Holiday Parties at Home in SoCal: Catering, Carts and Kids Parties
Holiday parties at home · 2026

Make it merry.

Friendsmas, family parties & kids' parties

Styled, catered and run by our team, from the cocoa cart to the last candy cane. You host. We handle everything else, right down to the dishes.

Now booking November and December · Orange County · Los Angeles · San Diego
Long tables set with a gingerbread house at every seat, red candles and lit Christmas trees
gingerbread night
on the rocks
Now bookingDecember!
4,400+Events since 2019
600Events a year
10 to 300Guests, at home or anywhere
1 dayProposal turnaround
Free 15-minute call

Not sure where to start?

Book a free call with Lauren Rivard, our founder and head planner, or someone on our event coordination team. Tell us the date, the guest list and the feeling you want. We'll bring ideas and real numbers.

Party ideas

What are you celebrating?

Pick a party and we'll load a starting point into the planner. Change anything you like on every screen.

pick one, we'll do the rest
Candlelit holiday dinner table at night

Friendsmas dinner

A candlelit table for the people you love most: a seated tablescape, a plated dinner and a signature cocktail bar.

Start with this
Long family holiday table under olive trees

Family holiday party

All the generations at one long table, a buffet everyone loves, gingerbread for the kids and a cozy kids corner.

Start with this
Two girls holding the gingerbread house they decorated

Kids' holiday party

Gingerbread workshop, cocoa bar and picnic boxes, hosted start to finish. Add Santa, Elf Academy or a movie night.

Start with this
Gingerbread houses on a styled holiday table

Gingerbread and cookie party

Decorating stations, a candy buffet, hot cocoa and take-home boxes. The easiest party to say yes to.

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Striped-awning holiday carts filled with treats

Holiday open house

Passed bites, a cocoa cart, a gelato cart and a mixologist while friends and neighbors drop in all afternoon.

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Glamorous holiday lounge with mirror disco balls

New Year's Eve

Chef stations, a signature cocktail bar, a DJ and warm churros at midnight.

Start with this
The work

A few of our merriest moments.

Holiday tables, carts, kids parties and cozy moments, designed, delivered, served and cleaned up by our team, so you get to be a guest at your own party.

Some of our year-round installations are shown restyled in holiday colors.

Holiday tables

Red and white holiday tablescape with roses, evergreen and taper candles
Red and white holiday dinner
Holiday tables with gift boxes and florals
Holiday brunch table
Holiday picnic on a harbor boat under a red, pink and white balloon garland
Harbor boat picnic

Carts and sweets

Three striped-awning carts with holiday treats
Holiday market carts
Croquembouche and white chocolate madeleine towers tied with satin ribbon
Croquembouche towers
Red-awning hot cocoa cart with cocoa urns, candy canes, marshmallows and whipped cream
Hot cocoa cart

Sets and sweet tables

Burgundy velvet dessert table with candy jars, a mini tree, florals and a wreath with a velvet bow
Velvet sweet table
Red velvet holiday set with a green rocking horse, pom-pom garlands and giant ornaments
Rocking-horse photo set
An aisle of lit trees hung with pink, red and green velvet ribbons
Ribbon-tree walkway

Little moments guests post

Pink gingerbread party table with gingerbread houses, pink tapers and a cocoa cart
Pink gingerbread party
Ornament ceiling install
Pink glitter nutcracker beside pink and red florals
Pink nutcracker details

Kids holiday parties

Girl decorating a gingerbread house beside a flocked tree
Gingerbread workshop
Santa and Mrs. Claus on a styled set with balloon garland
Santa photos
Movie screen framed by a red, green and gold balloon garland with bean bags
Polar Express movie night
Two girls dancing in front of a holiday balloon backdrop
Holiday backdrop
Color stories

Pick the look. We build it.

Four holiday palettes for florals, linens, balloons and backdrops. Choose one in the planner, or bring your own palette to your call with Lauren.

Classic Christmas tablescapeClassic Christmas backdropClassic Christmas dessert carts

Classic Christmas

Red, gold and evergreen

Red roses, fresh garland, brass and candlelight. The Christmas everyone remembers.

Plan in Classic Christmas
Winter Wonderland tablescapeWinter Wonderland backdropWinter Wonderland dessert carts

Winter Wonderland

Blues, whites and silver

Flocked greenery, white florals and silver and ice-blue balloons. Crisp and elegant.

Plan in Winter Wonderland
Neutral Christmas tablescapeNeutral Christmas backdropNeutral Christmas dessert carts

Neutral Christmas

Warm neutrals, evergreen and white

Oatmeal linen, white roses, dried grasses and pinecones. Quiet luxury.

Plan in Neutral Christmas
Pink gingerbread party table with gingerbread houses, pink tapers and a cocoa cartPink-mas backdropPink glitter nutcracker beside pink and red florals

Pink-mas

Blush, candy pink and berry

Pink flocked trees, candy-cane balloons and pink gingerbread. Made for photos.

Plan in Pink-mas

Some photos show our installations restyled in each palette.

Why hosts book us

Be a guest at your own party.

No shopping, no setup, no sink full of dishes. Here's what we take off your plate.

One team for everything

Food, carts, bar, tables, backdrops, kids activities and music from one team, with one planner who answers fast.

We come to you

Your home, backyard, clubhouse, beach house or a venue we help you find. We handle load-in, parking and neighbors.

Real numbers, fast

Price your party below in a few clicks, then get an itemized proposal within one business day.

Kids are covered

Hosted kids activities, kid-friendly menus and a kids corner, so parents can actually talk to each other.

Everyone is taken care of

Vegetarian always included. Vegan, gluten-aware and allergy-conscious options with notice, and zero-proof cocktails at every bar.

Setup to spotless

We arrive early, run the party and leave your space clean. Outdoor parties get heaters and a weather plan.

The menu

Pick what you love. Skip the rest.

Every piece includes delivery, setup, service and cleanup. Mix freely: a cozy cocoa cart and a gingerbread station make a whole party.

Holiday tables

A styled cocktail look for mingling or a fully seated dinner, with florals and candlelight at every level.

Cocktail tables in red velvet linens with evergreen and red floral centerpieces and votive candles
Light

Cocktail Styling

Styled cocktail tables for a standing party.

  • Cocktail table and linen
  • Low seasonal florals and candles
  • One table per 8 to 10 guests
$159per styled table
Candlelit seated dinner
Mid

Seated Tablescape

Tables, chairs and a complete styled place setting.

  • Linen, runner, charger, plate, flatware, glassware
  • Menus and place cards
  • Florals, bud vases and candles
$115per guest
Custom red and white holiday long table
Luxe

Custom Design

A one-of-a-kind table designed around your home and palette.

  • Design consultation and custom palette
  • Abundant florals and specialty linens
  • Elevated centerpieces and candlelight
from $149per guest

Carts and sweets

Styled, stocked and hosted. The part of the party the kids remember.

Red-awning hot cocoa cart with cocoa urns, candy canes, marshmallows and whipped cream
Cozy

Hot Chocolate Bar

Rich cocoa with peppermint, marshmallows, whipped cream and candy canes. Add our peddler cart for $315.

from $17per guest
Toasted marshmallows and cocoa
Cozy

S'mores Bar

Gourmet marshmallows, chocolates and grahams, toasted to order.

from $33†per guest
Cookie bar
Classic

Cookies and Milk Bar

Warm cookies, gingerbread and brownies with milk shooters.

from $27per guest
Burgundy velvet holiday dessert table
Classic

Holiday Dessert Station

Peppermint bark, gingerbread, mini pies and holiday minis.

from $42per guest
Holiday market carts
Showpiece

Gelato Cart

Two artisan flavors scooped to order with holiday toppings.

from $3,375up to 100 guests
Dessert display
Showpiece

Warm Churros or Beignets

Fried fresh, with chocolate and peppermint dips.

from $3,750per event

Catering

Start with holiday bites, then choose how dinner happens. Drop-off boxes are perfect for kids parties.

Passed holiday bites and grazing
Light

Holiday Cocktail Hour

Tray-passed holiday bites while guests mingle.

  • 3 passed bites, 2 pieces each
  • Cranberry-brie crostini, warm dates
$36per guest
Buffet salads and sides
Mid

Cocktails + Buffet

Passed bites, then a holiday buffet dinner.

  • Baja Posada, California Holiday or Mele Kalikimaka
  • Attendants, chafing, linen
$159per guest · 50+ guests
Plated holiday dinner on a long table
Luxe

Cocktails + Plated Dinner

A seated dinner with a captain and service team.

  • Plated starter and main
  • Sirloin or fish from $280
from $250per guest · $3,000 minimum
Picnic boxes
Easy

Drop-off Picnic Boxes

Individually boxed meals. Great for kids parties and open houses.

  • Lunch, brunch, Baja, graze and lobster roll boxes
  • 24-hour order
from $25per box · $500 minimum

Things to do

Hosted by our team with supplies, setup and cleanup included.

Gingerbread house decorating
Favorite

Gingerbread House Decorating

Kits, candy buffet and a host. Everyone takes one home.

$79per guest · 10+ guests
Holiday cookie and candy table
Favorite

Christmas Cookie Decorating

Sugar cookies, royal icing, sprinkles and take-home boxes.

$55†per guest
Holiday bloom bar
Signature

Bloom Bar

Guests build a holiday bouquet from seasonal stems, wrapped to go.

from $3,050per station
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Signature

Santa Photos

Santa on a styled holiday set with instant digital photos.

from $2,175plus Santa appearance
Holiday balloon backdrop with flocked tree
Crowd pleaser

Digital Photo Booth

Holiday overlay, instant sharing and a props table.

from $2,175per event
Hat bar
Signature

Charm, Jewelry or Hat Bar

Permanent jewelry, charms or custom hats, a keepsake guests actually keep.

from $4,200per station

Kids holiday parties

Hosted start to finish, 8 kids minimum.

Mini pancake station with hosts in Santa hats
Morning

Pancakes with Santa

Pancake and cocoa bar, a Santa visit, storytime and photos by the tree.

$98†per child
Kids with their gingerbread houses
Hands-on

Gingerbread Workshop

Kid-sized gingerbread houses, candy buffet, aprons and a take-home box.

$75†per child
Kids with finished gingerbread houses
Games

Elf Academy

Elf crafts, holiday games, a scavenger hunt and a graduation certificate.

$90†per child
Holiday tea table
Afternoon

Winter Wonderland Tea

Snow-white tables, tea sandwiches, mini sweets and a mocktail bar.

$105†per child
Movie screen with balloon garland and bean bags
Evening

Polar Express Movie Night

A screen framed in a red, green and gold balloon garland, inflatable bean bags, blankets, cocoa and popcorn.

from $5,250package
Kids corner
Add-on

Kids Corner

A teepee, poufs and a craft table so parents can mingle.

$595teepee corner · crafts quoted

Photo backdrops

Arched panels, balloon garlands and a custom greeting with your family name.

Arched panel holiday backdrop
Light

Twinkle

  • 2 arched panels
  • 1 balloon garland
  • Custom vinyl greeting
$950per backdrop, installed
Pink holiday backdrop with balloon garland
Mid

Glow

  • 3 arched panels
  • 2 balloon garlands
  • Custom greeting and holiday props
from $2,250per backdrop
Red velvet holiday set with a rocking horse and giant ornaments
Luxe

Grand

  • 4 arched panels
  • Full balloon installation
  • Fresh florals and a lit tree
from $4,050per backdrop

The bar and favors

You buy the alcohol from our shopping list; we bring the mixologist and everything else. Favors are wrapped in your colors.

Mixologist shaking a holiday cocktail
Bar

Mixologist Bar

Bartenders, signature holiday cocktails, mixers, garnish and ice. Up to 100 guests.

from $2,925per event
White gift boxes tied with red ribbon
Favor

Holiday Favor

A wrapped favor for every guest in your colors.

from $42†per guest
Styled gift table with wrapped gifts and evergreen
Keepsake

Signature Keepsake

A one-of-a-kind keepsake presented on a styled gift table.

from $185†per guest

Prices before the 22% service and production charge and tax. † Seasonal items: pricing confirmed in your proposal.

Plan and price

Build your merry party.

One choice per screen. Pick a party, then add the tables, food, carts, activities and kids fun you want, or skip anything you don't need. At the end you'll see an all-in estimate and can book a free call with Lauren to review it.

Step 1 of 14 $0est.
How booking works

From first click to last guest.

  1. Today

    Build your party

    Use the planner above, or skip it and book a free call.

  2. Free call

    Talk with Lauren

    Fifteen minutes with Lauren or our coordination team to fine-tune picks and budget.

  3. Within 1 business day

    Itemized proposal

    Every line priced, so there are no surprises.

  4. When you're ready

    Hold the date

    A 50% retainer reserves your date and team. Final count 21 days out.

  5. Party day

    You host

    We set up, run the party and leave your space clean.

Questions hosts ask

Straight answers.

Is there a minimum?

Drop-off boxes start at a $500 order. Plated dinners and chef stations start at $3,000 in food, and buffets at 50 guests or $5,000. For a smaller party of 10 to 30, a cocoa cart, holiday bites and a gingerbread station make a whole party.

Can you do it at my house?

Yes. Most of our holiday parties are in homes, backyards, clubhouses and beach houses across Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego. We plan load-in, parking and power with you, and bring heaters and a weather plan for outdoor parties.

How far ahead should I book?

December weekends book first, usually by early November. We send proposals within one business day, so you can move quickly once you have a date.

How does alcohol work?

You buy the alcohol, and we handle everything else. We send a shopping list sized to your guest count, then bring the mixologist, the bar, mixers, garnish, ice and your signature holiday cocktails. Bartenders check ID, and every bar includes zero-proof drinks.

Can you plan a kids-only party?

Absolutely. Our kids parties are hosted start to finish for 8 kids or more, with kid-friendly food, gingerbread, games, Santa or a movie night, and take-home treats.

Can you handle dietary needs?

Vegetarian is always included. Vegan, gluten-aware, dairy-free and allergy-conscious options are available with advance notice.

How do deposits and payment work?

A 50% retainer reserves the date. Final headcount and menu are due 21 days before the party and the balance 30 days before.

What is the 22% charge?

It's a service and production charge on catering, bar service, décor, rentals and florals. It covers planning, sourcing, staffing, setup, breakdown and cleanup. It is not a gratuity.

What if plans change?

More than 90 days out, only the retainer is kept. From 31 to 90 days, 75% of the contract is due, and within 30 days, 100%. Custom florals and special orders can't be refunded once ordered.

Talk to a planner

December weekends book by early November.

Book a free call with Lauren Rivard, our founder and head planner, or our event coordination team. Or reach us directly.

events@thepicniccollective.com
949-782-7468
Book a free call