Holiday entertaining should be about enjoying the company of friends and family, while delighting in the seasons’ magic and excitement. Butler’s Pantry suggests keeping it simple for yourself and your guests to maximize quality time.

1.      Offer a buffet so that the prep work is done and your guests can enjoy creating something fun on their own. Keep it simple and prepare a flatbread buffet bar and provide a variety of toppings.

2.      Holiday parties are all about mingling and guests don’t want to be bogged down with handfuls of plates and drinks. Make things easy on your guests by providing individual servings of food such as easy-to-eat appetizers like veggie-and-dip cups and shrimp kabobs.

3.      Make a warm pot of holiday soup on the day of the party. Serve the soup in mugs as a welcoming and hearty menu option.

4.      Lamb chops are also an elegant and simple dish that will enhance the buffet selections. Season the lamb chops with your favorite spices and broil according to cooking instructions just before guests arrive.   

5.      Offer small-bite desserts like seasonally spiced pound cake slices and muffin tops, truffles, candied fruit, and luscious bites of layered flavors.  Now is the time for something different, delicious and decadent.

6.      Razzle-dazzle your guests with a champagne bar. Simply purchase one type of champagne and offer plenty of fun garnishes including fruit, juice and candy, and serve in decorative stemware. Guests can garnish their champagne with a rock candy swizzle stick, fresh raspberries, and a dash of orange liquor or orange juice.

Hosting a holiday party is simple with these quick tips and ideas.

For more information, visit www.butlerspantry.com.

About Butler’s Pantry

Butler’s Pantry, a second-generation business founded in 1966, is a St. Louis food-service company that provides innovative and creative catering services for corporate functions, social and special events, and weddings of all sizes. Butler’s Pantry has provided catering services for some of the most notable St. Louis events, including the 2008 BMW Championship, the Mayor’s Ball, the visit of Pope John Paul II and the U. S. Senior Open. Butler’s Pantry presents their own premier event venue, Palladium Saint Louis. Located in Historic Lafayette Square, Palladium Saint Louis is a sophisticated space accommodating up to 700 people.

#  #  #