Holiday Party Planning Checklist for NYC Hosts

Because you don’t have time to wing it.

Let’s be honest...

Planning a holiday party in New York City sounds magical… until you realize December is booked solid, venues are at capacity, and your coworker’s idea of “just finger foods” actually means they forgot to order food.

That’s where this guide comes in: a stress-free checklist tailored for NYC’s busiest holiday hosts, corporate and private alike. Whether you're throwing a rooftop cocktail soirée or hosting a cozy catered dinner in your apartment, we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Let’s break it down:

1. Book Your Space Yesterday

Venue first, always. NYC venues don’t play around during the holiday season. You want charm, access, AND availability.

We’ve got a curated list of NYC-exclusive venues from Tribeca lofts to midtown lounges, but we only share it with our clients.

Want in? Ask us.

2. Food is the Main Event

You could do a potluck. But let’s not.

Here’s what’s hot (and what’s not):

Crowd-Pleasers for 2025:

 Truffle mushroom risotto (vegan-friendly and holiday luxe)

 Smoked Cornish hens with pomegranate glaze

 Prime rib carving station with rosemary au jus

Don’t forget a few jaw-dropping apps and a signature dessert bar

Full-service or drop-off? We do both.

3. The Bar is Half the Experience

It’s not a party without the right pour.

NYC-Approved Holiday Sips:

 Sparkling cocktail bar

 Boozy hot chocolate station

 Mulled wine & seasonal sangria

 Old Fashioned, re-imagined with cinnamon syrup

We offer bartenders, mixers, glassware, and curated bar menus. You can go dry, or full throttle up to you.

4. Rentals, Lighting, & All That Jazz

Don’t forget the things nobody thinks about (until it’s too late):

 Enough chairs

 Proper plating

 Heat lamps (for rooftop vibes)

 Mood lighting

Yes, we rent it all. One invoice. Zero stress.

5. What’s the Vibe?

Pick a theme or aesthetic and commit:

 "SoHo Sparkle" (Black, gold, velvet, candlelight)

 "Fireside Feast" (Plaid, pine, rustic wood tables)

 "Winter Bloom" (Floral centerpieces, snow-toned pastels)

 "Neon Hanukkah" (Modern twist on tradition)

Our design team can help with tablescapes, florals, signage, and more.

6. Don’t Sleep on These Party Details

NYC parties succeed in the margins. Details matter:

 Custom place cards or name badges

 Printed menus

 Dietary notes for all guests

 Someone to manage all of this so you’re not running around

Spoiler: that someone is us.

Ready to Go from “Idea” to “Incredible”?

We’ve done everything from:

 Tech startup cocktail parties

 Law firm catered lunches

 Broadway cast holiday dinners

 Private brownstone celebrations

Let’s make yours the best one yet.

Book early. December goes FAST.

Contact Junelle’s for full-service NYC holiday catering, curated venues, bar packages, and stress-free planning.