Creating a Cozy Northwoods-Inspired Holiday Gathering for Your Corporate Event

Going “up north” has special meaning to a lot of Wisconsinites. Many memories are made on the lake in the summertime, but there are also cozy, special memories that can be made around a fire and a steaming mug. If you’ve been recently been searching “holiday party ideas for work”, one of our favorite ideas for a holiday party is a Northwoods-inspired theme. Our team at Saz’s Catering has a goal this holiday season- to help create fun, memorable experiences for our clients and their guests. What better way to do that with some of our classic and beloved Midwestern traditions? 

Picture this: plaid linens on rustic tables, frosted pine trees sparkling under soft candlelight, the scent of cedar in the air, and food so good people can’t help but go back for seconds. It’s not just another office holiday party; it’s an experience. 

This season, we’re loving the idea of transforming your corporate Christmas party in Milwaukee into a cozy Northwoods lodge retreat. It’s festive, elevated, and just the right mix of comfort and elegance. Here’s how to bring it all together.

There’s a reason people love retreating to the Northwoods — it’s slow-paced, nostalgic, and instantly comforting. When you blend that idea with your office holiday party, you get the chance to create something magical for your team.

This Northwoods theme works because it’s: 

• Inviting: Guests feel at ease the moment they walk in. 
• Versatile: Perfect for big company bashes or smaller, more intimate gatherings. 
• Engaging: Interactive touches — from food stations to activities — keep energy up. 
• Elevated Comfort: Cozy, but with that polished feel Saz’s is known for. 

Still interested in seeing how we’d bring this to life? Keep on reading. 

Think of the décor as your first “hello” your party gives to guests. The right setup sets the tone for the whole evening. For a Northwoods-inspired feel, lean into rustic textures and cozy winter details: 

• Plaid & Textures: Classic tartan or buffalo plaid linens instantly warm up the room. Layer with wool throws and faux fur for added comfort. 
• Woodsy Touches: Pinecones, evergreens, birch logs, and lanterns bring the outdoors inside. 
• Lighting: Candlelight is everything here. Mix real and flameless candles with string lights for a soft, welcoming glow. 
• Rustic Furniture: Wooden tables or bench seating give the space that lodge-like feel. 
• Winter Magic: A log archway, frosted pine trees, or a faux fireplace makes for the perfect holiday photo backdrop. 
• Scents & Sounds: Pine and cedar in the air, with soft outdoorsy music in the background, create a full sensory experience. 

Our Event Planners at Saz’s know how much the little details paint the bigger picture. Katie Hoffman, a senior event planner, shares, “the little details often are the first to be forgotten, but they truly can elevate your party because the attention-to-detail makes a lasting impression with your guests. Our connections within the industry allows us to accommodate a lot of ideas, both big and small, all while giving our clients a seamless, low-stress planning experience.”  

Food is where holiday magic really happens. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about creating those eye-widening moments around the table. We pride ourselves on being a fully customizable catering company in Milwaukee that specializes in corporate holiday celebrations. With this theme, comfort classics get a holiday upgrade:

• Braised Short Ribs: Tender, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth good — they practically beg to be paired with a glass of red wine. 
• Rosemary Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, herby, and festive enough to shine next to the short ribs. 
• Build-Your-Own Mac N’Cheese Station: A crowd-pleaser. Guests get a show as their martini glasses are filled with delectable toppings adorning our Mac N’Cheese.  
• Interactive Desserts That Spark Joy: From roasting marshmallows at a s’mores station to cookie decorating with coworkers, dessert becomes a way for your team members to get involved in the experience. 
• Seasonal Pies: Tis the season! Pumpkin and pecan pies are holiday favorites that feel like a warm hug on a winter’s night. 

This mix of options and interactive food stations keeps things festive, fun, and undeniably delicious for your holiday event. Looking for more Christmas party food ideas that will actually impress? Our team at Saz’s Catering is ready to dazzle and amaze you when you inquire with us!

Drinks aren’t just drinks — they have become an integral way to show some personality and have fun during the holiday season. They should feel seasonal, comforting, and just a little indulgent. Here’s how to make your bar a moment all its own: 

• Holiday Brandy Old Fashioneds: A Wisconsin staple, made even more festive with seasonal garnishes. 
• Cider Bar: A great way to incorporate a N/A drink option and let guests customize their cider with cinnamon sticks, citrus wheels, maple syrup, or a splash of bourbon. 
• Company-Branded Mugs: Serve cider, cocoa, or coffee in mugs featuring your logo — a keepsake guests will actually take home and use. 

When it comes to catering for a holiday cocktail party, it’s about giving people options that feel fun and memorable, and are great conversation starters!

The parties people remember most are the ones where they get to do something — not just sit and watch. Adding interactive experiences turns your idea of a company Christmas party into something truly engaging:

• S’mores Station: Cozy, nostalgic, and a guaranteed crowd favorite.
• Cookie Decorating Corner: A fun way to bring out everyone’s creative side.
• Photo Ops: Frosted trees, a log archway, or a faux fireplace give people the perfect excuse to snap and share.
• Team-Building Games: Oversized Jenga, shuffleboard, or trivia keep things playful and interactive.

In other words? It’s not just another holiday team building event under fluorescent lighting; it’s one your team will be amazed by and remember for years to come.

Okay, we know we always want to go above and beyond with party planning, but maybe you don’t have an unlimited budget for throwing your holiday party. If you can break it down and focus on hitting a few of the five senses, you’re sure to have a lasting impact while being conscious about your budget. Here’s how we’d break it down: 

• Sight: Candlelight, plaid linens, frosted pine trees. 
• Sound: Relaxed, lodge-inspired music sets the mood. 
• Scent: Pine, cedar, and cinnamon evoke the holidays instantly. 
• Taste: Elevated comfort food and festive drinks. 
• Touch: Cozy textures — wood, wool, and fur — add to the warmth. 

While we love all the details we just talked about, at the end of the day, holiday parties are about more than just decorations or menus. They’re about connection, about showing appreciation, and about sending your team into the new year feeling celebrated. 

That’s exactly what we love creating at Saz’s Catering. Whether it’s catering for large groups of 200 or a more intimate gathering for 25, our team knows how to strike that perfect balance of elevated and inviting.

So this year, skip the cookie-cutter. Invite your colleagues into a cozy Northwoods retreat where candlelight flickers, comfort food shines, and laughter fills the room. Our team at Saz’s Catering is ready to offer full-service catering for your holiday party this year. Inquire with us today and get ready to party this holiday season!