For many people, work is a place of stress and anxiety.

But what if it were also a place where you could enjoy good food and get to know your co-workers?

It’s possible. Here are seven office happy hour catering ideas that let you set up an event that encourages bonding while nourishing your body and mind.

1. Cater a “Build Your Own Ice Cream Sundae” Bar

If you don’t have the time or budget to host a full-on ice cream sundae bar, consider keeping it simple and providing an array of toppings and fixings. Americans love ice cream. According to Statista, in 2020, approximately 290 million Americans consumed sherbet and ice cream.

Include an assortment of sauces, syrups, sprinkles, nuts, and chocolate chips. Assemble all the toppings in separate bowls so guests can build their sundaes.

Another variation is setting up your ice cream sundae bar with various fresh fruits and flavors. Strawberries or other berries, pineapple slices or other tropical fruits, miniature bananas, and mangoes are a few suggestions. You could also create a healthier option by offering soy-based frozen yogurt instead of traditional dairy-based ice cream.

2. “Boxed Lunch” Style Happy Hour

If you are looking for a happy hour catering option, a boxed lunch is a great way to celebrate the end of your work day. Selecting from various food options makes it easy for everyone to eat what they want. It can help keep everyone happy and healthy.

Ensure you include an assortment of healthy options in the box, so everyone feels comfortable with what’s offered. For example, if there are people who usually don’t eat meat or fish at work, offer them something like hummus or avocado instead.

Another idea is to make a few different boxed lunches so everyone can try something new. For example, add fruit and vegetables to each box to round out their meal. If possible, ensure that all ingredients used are organic or locally sourced.

3. Mediterranean-Inspired Happy Hour

The Mediterranean-inspired happy hour is a great option for those looking to celebrate with their company but also want to keep things healthy. This selection includes hummus, pita bread, and olives. It also includes a variety of dips and spreads, including tzatziki, baba ghanoush, and more.

An estimate by IBISWorld suggests that in 2022, there are around 30,005 caterers in the US. Thus, you have a choice of caterers to choose from.

Most caterers in the US ask about your choice of food and beverages before they suggest what is best according to the event. Your party planner can also add vegetables such as carrots, celery sticks, or cucumber slices for dipping into the spreads.

There are plenty of meat options, including grilled chicken skewers and beef kofta balls. It can be served alongside greens like spinach or arugula salad tossed with olive oil & vinegar dressing.

You can satisfy cheese lovers with feta cheese cubes garnished with fresh mint or dill sprigs, while fruit enthusiasts will appreciate sliced apple wedges.

4. Fruit Platter

If you’re looking for a healthy option to include in your office happy hour catering, fruit platters are a great way to promote healthy eating at work. Whether you prefer something simple and classic or something more imaginative, fruit can be served in several ways.

Serving fresh fruits like oranges, apples, pears, and grapes alongside dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots will create an eye-catching platter. It will still last after the party is over.

It’s easy to set up. Ensure everyone knows what they need before they start creating their masterpieces.

5. Upscale Pub Grub Happy Hour

If you’re looking for a happy hour catering idea that will enable your employees to socialize and eat healthily, look no further than upscale pub grub. This option is easy to handle, delicious and provides the perfect setting to get people together.

Pub grub can be healthy if you make it so. If you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions at your office, consider offering vegetarian options alongside hearty meat dishes.

Many establishments offer lighter fare, such as grilled fish tacos or beef kebabs, which are just as satisfying as burgers and fries.

6. Customizable Wrap Bar

Wrap bars are a unique way to create a healthy work environment. They offer an alternative to the usual catered meal.

They also have the option of adding ingredients that are healthful and better for your body. For example, wrap bars can be used to provide vegetable trays or fruit trays with dips and spreads if you want to offer healthier snacks during happy hour.

The best part about wrap bars is their versatility. They’re easy-to-setup, customizable options that allow you to set up your custom menu based on your company’s preferences or budget. Just ask them what their favorite options are ahead of time so that no one gets stuck with something they don’t like.

7. Healthy Happy Hour

The modern-day office can be a place of stress, anxiety, and negativity. According to Zippia, around 25% of employees say their job is their life’s top stressor. Many businesses are now looking for ways to create a healthy and fun atmosphere to remedy this. One way to do this is by offering healthy food options at your next happy hour event.

Using healthy snacks as part of your catering will help you set the tone for better health at work. It also helps those who attend have a more positive experience at the event.

The benefits of healthy foods at work are not just physical but also psychological. If you have ever tried to eat healthy snacks at work and failed, then you know how difficult it can be. It is especially true if your workplace has vending machines that offer chips, candy bars, and other processed junk food items.

Bonuses

8. Happy Hours Can Create a Healthy Work Environment

Happy hours can be a great way to create a healthy work environment. Happy hours are more than just an opportunity for employees to socialize. Happy hours can also be used as a team-building activity, leading to happier employees and a better working environment.

Happy hour is also great for getting people talking about what they do outside of work. In addition, it’s an opportunity for you to learn more about your employees’ hobbies and interests beyond the office.

9. Plan a Happy Hour to Comfort Your Employees

Consider one of these seven catered events the next time you lose ideas on celebrating happy hour at your office. They allow everyone to cut loose and have fun together and promote healthy eating habits by encouraging participants to choose their meal options.

It creates an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts in a social setting. It is what you want out of any gathering that involves food.

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