The holiday season has officially arrived — and if you’re still finalizing your company’s holiday party or year-end celebration, you’re not alone. November is the busiest month for event planners across the Bay Area and Livermore Valley, as businesses rush to secure the last catering and venue openings for December.
The good news? There’s still time to plan a festive and stress-free celebration — if you act fast. At On the Vine Catering, we’ve spent over 30 years bringing Bay Area corporate events, winery celebrations, and private parties to life with fresh, local, and customizable menus that make every gathering unforgettable.
Why November Is the Month to Book Your Caterer
Once November hits, prime holiday dates start filling up quickly. Many of our clients start calling the first week of November after realizing they need help pulling together a corporate holiday party, client appreciation dinner, or team celebration — and we make it happen.
Here’s why now is the perfect time to secure your catering:
- Last-Minute Availability: Top caterers and venues are nearly booked, but a few golden dates remain.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Early booking gives you access to the best local produce, meats, and wines.
- Holiday Menu Planning: Get the time to create a custom menu that reflects your company’s style and vision.
- Staffing and Rentals: Ensure there’s full support for your event — servers, bartenders, and equipment.
Our team makes the process easy, from planning to execution. We handle every detail so you can enjoy the celebration stress-free.
2025 Holiday Catering Trends
This year, Bay Area companies are taking a fresh, creative approach to holiday parties. It’s no longer about the same old sit-down dinner — it’s about creating experiences that feel fun, interactive, and memorable.
Here’s what’s trending in 2025:
- Interactive Food Stations
Guests love exploring. Our global food stations, themed buffets, and carving stations keep people moving, mingling, and connecting. Favorites include our Brazilian Churrascaria BBQ station, California Winter Feast, and Mediterranean Mezze Bar. - Elevated Comfort Food
From truffle mac and cheese to braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes, this season is all about flavor and nostalgia — done elegantly. - Local Wine and Craft Pairings
Celebrate local! We love pairing menus with wines from Concannon Vineyard, Nella Terra Cellars, and Retzlaff Vineyards, plus craft beers from Altamont Brewery and Dust Bowl Brewing Co. - Full-Service Holiday Catering
Drop-off catering can’t compare. Our professional team manages everything — from setup to service and cleanup — creating a polished, seamless experience from start to finish.
The Best Venues for Bay Area Holiday Parties
Still searching for the perfect spot? These local favorites are ideal for both corporate gatherings and private holiday parties:
- The Overlook (Oakland): Modern skyline views and flexible layouts.
- BLOC15 (Oakland): Industrial-chic setting with space for large guest counts.
- Oakland Scottish Rite: Historic venue with timeless elegance.
- Concannon Vineyard (Livermore): Warm, scenic winery with beautiful indoor and outdoor options.
- Purple Orchid Resort (Livermore): Perfect for corporate retreats and intimate holiday dinners.
Our team works directly with each venue to coordinate logistics, layout, and flow so your event runs effortlessly.
Holiday Menu Highlights
Need inspiration? Here’s a glimpse of our seasonal menu favorites that always impress:
Appetizers
Wild Mushroom Phyllo Bites with Sherry Crème Frâiche
Smoked Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
Devils on Horseback (bacon-wrapped Andouille sausage and sweet dates)
Entrées
Herb-Crusted Prime Rib
Cranberry Glazed Roasted Salmon
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Sides & Salads
Asiago Scallop Potatoes
Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing with Apples, Cranberries and Walnuts
Winter Greens Salad with Dried Cranberries, Candied Walnuts, Feta & Cranberry Vinaigrette
Our chefs create menus that balance sophistication with crowd-pleasing comfort, using the freshest local ingredients of the season.
Let On the Vine Catering Handle Your Holiday Celebration
From corporate dinners and winery events to company-wide holiday parties, our team brings creativity, organization, and 30+ years of expertise to every event. We’re proud to be a 2025 CommunityVotes Gold Winner for Best Caterer, trusted across the Bay Area for delivering outstanding service and exceptional food.
📞 Contact us today to reserve your holiday party date. Let’s design a menu that brings your vision to life — so you can relax, celebrate, and enjoy the season with your team.
