A festive cheese and charcuterie board is an ideal buffet option that offers variety and flavor. Include a selection of cheeses (brie, cheddar, gouda) along with charcuterie items like salami, prosciutto, and pâté.
Add accompaniments like olives, crackers, nuts, and dried fruits for a visually stunning and delicious spread.
To add a holiday twist, incorporate seasonal items like cranberry goat cheese, spiced nuts, or fig jam.
8. Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Roast Beef
This is something you need to try. For a British-inspired touch, mini Yorkshire puddings filled with slices of roast beef make a savory and impressive buffet dish.
These warm, crispy bites are perfect when served with horseradish sauce or a rich gravy. You can also experiment with fillings, such as roasted vegetables or pulled pork, to offer more variety.
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Christmas-Themed Salad Bar
A salad bar adds a fresh and healthy option to your buffet. Include seasonal ingredients like mixed greens, cranberries, roasted nuts, goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds.
Serve with a variety of dressings such as balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, and honey mustard to allow guests to customize their salads.
For added holiday charm, you can use cookie cutters to shape cucumbers or other vegetables into festive designs like stars or trees.
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Holiday Desserts Buffet
End your buffet with a sweet spread of festive desserts. Include an array of Christmas cookies (gingerbread, sugar cookies, and shortbread), mini mince pies, and yule log cakes.
Also, offer seasonal treats like eggnog cheesecake or a build-your-own truffle station for a fun and interactive dessert experience.
For an extra festive touch, provide a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes for guests to enjoy.