Office & Corporate Party Guide

Professional Party Planning

Office parties require a different approach than casual gatherings. The food should be professional, accommodate diverse dietary needs, and be easy to eat while networking. Whether it's a holiday party, retirement celebration, product launch, or team-building event, this guide helps you plan food that reflects well on your organization.

Crowd-Pleasing Safe Options

1. Sandwich Platters

Sandwiches are the backbone of office catering. They're easy to eat, familiar, and accommodate various tastes.

• Plan for 1.25 sandwiches per person for lunch events
• Cut into halves or quarters for variety and easier eating
• Include vegetarian options (minimum 20% of total)
• Label sandwiches clearly for dietary restrictions
• Avoid overly messy options like sloppy joes or BBQ

Calculate sandwiches for your event →

2. Veggie Tray

A must-have for any corporate event. Provides a healthy option and accommodates most diets.

• Plan for 1/2 cup per person
• Include 5-6 vegetable varieties for color and appeal
• Offer hummus alongside ranch dip for variety
• Cut vegetables into easy-to-eat bite-size pieces

Calculate veggie tray for your event →

3. Cheese Tray

Elevates any office gathering and appeals to a wide audience.

• Plan for 2 oz per person
• Include familiar cheeses (cheddar, swiss) plus 1-2 specialty options
• Pre-slice some cheese for easy serving
• Add crackers, grapes, and nuts for accompaniments

Calculate cheese tray for your event →

4. Salad

Important for health-conscious employees and as a lighter option.

• Plan for 1.5 cups per person as a side
• Keep dressing on the side
• Offer 2-3 dressing options
• Include at least one vegan dressing option

Calculate salad for your event →

Desserts for the Office

Cookies

Easy to serve and universally popular.

• Plan for 2 cookies per person
• Offer variety: chocolate chip, oatmeal, sugar
• Include gluten-free or vegan options if known dietary needs exist

Calculate cookies →

Brownies

Rich and satisfying, easy to portion.

• Plan for 1.5 brownies per person
• Cut into 2-inch squares for easy serving
• A 9x13 pan yields about 24 brownies

Calculate brownies →

Drinks

• Plan for 2 drinks per person for a 2-hour event
• Include water, coffee, and at least one other option
• Avoid alcohol unless appropriate for your workplace culture
• Provide both regular and decaf coffee options
• Include sparkling water or soda for variety

Calculate drinks →

Sample Menu for 20 People

Dietary Accommodations

Corporate events require thoughtful dietary planning:

• Vegetarian: Ensure at least 25% of options are meat-free
• Vegan: Label vegan items clearly; include hummus, fruit, and veggie options
• Gluten-free: Offer gluten-free crackers and clearly labeled options
• Kosher/Halal: Consider if you have employees who observe these requirements
• Allergies: Label common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, shellfish)
• Send a survey: For important events, survey attendees about dietary needs

Presentation for Professional Settings

• Use matching serving platters and utensils
• Provide real plates and napkins when possible (not flimsy paper)
• Label all items with ingredient cards
• Keep the food area clean and refreshed throughout the event
• Position food away from work areas to encourage mingling
• Set up trash/recycling bins nearby for easy cleanup

Budget per Person

Catering vs DIY

Consider these factors when deciding:

Order Catering When:

• You have 30+ attendees
• The event is for clients or executives
• You need hot food
• No one has time to coordinate food pickup/setup
• The event is during work hours and staff can't step away

DIY Food When:

• Budget is limited
• Small team (under 20 people)
• Casual celebration (birthday, casual Friday)
• You have volunteers willing to help
• Simple menu (sandwiches, cookies, drinks)

Timeline for Corporate Events

• 2 weeks before: Confirm headcount, book catering if needed, send dietary survey
• 1 week before: Finalize menu, confirm delivery time, assign setup volunteers
• Day before: Confirm all orders, check serving supplies, print labels
• Day of (2 hours before): Set up tables, arrange serving area
• Day of (30 min before): Receive catering or arrange food, final touches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting vegetarian/vegan options
• Not having enough ice or cold drinks
• Ordering too much hot food that goes to waste
• Placing food too close to work areas (blocking access)
• Running out of napkins, plates, or utensils
• Forgetting to check for food allergies

Quick Calculators