It’s that time of the year again. The holidays are coming fast, and you know what that means: office holiday parties, school events, family gatherings, and so much food! For those operating a catering business during the holidays, you can expect to see a big spike in business from all of the events going on.
On average, catering services will see 12% to 15% of their annual revenue coming from the holidays. That’s just from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, only a little over a month. So, where do you even start preparing for it all?
Fortunately for you, we’ve got some catering business ideas that will help you make the most of this holiday season. From the Thanksgiving turkey to Christmas ham and the New Year’s toast, a little planning can make your small business truly successful this year!
Get Your Name & Menu Out There
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time for your catering business to ramp up its marketing efforts to stand out in the bustling festive market. Here are some effective strategies to keep in mind:
- – Leverage Social Media: Social media is your best friend during the holidays! Share high-quality photos of your signature holiday dishes on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. You can also post holiday-themed content, such as quick recipe tips or behind-the-scenes videos of your kitchen in action. This kind of engaging content not only showcases your culinary talent but also helps build a connection with potential clients.
- – Run Targeted Ads: If it’s in your budget, consider running holiday-themed targeted ads on social media to reach specific groups, like local businesses or families planning events. This way, you can make sure your catering business is on their radar when they need services for holiday gatherings.
Another fantastic way to connect with your audience is through email marketing. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- – Send Out Newsletters: Keep your clients in the loop by sending out festive newsletters featuring your special holiday menu options. Highlight limited-time offers or exclusive catering packages that cater to various occasions.
- – Personalize Your Emails: Make your emails feel personal by referencing past orders or preferences. Clients love to feel valued, and this approach can encourage repeat bookings.
- – Offer Incentives: Consider throwing in early-bird discounts or referral bonuses to entice customers to secure your services for their holiday events. This can help ensure your catering business stands out during the holiday rush.
By using even just a few of these strategies, you can get in front of your audience and get them craving the tasty holiday feasts you’re offering.
Crafting the Perfect Holiday Menu for Your Catering Business
When it comes to your catering business plan during the holiday season, having an exciting and nostalgic menu is the key to delighting your clients and their guests. Each holiday brings unique culinary traditions and expectations, so you’ll need to tailor your offerings accordingly.
Here are some mouth-watering menu ideas for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s that will impress your clients and have them coming back for seconds!
Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
Thanksgiving is all about comforting, hearty dishes that celebrate the bounty of the season. Here are some classic menu options:
- – Main Dishes: Herb-Roasted Turkey with Gravy, Honey-Glazed Ham, Slow-Cooked Prime Rib
- – Side Dishes: Savory Stuffing with Sausage and Sage, Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
- – Desserts: Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream, Pecan Pie, Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
Christmas Menu Ideas
Christmas menus often feature festive flair and a mix of traditional and modern dishes. So, try some classics, or give them your own spin:
- – Main Dishes: Baked Honey-Glazed Ham, Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
- – Side Dishes: Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts and Bacon, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables, Green Bean Almondine
- – Desserts: Yule Log Cake, Gingerbread Cookies, Eggnog Cheesecake
New Year’s Menu Ideas
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, so your menu should reflect a festive spirit. Here are some options that won’t disappoint:
- – Main Dishes: Beef Wellington, Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter, Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Thyme
- – Appetizers: Shrimp Cocktail with House-Made Cocktail Sauce, Mini Beef Sliders with Gourmet Toppings, Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese and Herbs
- – Desserts: Champagne Cake, Chocolate Fondue with Fresh Fruits, Assorted Mini Pastries and Tarts
Vegan and Vegetarian Holiday Menu Ideas
As dietary preferences evolve, many clients are looking for vegan and vegetarian options to include in their holiday catering menus. Offering plant-based dishes not only caters to the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable choices but also allows everyone to enjoy festive meals together.
By incorporating vibrant flavors and creative presentations, you can craft a holiday menu that delights both herbivores and omnivores alike. Here are some delectable vegan and vegetarian menu ideas to consider for your holiday catering:
- – Appetizers: Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Cashew Cream, Roasted Beet Hummus with Pita Chips, Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
- – Salads: Winter Kale Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Candied Pecans, Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Lemon-Tahini Dressing, Classic Caesar Salad with Vegan Dressing and Croutons
- – Main Dishes: Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice, Cranberries, and Pecans, Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff served over Egg Noodles, Lentil Loaf with Tomato Glaze and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- – Sides: Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction, Creamy Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme and Olive Oil
- – Desserts: Vegan Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream, Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Fresh Berries, Vegan Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
By integrating these flavorful vegan and vegetarian options into your holiday catering menu, you can provide a delightful and inclusive dining experience that appeals to a wide range of guests, ensuring no one feels left out during the festivities!
Getting your seasonal menus down will help streamline your business. Just make sure, whatever you decide to offer, that you stand out and give your clients a feast they’ll be talking about until the next holiday season.
A Word On Booze
When it comes to catering events that include alcohol, it’s crucial to make sure that both the guests and the catering business are protected. Serving alcoholic beverages can enhance the celebratory atmosphere of any occasion, but it also comes with responsibilities, including understanding the need for liquor liability insurance for catering business practices.
In addition to securing the appropriate insurance, caterers should also focus on responsible alcohol service. Here are some key considerations:
- – Check IDs: Always verify the age of guests consuming alcohol to ensure compliance with local laws.
- – Provide Non-Alcoholic Options: Offering a selection of non-alcoholic beverages ensures that all guests, including designated drivers, have enjoyable choices.
- – Hire Experienced Staff: Skilled bartenders will know how to serve responsibly and manage potentially intoxicated guests effectively.
By prioritizing both safety and enjoyment, your catering business can successfully navigate the challenges of serving alcohol while creating memorable experiences for your clients.
Cover Your Kitchen With Catering Insurance
Running a catering business comes with its own set of risks, and the right insurance is key to really protect your business. Catering business insurance helps you guard against unexpected events like property damage, financial loss, and general liability coverage claims. When you’re focused on creating delicious meals and memorable experiences, the last thing you want is to worry about what could go wrong.
Start by investing in general liability insurance. This catering liability insurance covers you if someone gets hurt or if there’s property damage at an event you cater. It can cover legal fees and settlements, keeping your finances secure.
If you serve alcohol, don’t forget about liquor liability insurance. This coverage is essential for protecting your business from claims related to alcohol-related incidents, like a guest getting hurt after overindulging. This way, you can focus on creating an enjoyable atmosphere for your clients.
Lastly, if you have employees, consider getting workers compensation insurance. It helps cover medical expenses and lost wages if someone gets hurt on the job, ensuring your team feels safe and supported.
In a nutshell, investing in the right catering business insurance, including general liability, liquor liability, and workers’ compensation, is a smart move. With proper coverage in place, you can confidently grow your catering business while delighting clients with great service!
Now, Get Cooking!
Now you’ve got an idea for how to make the most of the holidays for your catering business. Of course it all starts with the amazing food you’re serving, and you’ve got some menu ideas to make that happen. But, before you start serving, get that food covered with caterer insurance and spread it all over your social media! Happy Holidays and Merry Catering!
If you still have any questions about catering business insurance, you can reach out to our team at Ashland Insurance online or give us a call!
541.482.0831 Ashland
541.857.0679 Medford