Winter Catering in NYC: A Season of Flavor

New York transforms in the winter. The air sharpens, the lights glow warmer, and gatherings move indoors to spaces filled with candles, coats, and conversation. For those hosting events during this season, food plays an even more important role. It becomes a source of comfort, connection, and quiet luxury. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, our winter theme catering menus are designed to echo the intimacy and richness of the season, with thoughtful flavors and curated presentation that reflect the mood of the moment.

Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a fireside wedding, or a January kickoff for your team, winter invites a slower pace and deeper flavors. We design menus that match that shift—warming spices, silky textures, layered roasts, and garnishes that look and feel seasonal without relying on clichés. The goal is not just to feed your guests but to immerse them in the season through food that speaks directly to the time of year.

If you’re exploring how our menus evolve throughout the calendar, you can begin with our seasonal catering menus page. There, you’ll see how winter fits into our broader approach to designing food around time, place, and purpose.

What Makes a Winter Menu Special

Winter menus carry weight—literally and emotionally. They’re built around dishes that warm, nourish, and linger. Ingredients like parsnips, squash, leeks, and dark leafy greens take center stage, often paired with rich stocks, slow-cooked meats, and spice-forward sauces. But richness doesn’t mean heavy. Our winter menus are balanced with acidity, crunch, and color to keep the palate awake and engaged.

We often hear from clients who assume winter means limited options. In reality, it’s one of the most creative seasons to cook for. It offers the opportunity to build depth, surprise with subtlety, and introduce guests to ingredients they may overlook the rest of the year. Our dishes often feature earthy elements paired with something unexpected—like black garlic with celery root purée, or roasted apple with shaved fennel and brown butter vinaigrette.

Of course, the transition to winter isn’t abrupt. Our menus gradually evolve from the lighter fare of early fall. To see how we begin that shift, take a look at our fall catering menu, where roasted elements and warm flavors start to take the lead, preparing the stage for winter’s full expression.

In the next section, we’ll share a sample winter-themed catering menu and explore the kinds of events best suited for these deeper, more atmospheric dishes—from intimate home dinners to professional holiday gatherings and everything in between.

Winter Buffet Menu

Designed for corporate luncheons, office parties, and seasonal gatherings, our Winter Buffet Menu offers warm, comforting dishes made with seasonal ingredients and creative flair. All options are available as full-service buffets or drop-off setups, and can be customized for dietary needs.

Minimum: 20guests per order

Staffed service, compostable dishware, and setup available upon request. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available for all courses.

Entrées

• Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage
• Baked Penne with Roasted Tomato and Mozzarella
• Wild Mushroom Polenta with Rosemary Oil
• Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken
• Herb-Roasted Salmon with Citrus Beurre Blanc (upgrade option)

Soup Selections

• Roasted Cauliflower Bisque
• Classic Lentil Soup with Herbs
• Winter Vegetable Minestrone

Side Dishes

• Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme and Garlic
• Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Salads

• Baby Kale with Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, and Pomegranate Vinaigrette
• Mixed Greens with Toasted Walnuts and Citrus Segments
• Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Carrots and Tahini Dressing

Bread & Rolls

• Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls with Whipped Butter
• Rosemary Focaccia (vegan)

Desserts

• Pecan Pie Bars
• Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Chocolate Dipped Biscotti
• Mini S’mores Station (on request)

Hot Beverage Station (Optional)

• Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon
• Winter Herbal Tea Selection
• Infused Warm Water (Citrus-Ginger, Cucumber-Mint)

At Susan’s Kitchen, our seasonal catering menus are crafted to bring people together over hearty food that feels both indulgent and intentional.

Perfect Events for Winter Catering

Winter opens the door to more intimate, intentional gatherings. Whether you’re planning something personal or professional, it’s a season that rewards mood, detail, and flavor. We often cater:

• Holiday dinners in private homes, lofts, and boutique venues
• Corporate holiday parties and client appreciation events
• January brand launches or employee kickoff luncheons
• Winter weddings and elopements with seasonal menus

Many of these events draw inspiration from the cozy brightness of our summer menus, with added warmth and spice. In fact, some clients blend seasons—using plating techniques from our summer catering menu to give winter foods a fresh, unexpected twist.

Other clients look to our BBQ menus for ideas on how to bring fire-cooked flavor indoors, replacing the grill with open ovens and smoked garnishes. Our flexibility across seasonal offerings allows us to build menus that reflect the personality of the event rather than just the weather.

As winter begins to thaw into spring, our menu strategy evolves again. You can explore how we approach that shift in our spring catering menus, where ingredients brighten but intention remains just as strong.

Booking Winter Catering in NYC

Winter dates, especially during December and early January, fill quickly. We recommend reaching out at least 4–6 weeks in advance to secure availability, especially if your event includes rentals, full-service staffing, or custom culinary builds. Last-minute requests can sometimes be accommodated depending on scope, but earlier is always better for winter planning.

Our team handles everything from menu creation to logistics, ensuring your event flows seamlessly—from plated courses to passed cocktails. Whether you’re celebrating in a warm townhouse or a converted industrial space, we bring the season’s depth to the table with precision and style.