The holidays are almost here—Christmas celebrations, New Year’s gatherings, and festive get-togethers—and with them comes the joy of bringing people around the table. Whether you’re hosting a corporate celebration, a family dinner, or an intimate gathering with friends, a well-planned buffet lets you enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
After years of catering and hosting holiday events in Amsterdam, I’ve learned that the secret to a memorable buffet isn’t complexity—it’s thoughtful planning, high quality ingredients, and dishes that make everyone feel welcome.
Start with Seasonal Ingredients
Winter gives us some of the most comforting ingredients: root vegetables, hearty greens, squash, mushrooms, chestnuts, and citrus. These ingredients aren’t just at their flavor peak—they create that cozy, festive feeling we crave during the holidays.
When you build your buffet around what’s in season, everything tastes better and costs less. In the Netherlands, you’ll find beautiful celeriac, parsnips, kale, Brussels sprouts, and winter squash—all perfect for creating dishes that feel both elegant and grounded.
Plan Your Buffet in Layers
A successful buffet is about balance: flavors, textures, temperatures, and dietary needs. Here’s how I structure mine:
The Welcome: Antipasti
Start with dishes guests can enjoy immediately while mingling. This is your “first impression” moment.
Italian-inspired options:
- Focaccia with seasonal toppings (caramelized onions, roasted squash, fresh rosemary, caramelized onions) OR filled
- Bruschette with seasonal toppings – The key? Season your bread before toasting it (olive oil, salt, garlic). Then top with whatever’s in season: white beans and rosemary, roasted tomatoes, or ricotta with roasted beets
- Mini vol-au-vent – Buy pre-made pastry shells, reheat just before serving, and fill with anything: creamy mushrooms, gorgonzola and honey, or roasted vegetables. Elegant, versatile, ridiculously easy
- Antipasti board with quality cheeses, cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, and nuts
- Seasonal tarts with winter vegetables, feta, and toasted nuts
These can all be prepared ahead and served at room temperature—your first gift to yourself as a host.
The Heart: Mains That Satisfy
For the main course, offer 2-3 options that cover different preferences and dietary needs.
Crowd-pleasers that travel well:
- Lasagna – Make it ahead, keep it warm, and watch it disappear. A vegetarian version with seasonal vegetables works beautifully. Find the lentil + mushroom ragu’ recipe for my classic, show-stealer veg lasagna here.
- Risotto – Creamy, comforting, and easy to make vegan. Try butternut squash and sage, or classic ‘alla Milanese with saffron. Get inspired by these recipes!
- Pasta bakes – Cannelloni or stuffed shells hold their temperature well and can be prepped the day before. These are super pretty and delicious.
- Slow-cooked proteins – Braised beef, slow-roasted pork, or chicken thighs with winter herbs get better with time.
Choose dishes that don’t suffer from sitting in a warm dish for 30 minutes.
The Supporting Cast: Sides & Salads
Sides are where you can play with seasonal produce and add color.
- Roasted winter vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and red onion with olive oil and herbs. Finish with balsamic or toasted nuts
- Winter salads – Hearty greens (kale, radicchio) with citrus, pomegranate, toasted nuts, and bright vinaigrettes. This recipe is my go to salad!
- Creamy polenta or mashed potatoes – Comfort in a bowl, easy to keep warm
- Warm grain salads – Farro or wild rice with roasted vegetables, dried fruit, and herbs
The Finale: Dessert
Keep dessert simple and make-ahead.
- Tiramisu – A classic that improves when made a day ahead. Have you tried the pistacchio version?
- Panna cotta – Elegant, easy, adaptable with seasonal fruit compotes
- Chocolate truffles – Rich, indulgent, perfect alongside coffee. Recipe here.
- Seasonal crostata – Showcase winter citrus, poached pears, or spiced apples. Otherwise go for the classic with jam.
- Simple yet delicious cookies – perfect as light sweet ending. Try my cantucci.
The Make-Ahead Advantage
Here’s the best part: almost everything can be made ahead.
- Focaccia, tarts, and vol-au-vent shells can be prepped the day before
- Lasagna and pasta bakes improve when made ahead and reheated
- Tiramisu and panna cotta actually need to be made ahead
- Roasted vegetables can be prepped and stored, then reheated before serving
This means you spend the day of your party setting up, not cooking. That’s the gift you give yourself as a host.
Make It Inclusive
One of the most thoughtful things you can do is ensure everyone has something delicious to eat—not just “an option,” but food they’re genuinely excited about.
Tips for inclusive buffets:
- Label dishes clearly, especially for common allergens
- Create a dedicated space for gluten-free or vegan options
- Design dishes that naturally work for multiple diets (roasted vegetables with tahini, vegan risotto, gluten-free polenta)
- Ask guests ahead of time about dietary needs—it shows you care
Inclusivity isn’t about separate “alternative” dishes. It’s about creating a menu where everyone feels considered from the start.
Presentation Matters
Your buffet doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread, but a little attention goes a long way.
- Use different heights – Cake stands, wooden boards, bowls at varying levels
- Add natural elements – Fresh herbs, winter greenery, small pumpkins, or candles
- Choose serving dishes thoughtfully – Rustic boards for antipasti, white platters for salads, ceramic dishes for warm mains
- Keep it tidy – Have extra napkins, plates, and utensils nearby
Beautiful food tastes better. It’s not vanity—it’s part of the experience.
Prep Like a Pro
The difference between a stressed host and a relaxed one? Preparation.
Two days before:
- Shop for ingredients
- Prep vegetables (wash, chop, store)
- Prep vegan/vegetarian plates when suitable (spreads, roasted elements when served cold)
One day before:
- Assemble casseroles and bakes, cook when suitable (lasagne etc)
- Make dishes that improve with time (tiramisu, braised meats, sauces)
- Make salad components (keep dressing separate)
Day of:
- Reheat and finish dishes
- Set up buffet table and serving dishes
- Arrange the buffet
- Take a breath, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy your guests
The Real Secret
Here’s what I’ve learned after catering countless holiday events: people don’t remember perfection. They remember warmth, abundance, and feeling cared for.
Your buffet doesn’t need ten dishes. It needs thoughtful choices, seasonal flavors, and a host who’s present enough to enjoy the celebration. Choose recipes you feel confident making. Prep as much as possible ahead. And remember—you’re entitled to enjoy the party too.
The holidays are about connection, and food is the delicious medium that brings everyone together.
Planning a holiday celebration and want help creating the perfect menu? Whether you’re hosting at home or need full catering support, I’d love to help make your gathering unforgettable. Get in touch to start planning, or browse my recipe collection for more seasonal inspiration.
Buon appetito, and happy holidays! 🎄