Mexican Christmas party catering

A different kind of Christmas party food

Most Christmas parties serve a buffet or a set menu. Mexican street food is a change. Guests queue at the hatch, choose their fillings and eat something hot, made in front of them. It gets people talking, and it works just as well in an office car park as in a marquee or a country house courtyard.

Warm, slow-cooked fillings suit a cold night. Beef birria with broth for dipping, carnitas, chicken tinga and spiced mushroom tacos are all examples from our sample menu. Loaded nachos and burritos are good, filling choices if guests have been drinking. See our sample menu for more.

Planning for the dark

In December it can be dark before 4pm. That changes how you plan an outdoor serving point.

• Lighting. The truck or trailer is lit, but the queue and the path to it also need light. Festoon lights or venue lighting make a big difference.
• Arrival. We aim to arrive and set up in daylight where we can. Tell us about gates, low branches, kerbs and narrow turns, because they’re harder to spot at night.
• Clear paths. Guests walk between the party and the truck in the dark, sometimes on wet ground. Keep the route short, lit and clear of trip hazards.

Planning for the cold and the rain

Guests won’t wait long in the cold. A covered queue, such as a gazebo, a marquee, a canopy or an open-sided barn, keeps them dry. Somewhere warm to eat, close to the truck, helps too. If you have patio heaters, put them near the eating area rather than the queue.

Wet winter grass can stop a vehicle getting in. Hardstanding, such as a car park, courtyard or driveway, is safest. If grass is the only option, tell us early so we can agree a plan. Our wet weather guide has more ideas.

Timing your Christmas party food

For an evening party, many hosts serve food an hour or two after guests arrive. Drinks first, then food, then dancing. If guests are coming straight from work, serve sooner. For a lunchtime party, keep the menu simple so the queue moves quickly. We’ll agree serving times with you and confirm them in your quote.

More Christmas ideas

Our guide to Christmas party catering ideas covers menus, timings and budgets. For office events, see our corporate catering page.

Truck and trailer service usually suits around 50 to 400 guests. Festivals can be bigger, and smaller parties are quoted case by case. Tell us your numbers.