Hosting a holiday party doesn’t need to entail slaving over a hot stove for hours (or even days) beforehand. The sheer multitude of catering options — and we’re not just talking about old-school buffet set-ups, although those tried-and-tested caterers do admittedly offer up some refreshing options these days — means throwing that unforgettable bash is just that much easier. That is, you’ll have more time to concentrate on making your guests feel at home and actually enjoying their company, rather than worrying about cooking up a flawless feast, not to mention the clean-up that comes with that. Here are our picks for a unique at-home catering experience this festive season.
This Halal-certified caterer is a household name not just at Christmastime but throughout the year. This festive season, they have launched a trendy Tiffany blue-themed table set-up, with expansive menus that start from just $20+ per pax.
If you plan on going all out to impress your guests, we recommend the Holiday Splendour menu ($42+ per pax) which includes mouth-watering Christmas staples with a twist, such as the Traditional Roasted Turkey Breast with honshimeji jus, as well as sophisticated starters like the Marinated Pomelo & Sour Apple Salad with Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche.
Visit http://www.orangeclove.com.sg to order.
Image: Orange Clove
For a cocktail party or something more informal, check out The Plattering Co.’s stunning grazing tables and platters. Comprising beautifully-arranged spreads – they have specially curated three Christmas-specific menus – this unique take on home catering is such a breath of fresh air, especially aesthetically when compared to the ugly-but-functional chafing-tray set-ups we’re used to.
Their mid-range menu, Christmas Carnival ($38 per head for a minimum of 20 people), starts off with a couscous salad and gourmet cheese and fruit platter and ends with a quintessential yuletide log cake, with your choice of entree (choices include roast turkey, oven-baked salmon and shepherd’s pie). Their choice of add-ons — various pastries, sandwiches and desserts like donuts and cookies, just to name a few — is also astounding.
#BuffetGoals, anyone?
Visit http://www.theplatteringco.com to order.
Image: The Plattering Co.
This well-known caterer ticks all the boxes when it comes to serving up the traditional Christmas dinner your family and friends are expecting — with all the fanciness and none of the hard work (on your end, anyway). With menus ranging from $33+ to $78+ per pax, we guarantee your guests will want for nothing as they tuck into dishes like Duck Leg Confit with Orange Sauce and 24-hour Braised US Beef Short Rib with BBQ Glaze.
There are also add-ons available, like whole or pre-sliced roast turkey ($108+ or $118+ respectively), roast beef ($128+ for 3 to 3.5kg pre-roasting weight) and Christmas log cake, to supplement your buffet choices. Their ‘Singapore Flavour’ log cakes ($78+ for 1.2kg) encompass flavours like coconut pineapple genoise, pandan kaya marscapone cream, gula melaka and creme brulee. Absolutely divine.
Visit http://www.purplesage.com.sg to order.
Image: Purple Sage
Get your order in early to clinch some unmissable deals with this caterer, which has come up with several appetising Christmas menus for all budgets, ranging from $18+ to $60+ per head. For instance, if you spend at least $1,000 on their festive buffets before Dec 11, you’ll get the chance to purchase a whole Classic Roasted Young Turkey for just $1 (U.P $120). Terms and conditions apply, of course, but how could you resist?
Smaller group sizes may want to consider Santa’s Joy Box ($338+), a boxed set that feeds 10 to 12 and includes yummy-sounding Asian-Inspired Chicken Rendang Shepherd’s Pie and Sauteed Spiced Marinated Prawns in Garlic Cream tossed with Capsicum and Onions. Simple, yet effective, we say.
Visit http://www.lavish.com.sg to order.
Image: Lavish Dine Catering Pte Ltd
Forget what you think you know about Christmas dinner. Instead, order up a BBQ spread so good you’ll need to roll your guests out the door after. On the menu: Whole smoked turkey ($150, feeds eight to 10), whole beef brisket ($300, feed 10 to 12), jalapeno and cheddar cornbread ($36, feeds eight to 10) and sausage and barley stuffing ($45, feeds eight to 10), among other delectable, if unorthodox, Christmas specials.
In Decker’s words: all of the trimmings, none of the fuss. We like.
Call 6635-8565 or e-mail howdy@deckerbarbecue.com to order. All prices are subject to GST, and orders must be made at least five days in advance, for self-collection only.
Image: Decker Barbecue
The Halal arm of Purple Sage — which has received endorsement from the Health Promotion Board as part of its Healthier Dining Programme, for those watching their waistlines and wellness — has menus priced from $22+ to $50+ per head this festive season.
Dig in to classic dishes such as sous vide beef sirloin, British sticky toffee pudding with vanilla crème and roast whole turkey with chestnut stuffing. We’re drooling already.
Visit https://www.rasel.com.sg/christmas-menu-2018 to order or call 6777 7183.
Image: Rasel Catering Singapore Pte Ltd
Feeling stuffed from all the festive feasting and want something that’s tasty yet nutritious? Grain’s your go-to. Their Christmas buffets and party sets are veggie-heavy while still feeling indulgent.
We think the $32-per-head option, which includes fresh poached mussels in fennel and dill onion broth, garlic-roasted wild mushrooms with brussels sprouts and asparagus and chicken provencal with edamame succotash, sounds just the ticket for a substantial but not over-the-top Christmas dinner.
Meaty staples like whole turkey and chicken and roast beef are available if you want something even heartier.
Visit http://www.grain.com.sg to order.
Image: Grain’s Instagram