Lights, Camera, Holiday Cheer: Throwing a Classic Holiday Movie Party

There’s something special about holiday movies. From the moment the opening credits roll, they transport us into a world of nostalgia, laughter, and heartwarming traditions. Now imagine channeling that same festive energy into your holiday celebration.

Instead of just watching the classics, why not step inside them? At Saz’s Catering, we believe holiday parties should be about more than food and décor (though, trust us, we’ve got plenty of ideas for both). They should be about experiences that feel memorable, meaningful, and bring people together. A Classic Holiday Movie Party checks all those boxes—combining the joy of seasonal films with incredible food, festive drinks, and ambiance that gets everyone talking. 

Think of it like Halloween, but with Christmas flair: themed spaces, creative menus, and even outfits inspired by everyone’s favorite characters. Whether you’re planning for 50 people or 250, it’s a theme that scales beautifully—and gives you the chance to create a truly one-of-a-kind event. 

When it comes to ideas for your corporate Christmas party, the right theme transforms a standard gathering into something unforgettable. With a Classic Holiday Movie Party, the décor takes cues from multiple beloved films, blending together into an atmosphere that will have something for everyone.

Picture this: string lights twinkling overhead like Clark Griswold’s over-the-top display, garlands and ornaments reminiscent of the Grinch’s Whoville, and maybe even a nod to Charlie Brown with a “sad little tree” tucked in the corner. Add in whimsical touches like musical décor (for the Elf fans) or retro movie posters, and suddenly the space feels more like a festive film set than a conference room. 

For companies looking to go big, we can collaborate with incredible Milwaukee partners like Event Essentials, Windy City Linen, Relics Rentals, Belle Fiori, and Events By Design to fully transform your venue. Want to keep things budget-friendly? Even simple décor elements like themed table linens, a DIY photo booth with movie props, and a curated playlist can get the job done. 

Of course, no holiday party is complete without food. And at Saz’s, we know the menu is often what people remember most. That’s why we love creating menus that blend holiday classics with playful, film-inspired touches—keeping things familiar, but adding a twist that makes it feel a little more unique. 

Here’s an idea of what we’d whip up for a office holiday party:

Appetizers & Starters 

• Movie-night snack boards with popcorn, pretzels, and cheese + crackers 

• Deviled eggs for a nod to classic holiday gatherings 

Mains & Sides 

• Carved ham or roast turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce 

• Swedish meatballs with egg pasta (perfect for hearty appetites) 

• Shepherd’s pie or roast beef for a cozy winter entrée 

• Sides like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and seasonal flatbreads 

Desserts 

• Classic Christmas cookies in all shapes and styles 

• Buddy the Elf–inspired dessert tray (candy canes, candy corn, maple-syrup drizzled popcorn, marshmallows) 

• Fudge and peppermint bark for timeless holiday flavors 

• Apple or pumpkin pie for a traditional finish 

• “Sad” cupcakes with droopy frosting as a cheeky Charlie Brown reference 

Gosh, we hope we get invited to a Christmas party like this… we really outdid ourselves with these food ideas!

The right beverage can tie the whole party together, whether you’re serving cocktails or mocktails. 

Signature Holiday Beverages: 

• Hot cocoa bar with toppings like whipped cream, candy canes, and marshmallows 

• Mulled wine or spiced cider with cinnamon sticks and citrus garnishes 

• Classic eggnog, served in festive mugs 

• Holiday sangria or spiked punch for something bright and shareable 

Mocktail Options: 

• Cranberry spritzers garnished with mint and fresh cranberries 

• Sparkling apple cider served in company-branded mugs 

• Warm mulled berry cider served in cozy glassware 

Just like the food, drinks can be customized to nod to favorite movies, or simply kept festive and seasonal. Either way, they’ll keep the cheer flowing all night long. 

When you’re brainstorming ideas for your holiday party, it can be tough to find a theme that excites everyone. A Classic Holiday Movie Party solves that; everyone has a favorite film and it naturally sparks conversation and laughter. It’s inclusive, nostalgic, and leaves a lot of room for flexibility—perfect for both casual office parties and elevated end-of-year celebrations.

For smaller gatherings, you might choose one or two movie-inspired touches. For a large event, you could create entire holiday food stations inspired by different classics. And when paired with Saz’s full-service catering, your holiday party will have delicious bites, incredible service, and seamless execution from start to finish.

Our team at Saz’s knows it’s more than good food that brings people around the table. It’s about gratitude, connection, and creating memories that last long after the decorations come down. That’s why we love helping companies with their ideas for end of year celebrations- you have a team full of people who deserve to be celebrated.

Saz’s Catering is the premier catering company for your corporate holiday celebration in Milwaukee. From holiday party appetizers to custom cocktails, décor planning, and professional service, our team has the experience (and the holiday spirit) to bring it all together.

So this year, don’t just watch the classics—celebrate them. With Saz’s by your side, your team’s holiday party will be one for the big screen. Contact us today to start planning your next big blockbuster hit.