Hot food for a cold night
In December, hot food matters. A hog roast cooks outdoors under cover and is carved straight from the roaster, so guests get hot rolls even on a cold evening.
Pork and turkey
For a traditional touch, add roast turkey alongside the pork, with roast potatoes and salads. Chicken, halloumi and vegetable skewers and a vegan option cover everyone else.
Dark early
Across the South East, it’s dark before 4pm in December. Plan lighting for the cooking area and the path to it.
Somewhere warm to eat
The roast cooks outside, but guests need a warm, dry place to eat: the office, a hall or a heated marquee.
Book early
The Fridays and Saturdays before Christmas go first. Ask as soon as you know your date.
A warm welcome
Guests arriving on a cold evening appreciate being greeted by the smell of roasting pork. If the roaster can be set up near (but safely away from) the entrance, it makes a memorable start to the party.
Office parties
For a work Christmas party, think about when people finish work and how long they’ll stay. Serving soon after the party starts means people eat before the drinks take hold, and nobody leaves hungry.
Christmas fairs and lights switch-ons
At a community Christmas event, a hog roast stall gives visitors hot food to hold on a cold evening. Organisers should plan lighting for the stall and the queue, and somewhere for waste.
Dietary needs in December
Christmas parties often include people who don’t usually come to work socials, so ask everyone about dietary needs when they sign up. Roast turkey, chicken and vegetarian options alongside the pork mean nobody misses out.
Somewhere to keep coats
On a cold night, guests arrive in coats and scarves. Plan somewhere for them to put things down, and make sure the route from the cooking area to where people eat is short, lit and not slippery.
Sides for winter
Roast potatoes suit a Christmas hog roast better than a summer salad. Coleslaw adds crunch. Keep it simple and hot.
Planning the timing
For an evening Christmas party, the roast is usually cooking through the afternoon while it’s still light, and carved once guests have arrived. For a lunchtime party, the caterer may need access very early. Tell them the time you want to eat and check access with your venue.
Tidying up after dark
Clearing up in the dark takes longer. Make sure there’s lighting where the caterer will pack away, and somewhere sensible for rubbish.
Before you book
Send us the date, the venue, rough numbers, the time you’d like to eat and whether you’d like roast turkey as well as the pork. Mention where guests will eat and what lighting there is near the outdoor cooking spot.
Quick answers
Can we have turkey and pork?
Yes, roast turkey is available for Christmas events.
Do hog roasts work in winter?
Yes, the roast is cooked under cover; guests need shelter.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.