As the 2024 holiday season gets underway, corporate events are evolving with innovative food trends that both captivate and engage guests on a deeper level. Across Canada, event professionals are noticing a distinct shift toward more interactive and experiential dining experiences, where the focus extends beyond simply serving food. This year, it’s about turning meals into dynamic, engaging moments that invite guests to be part of the culinary journey. We asked our expert planners and caterers to share their inspired dishes, ideas, and hot lists for holiday catering in 2024. Let’s dive in.
Emma Singh, Founder and Creative Director at Emma Singh Creative, emphasizes the shift from passive to interactive participation. Guests crave immersive experiences, and culinary stations and hands-on demonstrations are becoming essential features at events. These multi-sensory engagements encourage guests to participate and savour cuisine in unique and exciting ways. Increasingly adventurous attendees are more willing to explore exotic flavour combinations in food and beverages. As more guests seek thoughtful, eco-friendly options, plant-based foods and sustainability remain key trends.
Sustainability is also a major focus, as Earlyn Joseph, Founder and Creative Director at Creative Event Solutions (CES), points out. Farm-to-table options and zero-waste catering practices are growing in popularity. Joseph emphasizes that experiential dining, which includes elements like chef demonstrations, live cooking stations, and personalized tasting menus, elevates meals from simple nourishment to a central feature of the event.
Adding a fresh take on experiential dining, Julia Livia and Samantha Kostopoulos, Co-Founders of RISE Event Planning, are creating do-it-yourself food stations where guests work together to prepare meals. They suggest incorporating riddles, games, or puzzles between courses to keep guests engaged, even involving the service staff in the fun.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Rabanillo, Founder and Event Producer at StyleWorthy Studio is all about grazing tables and interactive food stations. Grazing tables, offering a beautiful selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and desserts, allow guests to indulge casually throughout the night. Her take on interactive food stations? Build-your-own gourmet hot cocoa or holiday-themed taco bars. These provide a customizable and fun element, blending creativity with a relaxed yet luxurious dining experience.
For Cassie Leblanc, Lead Corporate Planner at The Good Party, long-table, family-style meals are the highlight. She loves creating cozy, nostalgic gatherings where friends and family share a meal. Whether it’s an intimate dinner for 10 or a feast for hundreds, these long tables offer a personal and warm dining experience.
Turning the spotlight to what’s on the table, Canada’s leading chefs and caterers weigh in with their predictions for the 2024 holiday season.
Sebastien Centner, Founder and Creative Director of Eatertainment, says specialty and plant-based foods are continuing their meteoric rise, and this holiday season, they are expected to become an even bigger part of corporate event menus. Sebastien highlights that more and more corporate clients are eager to accommodate their employees and guests who follow specific dietary preferences, and fortunately, the range of ingredients available to chefs is rapidly expanding. At Eatertainment, Centner estimates that 60 to 70 percent of their holiday menus will be dietary-specific, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty options. He notes that, in the past, guests without dietary restrictions might avoid these dishes, assuming they would lack flavour, but that’s no longer the case.
“The days of flavourless vegetarian and vegan options are over,”
says Centner. A perfect example is their popular ‘Vegan Smash Burger’ station, which is served late at night. Guests are often challenged to tell the difference between the plant-based patties and their traditional beef counterparts, proving that innovative plant-based options can compete with, and sometimes surpass, traditional offerings.
The shift to plant-based seafood is also taking hold. Eatertainment now offers plant-based tuna or salmon poke bowls that mimic the taste and texture of the real thing so convincingly that even seafood lovers are impressed. These dishes not only cater to dietary needs but also showcase how far plant-based culinary innovation has come.
Another emerging trend Centner discusses is tone-on-tone food design. While catering has traditionally emphasized bright, contrasting colours to make dishes ‘pop,’ this year, there’s a shift towards more muted palettes. This trend, also seen in fashion and decor, forces chefs to experiment with textures and creative ingredient combinations to make visually appealing dishes without relying on a spectrum of colours. One standout dish in their tone-on-tone lineup for the 2024 holiday season is their Vichyssoise starter—a classic French soup with a potato base. To elevate the dish, they accent it with burnt toast crumbs and Marcona almonds, adding layers of depth and texture. This approach brings a sense of sophistication to the presentation while still delivering bold flavours.
The must-have dish for this year, according to Centner, is one that brings heat to the table. Spicy dishes are in high demand, particularly for guests in the 20-50 age range, who are increasingly embracing spice as part of their culinary experience. Products like Shishito Peppers and Sriracha have gained popularity in the restaurant scene, and that trend is extending into catered events. At Eatertainment, they’ve taken their popular Fried Chicken on Southern Biscuit—a canapé menu staple—and turned up the heat. This year, they’ve introduced Hot & Honey Chicken on Rosemary Biscuit, a version that adds a spicy kick while still maintaining the sweet balance that clients have loved for years. This updated dish has already garnered rave reviews from long-time clients who have embraced the new flavour profile with enthusiasm.
Guillaume Clairet, Managing Partner at Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events tells us that they are elevating holiday menus in 2024 by introducing globally inspired flavours to traditional favourites One of the standout offerings this season is their Tamarind-Glazed Cornish Hen. While Cornish Hen has long been a holiday classic, Daniel et Daniel have reimagined it by incorporating tamarind—a flavour commonly found in Asian cuisine but gaining popularity in North America. Tamarind’s sweet and sour notes, combined with hints of apricot, date, and a caramel-like undertone, create a flavour profile that resonates with a wider audience. This dish strikes the perfect balance between familiar and adventurous, making it an ideal choice for corporate events where you want to cater to diverse palates while offering something unexpected.
At Daniel et Daniel, the guiding principle is:
“Use Local, Think Global.”
Daniel et Daniel crafts menus that are both inclusive and sustainable. This thoughtful approach reflects their commitment to offering a dining experience that is environmentally friendly while celebrating the diverse backgrounds of their guests. Whether through international flavours or the freshest local produce, Daniel et Daniel’s menus aim to deliver on both taste and responsibility.
For enVille Event Design and Catering, 2024 is also all about sustainability and plant-based dining. With an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of food choices, guests are seeking menus that prioritize both flavour and eco-consciousness. enVille is focusing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that not only provide fresher, more vibrant flavours but also support local farmers and producers. A plant-based twist on holiday classics will be a standout for 2024. Vegan Wellingtons, roasted vegetables with rich, umami-packed sauces, and hearty, plant-forward dishes will satisfy a variety of dietary needs while still feeling indulgent and festive. Adding global flavours to familiar holiday staples will also elevate the experience—incorporating Middle Eastern spices or Asian-inspired sauces can give a fresh take on traditional fare while still being approachable. Guests are craving something unique that stands out from the usual holiday offerings.
Mocktails are the star of the show this year, with a huge demand for alcohol-free options that feel just as special as craft cocktails. Interactive mocktail stations with house-made syrups, fresh herbs, and bold, exotic flavours like hibiscus or yuzu will engage guests.
At Toronto-based Food Dudes, Founder & Creator Chef Adrian Niman comments that the the hottest trend they’re seeing for 2024 is a return to the classics. Traditional dishes like whole roasted turkeys, prime ribs, garlic spun mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with double-smoked bacon are making a huge comeback. There’s also room for subtle elevating touches, like bone marrow Yorkshire pudding, which gives a classic dish a new identity while retaining its comfort appeal. This classic yet refined vibe is expected to define holiday events this season.
Sourdough stuffing and caviar are must-haves for 2024. Blinis with caviar are having a moment, offering a luxurious addition to any menu.
Caviar is back in a big way and adds an elegant, indulgent touch to holiday celebrations.
Echoing the sentiment of many of our experts, Niman adds, that non-alcoholic cocktails are continuing their rise in popularity, with demand from both health-conscious guests and those who want a memorable beverage experience without alcohol. Drinks featuring in-season ingredients like fresh cranberries, ginger, and cinnamon will enhance the holiday atmosphere. Elevated drink experiences, whether alcoholic or not, will remain in high demand as event planners seek to create fun and organic ways to help employees connect.
According to Natalie Stanbra, National Director of Event Sales at Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, vegan options and sourcing from local restaurants and businesses will continue to dominate in 2024. The trend toward plant-based and locally sourced food is growing stronger, with sustainability being a central focus. Offering food that reflects these values makes events more thoughtful and intentional.
A fun and interactive way to engage guests is by incorporating surprise elements into the dining experience. Mystery cocktails, where guests answer a few questions and receive a custom drink, or choose-your-own-adventure-style food stations, where they get to pick their path through a meal, will make events more dynamic. It’s not just about providing food—it’s about creating memorable, interactive experiences that leave a lasting impression.
For holiday parties, heartier dishes that can be served at standing receptions are essential. Think beyond the typical slider station and offer something like turkey dinner on a bun—familiar holiday flavours, but with a fun and unique twist.
“Find ways to surprise and delight your guests through your catering planning, and lean into your partners for the event to help you create memories that will last a long time.”
Peter and Paul’s Event Catering
Laurie Bernardi, Director of Catering at Peter and Paul’s Catering is seeing mini entrees served during cocktail events as a defining trend. These heartier, filling options elevate the cocktail hour by offering more substantial dishes, such as Holiday “Leftovers” Sliders, Mini Wellingtons with braised beef, Shepherd’s Pie Tarts, and Turkey Dinner served on mini potato skins with stuffing crumble. Fusion foods, like chipotle holiday meatballs and Thai-style shrimp cocktails, will also add a global twist to holiday menus.
Creating menus that are both trendy and dietary-friendly is a must. Gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-sensitive options will ensure that every guest can enjoy the feast without restrictions. Laurie also agrees that as non-alcoholic beverages gain traction, expect to see de-alcoholized wines, 0% beers, and sugar-free mocktails becoming more prevalent at corporate events. These options cater to a wider audience and reflect the growing demand for mindful consumption.
“A party should be an event message. Catering is not just about food—it’s about creating an experience. From the sights, sounds, smells, and energy, a party isn’t a party until it’s an event. It should always invoke emotion and provoke the senses.”
According to Toben Kochman, Chief Culinary Director at TOBEN Food by Design Catering, food stations are expected to stay strong throughout 2024, but we’re also seeing a resurgence in family-style dining for holiday parties. Whether a full dinner or a mix of plated and family-style courses, this approach fosters connection and warmth at events. Elaborate grazing tables will also be a highlight during cocktail hours, featuring floral arrangements and decor elements thoughtfully integrated into the display.
Kochman adds elevated plant-based options should be a staple at holiday events this year. These dishes are designed to be just as satisfying for non-vegetarian guests like vegan Mini Impossible ‘Meat’ Jamaican Patties and Sweet Potato Steak. Emulating Adrian’s note about caviar, Kochman is also seeing a big draw for caviar. Whether part of a dedicated station or featured in hors d’oeuvres like Mini Corn and Caviar Hasselback Potatoes, caviar is making a big comeback and is sure to impress.
“Catering can be so much more than just the food that’s served—it should be a key part of the conversation. Reflecting the diversity of the corporate landscape by blending international flavours with local ingredients sparks discussions about global culinary traditions. It’s an opportunity to celebrate diverse cultures and bring people together over shared tastes from around the world.”
It’s clear that the 2024 holiday catering landscape is all about creativity, sustainability, and immersive experiences. From globally inspired flavours to interactive food stations and innovative plant-based options, these expert planners have pushed the boundaries of traditional holiday fare. With their vision and dedication to creating memorable culinary experiences, corporate holiday events across Canada have been transformed into something far more than just a meal—they’ve become unforgettable celebrations that delight, and inspire.