The traditional work Christmas meal has its fans, but plenty of businesses are now looking for something a bit different. Booked tables, set menus and a rush to get everyone to the restaurant on time do not suit every team. Shift workers get left out, small teams struggle to find a date, and the bill can climb quickly.
Bringing the food to your workplace is an easier alternative. This guide covers practical Christmas party and staff treat day catering ideas for businesses in Northern Ireland, how to plan the day, and what to ask before you book. We are Smoke BBQ, and our mobile catering arm, Smoke on the Road, provides Christmas party catering in Northern Ireland for workplaces, warehouses, offices and venues.
Why more businesses are choosing mobile catering for Christmas
There are a few good reasons the trend is growing.
- Everyone can join in. Day shift, night shift and part-time staff can all be fed on site, without anyone travelling or missing out.
- It feels like a proper treat. Hot food cooked fresh in the car park or on the yard is a talking point, and staff remember it.
- Less organising. There are no table bookings, pre-orders or chasing menu choices. The caterer arrives, sets up and serves.
- It keeps the day short and sociable. People can eat, chat and get back to work, or stay on for a relaxed finish if you plan it that way.
Christmas party catering ideas that work for businesses
The right idea depends on the size of your team, your workplace and how much time you can give people. These are the formats we see work best.
The on-site Christmas lunch
A catering trailer parks at your premises and serves a hot meal during the working day. This suits offices with parking, warehouses, farms, factories, depots and construction sites. Staff queue up, chat and eat together, and it is over in a reasonable time without anyone leaving the building.
The evening team party
If you would rather celebrate after work, BBQ catering works well at a hired venue, a function room or your own yard. Food is served as a relaxed buffet, so there is no waiting between courses and no awkward seating plan. It also pairs nicely with a bar or a bit of music.
The staff treat day
Not every thank you needs to fall on a Christmas date. A staff appreciation day in November or January can be easier to book, less rushed and just as well received. Some businesses use a treat day to mark a busy trading period, a milestone or the end of a big project.
The client or customer event
Some businesses use December to say thank you to customers as well as staff. A catering trailer at an open day or a showroom event gives people a reason to stop by, and relaxed food makes conversation easier than a formal sit-down.
What to put on the menu
Christmas does not have to mean turkey and all the trimmings, and plenty of teams are glad of a change. Slow-cooked BBQ suits the season well, because it is warming, filling and comforting on a cold day.
Popular choices include pulled pork, brisket, BBQ chicken and stacked burgers, with loaded fries and fresh sides alongside. Menus are fully customisable, so you can build something to suit your team. Think about:
- A mix of meats so there is something for everyone
- Vegetarian options, so no one is left with just the sides
- Any allergies or dietary needs within the team
- How hungry people will be, depending on whether this is lunch or a larger evening meal
Share dietary information with your caterer as early as you can. It is far easier to plan around than to fix on the day.
How to plan a workplace Christmas catering day
A smooth day comes down to a few simple decisions made early.
Set a date and a time window
Pick a date as early as you can. December fills up quickly for caterers, so the earlier you enquire, the wider your choice. Decide whether you want one serving window or staggered times for different shifts.
Estimate your numbers
A rough headcount is enough to get started, but a confirmed number closer to the day helps your caterer prepare the right amount of food. Include agency staff, part-timers and anyone visiting on the day.
Check the space
A catering trailer needs somewhere safe and level to park, with reasonable access. Tell your caterer about your site, including any gates, height restrictions or narrow entrances, and whether there is power nearby. Where people will eat matters too, whether that is a canteen, a meeting room or outdoors. In winter, indoor seating is worth having ready.
Plan for the weather
December in Northern Ireland can mean wind, rain and early darkness. A trailer serves in most conditions, but it helps to have a covered or indoor area for people to eat. Good lighting makes a difference if you are serving in the evening.
Questions to ask any catering company
These help you compare quotes properly rather than just choosing the lowest number.
- What is included in the price per head?
- How many people can you serve in an hour, and how do you keep queues moving?
- Do you travel to my premises, and is there a charge for distance?
- What do you need from us on site, such as space, power and access?
- How do you handle vegetarian, vegan and allergy requirements?
- What is the deposit, and when do I confirm final numbers?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
The benefits of a BBQ catering trailer for your Christmas event
A catering trailer brings everything to you. It works for a car park, a yard, a field, a venue garden or any space without its own kitchen, and the food is cooked fresh rather than reheated. There is also something about hot, smoky food on a cold December day that gets people talking.
If you are weighing up options for your team, take a look at our Christmas party catering page to see how it works and what we can cover. You can also browse the full range of services on the Smoke BBQ website.
A quick planning checklist
Before you enquire, try to have these details ready:
- Preferred date and time window
- Approximate number of staff and guests
- Your location or venue
- Any dietary requirements you know about
- Whether you would like a lunch, an evening meal or something lighter
- Your rough budget
With those in hand, a caterer can give you a realistic quote and tell you honestly what will work.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cater a work Christmas party at our premises?
Yes. A catering trailer is designed to serve at your site, whether that is an office car park, a warehouse yard or a venue. Tell your caterer about the space when you enquire so access and set-up can be confirmed.
What is a staff treat day?
A staff treat day is a catered event to thank your team, often outside the usual Christmas rush. It can be a lunch, a BBQ or a casual get-together, and it is a popular way to show appreciation without the pressure of a formal party.
How early should we book Christmas catering?
As early as you can. Weekdays in December are popular with businesses, so early enquiries give you the best choice of dates. For a full overview of what is available, see our Christmas party catering in Northern Ireland page.
Is BBQ suitable for a Christmas party?
Yes. Slow-cooked meats, loaded fries and hearty sides are warming and filling, and many teams enjoy a change from the traditional Christmas dinner.
Can you cater for vegetarians and allergies?
Menus are fully customisable, so dietary requirements can be planned at the quote stage. Let your caterer know about allergies as early as possible.
Do you travel across Northern Ireland?
Smoke on the Road covers events across Northern Ireland and into Ireland. Share your location when you enquire so the details can be confirmed.
How many people can be fed at a workplace event?
This depends on the format and your serving window. Give your caterer your headcount and timings, and they can advise on how to keep the queue moving and everyone fed.
