Organizing a holiday event can feel like juggling cranberry sauce on a tightrope. One wrong move, and things get messy fast.
Take it from us: successful event planning doesn't follow a “wing it” mindset. The same strategies professional planners use are employed to create memorable gatherings without losing their sanity to an event that’s meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
Here are seven tips from the 12th Street Catering team for pulling off a holiday event that feels effortless, festive, and will surely impress clients and guests alike.
One of the biggest sources of stress for hosts is finding the right event space. Instead of trying to reinvent your conference room, co-working space, or your personal home – consider a venue with built-in ambiance. Look for spaces that offer character, good lighting, and amenities like coat check and AV. That way, you can focus on the guest list, not the logistics.
Most people pick their venue after they know how many guests they’ll entertain. Consider flipping it. The space dictates flow, furniture, and the kind of party you can realistically host. A cocktail-style party works in tighter spaces since people are standing and circulating, while a seated dinner requires room for tables, servers, and access to restrooms.
Tip: Map out your furniture (tables, bar, coat check, etc.) on paper before you commit. You’ll avoid the classic “we can squeeze one more table in” mistake. The Fillmore events team is well-versed in ensuring the floorplan matches the guest count and vibe.
Guests arrive during the holidays expecting flavors that feel like home. Incorporating familiar ingredients—root vegetables, cranberries, spiced desserts—grounds your menu in nostalgia while still leaving room for a chef’s creativity. Balance is key: pair one or two adventurous dishes with a base of recognizable classics so there’s something for everyone.
Holiday menus work best when 70% is familiar, and 30% introduces something unexpected. That balance keeps even picky eaters happy while surprising seasoned palates. Professionals also stagger “heaviness” across the meal. For example, if you’re doing a rich entrée, balance it with lighter hors d’oeuvres and a refreshing dessert.
Tip: If looking to impress your guests, strike a balance with familiar and unexpected by serving a classic dish with a spin. Our take on comfort-food-classic chicken and waffles with a mexican twist: blue corn masa waffle, jalapeño brined fried chicken, tajin honey butter, pepita mole verde, topped with micro cilantro – elegantly prepared as a single bite passed hors d'oeuvre!
Overdoing holiday décor can make a space feel cluttered and empty your wallet fast. Instead, pick one element to repeat consistently: candlelight, metallic accents, or a signature color palette. Use height and texture to make tablescapes feel dynamic without overwhelming them.
Holiday décor doesn’t need to scream red and green. The real pros use texture and repetition. Evergreen sprigs on napkin rings, a metallic accent echoed in votives, a single fruit (like pomegranate or clementine) repeated down a tablescape. Consistency feels intentional.
Tip: Swap overhead lighting for candles and lamps with warm-toned lighting wherever possible. People look and feel better in warm light, which instantly improves the energy of the room (and the photos). Our team can help with buffet tables that echo the theme of your event. Vue on 50’s elegant and warm lighting is a great source of inspiration.
Large plated meals can anchor guests to their chairs. If your goal is lively energy, build the first hour of your event around small plates or passed hors d’oeuvres. Keep starters to one or two bites max, and make sure they’re easy to eat standing up, no knives required. If you must serve something with a sauce, tuck it inside a pastry shell or edible “vessel” so there’s no mess.
Tip: Always serve vegetarian and gluten-free options in the first round so guests with restrictions don’t feel like an afterthought. All of our menus, both seasonal and core, offer something for everyone. Our current seasonal favorites are the beet falafel, foraged mushroom arancini pop, and, of course, the Mexican-style chicken and waffles
The secret to a smooth bar? Limit options. A professional rule of thumb is one signature cocktail, one red, one white, one sparkling, plus a simple mocktail. That’s it. You’ll shorten lines, cut costs, and reduce decision fatigue.
Tip: Garnish creatively: Think rosemary sprigs, frozen cranberries, or branded ice cubes to make a simple drink feel special and Instagram-worthy. Our team can help design cocktail offerings crafted for the season along with sommelier approved wine choices and even local beers. The newly renovated Dietrich gallery, once a library, makes for a perfect Apple Cider Old Fashioned backdrop.
Guests remember experiences, not just meals. Interactive food stations break up lines, keep guests moving, and turn eating into social moments.
But here’s the detail most people miss: the station should be chef-attended. Guests get stage fright when they don’t know how to assemble a dish, so having someone guide them ensures a smooth flow and better presentation. Keep it to three toppings or choices per station; too many options slow things down and create waste.
TIp: Mix one unexpected station (like a savory cannoli bar) with one classic (like carving or pasta) to keep everyone delighted. Our full-service offerings can accommodate sit down meals or buffet stations pending your vision.
The most successful event planners know when to delegate. From setup to cleanup, outsourcing logistics lets you actually be present with your guests. Even small decisions—like letting a caterer manage dietary accommodations or coordinate rentals—frees you up to focus on the fun.
The pros build in buffers as well as assign micro-roles. One friend tops up wine, another handles the playlist if it stalls, someone else greets at the door. By spreading out the responsibilities, you avoid disappearing into the kitchen all night and actually enjoy the reason you gathered everyone in the first place.
Tip: Easier said than done, but do as much in advance as possible, like setting music to auto-play before the first guest arrives, placing trash bins discreetly to avoid clutter, and storing extra ice where it’s easily accessible. Lastly, don’t forget to sit down and enjoy the meal - as pictured in this lovely photo taken at Location 215.
A little planning (and a few pro-tips) can turn holiday chaos into holiday magic. And if you’d rather skip the stress altogether, 12th Street Catering can bring the food, cocktails, décor, and venue to life—so the only thing on your to-do list is enjoying your guests.
Set the table for something extraordinary this season: Contact Us Today.
