CNN’s 650-Guest NY Holiday Party
Back in December 2017, Alchemiq Catering had the privilege of orchestrating CNN’s grand holiday celebration, an event that brought together 650 guests for a night of festive indulgence. The atmosphere was buzzing with holiday cheer, and our spread was so irresistible that it could’ve made Santa ditch the milk and cookies.
A Feast for Every Palate
First up, the passed hors d’oeuvres. We served Grilled Cheese Beef Sliders that redefined comfort food, Crispy Potato Pancakes topped with red wine-braised brisket that melted in your mouth, and Chicken & Waffle Mini Cones with a spicy-sweet kick of Sriracha maple aioli. Vegetarians enjoyed options like Crispy Pastry Bites filled with Brie, Fig Jam & Almonds, or hearty Crispy Polenta & Portobello Ragu. For seafood lovers, our Crab Cakes with a zesty orange sauce offered a flavorful bite that practically danced on the tongue.
Stations: A Culinary Journey Across Tastes
The Crostini Station was a symphony of textures and flavors. Creamy whipped cream cheese and smoked salmon crostinis with refreshing cucumber slices stood alongside zesty ricotta and pesto crostinis topped with pine nuts, stealing the show with every bite.
The Shrimp Station was a seafood lover’s dream, featuring glistening chilled shrimp nestled around beautiful crystal ice blocks, served with classic cocktail sauce and a zesty lemon dill sauce.
The Salad Station featured vibrant individual-serving salads that popped with color and freshness. Guests could enjoy a classic Wedge Salad and a crisp Brussels Sprouts Salad, providing a refreshing contrast to the heartier dishes.
The Charcuterie & Cheese Station was a masterpiece of culinary craftsmanship. Assorted cured meats, artisanal cheeses, fruits, and breads were arranged with precision, creating a display that was both inviting and indulgent.
The Dessert Station was a visual and culinary feast. Chocolate Covered Cones filled with Strawberries & Cream were surrounded by mini cake bites, almost too pretty to eat.
Crafting the Perfect Holiday Ambiance
To elevate the atmosphere, Angel Salazar Design created stunning floral arrangements featuring a winter wonderland theme with pinecones, evergreen branches, and vibrant red berries. These arrangements added a festive warmth that perfectly complemented the holiday spirit and created an inviting atmosphere throughout the event.
To harmonize with CNN’s holiday vision, we meticulously crafted a festive ambiance. Passed hors d’oeuvres were presented on sleek acrylic trays adorned with shimmering ornaments, infusing a touch of holiday magic into every bite. The Dessert Station, a visual feast in itself, was nestled amidst the beautiful winter-themed floral displays. Lanterns cast a warm glow, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere that encouraged guests to linger and savor the moment.
Closing the Year on a High Note
650 guests, countless canapés, and an unforgettable evening. CNN’s holiday bash was officially in the books, and our team was ready to swap their chef hats for Santa hats. But as we packed up the last of the crystal glasses and brushed away stray crumbs of brisket, we couldn’t help but think: if this is what 2017 tastes like, we can’t wait to see what the next year has in store. Cheers to good food, good company, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead!
