The holidays are the busiest—and most rewarding—time to bring people together. From cozy home parties to corporate celebrations, great catering turns gatherings into experiences. This guide highlights the biggest holiday catering trends showing up across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the San Gabriel Valley—and how MCP Catering brings them to life with delicious, guest-friendly menus.
1) Interactive Food Stations Guests Love
Holiday parties are shifting from sit-down meals to experiences. Interactive stations keep guests moving, mingling, and customizing their plates—perfect for offices, venues, and at-home celebrations.
- Build-Your-Own Taco Bar: Carnitas, chicken tinga, grilled veggies, salsas, crema, cilantro, lime, warm tortillas.
- Italian Pasta Bar: Penne, linguine, alfredo, marinara, seasonal veggies, parmesan—fast, hot, and comforting.
- Brunch & Waffle Stations: Holiday brunch is trending—perfect for office mornings or New Year’s Day.
- Charcuterie & Grazing Displays: A visually stunning centerpiece loaded with cured meats, cheeses, breads, fruits, and dips.
Great for: corporate mixers, open-house celebrations, networking events, and family gatherings.
2) Elevated Comfort Foods
Seasonal comfort foods are back—just a bit more refined. Think classics with better ingredients and thoughtful presentation.
- Mac & cheese with crunchy herbed breadcrumbs
- Slow-roasted turkey sliders with cranberry aioli
- Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Mini meatballs with festive glazes (swicy options are in!)
3) Plant-Forward & Inclusive Menus
Holiday parties now plan for everyone—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options included. A few favorites:
- Roasted vegetable platters with herb dips
- Plant-based taco fillings and protein swaps
- Seasonal salads with citrus, nuts, and vinaigrettes
- Gluten-free pastas and dessert options
Tip: Labeling stations keeps lines moving and guests confident about choices.
4) Global Flavors with a SoCal Twist
Los Angeles parties love bold, global flavors. MCP Catering’s menus make it easy to mix and match packages for a festive spread:
- Baja-California Platters: Fresh salsas, grilled proteins, bright citrus, and heat on the side.
- Greek Platters: Chicken, rice, salads, pita, and dips for a Mediterranean holiday table.
- Italian Pasta Bar: Comforting, crowd-pleasing, and budget-friendly for larger groups.
- All-American Platters: Sliders, wings, classic sides—great for casual office parties.
5) Sustainability & Smarter Service
From locally sourced ingredients to reduced-waste packaging, sustainable choices matter to hosts and guests—especially for corporate events. Ask about compostable serviceware, efficient portions, and seasonal produce that tastes better and travels well.
6) Dessert Boards & Hot Drink Bars
Festive sweets are having a moment—served family-style or as a beautiful station.
- Cookie assortments, brownies, holiday bars, and seasonal fruit
- Hot chocolate & coffee bars with whipped cream, peppermint, cinnamon, and syrups
- Mini dessert shooters for easy, no-mess bites
Holiday Party Packages That Fit Your Crowd
MCP Catering serves Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the San Gabriel Valley (including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Pasadena, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Irvine, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, and surrounding areas). Popular picks for the season:
- Greek Platter – crowd-pleasing proteins, rice, salads, pita, and dips
- All-American Platter – sliders, wings, and classic sides
- Baja-California Platter – bright flavors and fresh salsas
- Italian Pasta Bar – custom sauces and add-ons for any group size
- Breakfast or Brunch Bar – perfect for office mornings and New Year’s Day
- Appetizers & Tacos Only – flexible, budget-friendly party fuel
How to Plan a Stress-Free Holiday Event
- Book early. December dates fill fast; secure delivery windows and staffing now.
- Choose a service style. Stations for mingling, platters for casual, buffet for larger crowds.
- Plan for dietary needs. Include at least one vegan/vegetarian and one gluten-free option.
- Label menus. Clear labels keep lines moving and guests happy.
- Finalize logistics. Access, parking, load-in path, power for warmers, and table space.
Let’s Cater Your Holiday Party
From intimate home gatherings to large corporate celebrations, MCP Catering brings delicious, reliable service to every event. Tell us your guest count, vibe, and budget—we’ll handle the rest.
Request a holiday quote and secure your date across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the San Gabriel Valley.