It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Many plans are already well underway for holiday gatherings with family and friends, showing appreciation for employees and colleagues, and December graduation celebrations. Below are some ways the Mt. Nittany Overlook encourages budget-conscious customers to rethink their planning at holiday time or anytime.

Strategic Scheduling

• Catering facts: Guests are hungriest at Friday evening events. They tend to eat much less on a Sunday afternoon.
• Don’t overestimate your guest count. In the last few years, more often than not some guests back out after final catering numbers are in or worse, they just don’t show up. This leaves you paying for extra food. Get honest RSVPs with a deadline and don’t be afraid to tell them it’s when the caterer needs the guest count.

Service & Equipment

• Heated items mean more set-up and equipment. Avoid chafers and go with beautiful platters instead. There are countless options!
• Glassware and China add cost. Choosing glassware and disposables is a great compromise. Everyone likes to drink out of a nice glass but understands the ease of cleanup and sustainability with our eco-friendly disposable utensils, plates, and napkins.
• Save further by providing your own cups and paper goods.

Menu Planning

• Mix & Mingle events (rather than seated meals) translate into less eating. When people are standing, chatting, and moving about they are busy and tend to eat less.
• An Open House means people come and go with less focus on the food because there is not a specific time to serve and eat. That said, don’t schedule your gathering over the dinner hour.
• A cheese, fruits, and sweets menu, served in the afternoon or after dinner, is a lovely way to feed a festive crowd in a seasonal yet affordable way.
• Tailgate-style offerings are always überpopular. These tasty, filling, and affordable menu items translate to any occasion extremely well including holiday gatherings.
• Order pans and platters of chef-made foods and fill in around them with the easier-to-do items. Part-catered and part DIY.
• Celebrations call for wine and holiday cocktails - all of which you do yourself (due to PA liquor laws). Plan a few signature drinks that meet your budget and set up as self-serve or with a friend to bartend.

Whether on a tight budget or looking for an "impress the guest" spread, The Mt. Nittany Overlook by Harrison's is willing to assist. Full-service events, full meal planning, special occasion hors d'oeuvres and more…submit an inquiry and they will get back to you promptly.

Click here to submit an inquiry.

If you would like to see a sample of the seasonal menu click here.

No matter your budget, the Mt. Nittany Overlook by Harrison's is the perfect choice for your holiday gatherings.