Your Guide to Holiday Catering with The Lookout Kitchen

Written By JP Wilson

In the Park, In Our Restaurant, or At Your Place! 'Tis the Season for Hassle-Free Holiday Celebrations

Thanksgiving buffet setup by Lookout Kitchen Catering at Sequoyah State Park in Hulbert, OK.

The holiday season brings joy, festivity, and—let's be honest—a fair amount of planning stress. Whether you're organizing a corporate Christmas party, a family gathering, or a New Year's celebration, one decision can dramatically reduce your holiday headaches: professional catering from The Lookout Kitchen.

With the festive season approaching, we're rolling out our comprehensive holiday catering options designed to fit any venue preference. From majestic state park ballrooms to intimate gatherings in our restaurant spaces, or even bringing our culinary expertise directly to your location—we've got you covered with seasonal flavors and impeccable service.

Why Professional Catering Makes Holiday Events Magical

Before diving into specifics, let's talk about why catering makes sense:

  • Focus on Guests, Not the Kitchen: Spend your time mingling and making memories rather than monitoring the oven

  • Elevated Menu Options: Impress with dishes that might be too complex or time-consuming to prepare at home

  • Dietary Accommodation: Professional caterers expertly handle varied dietary needs from gluten-free to vegan

  • Reduced Cleanup: No post-party kitchen disaster to tackle when the evening winds down

  • Staffing Support: From setup to service to breakdown, leave the logistics to the professionals

Option 1: Majestic State Park Ballrooms—Nature's Perfect Backdrop

Christmas dinner, setup as a seated dinner service, by the Lookout Kitchen Catering team at Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore, OK.

As the official food service partner at Oklahoma State Parks, we cater in some of the most stunning event spaces in the state.

Why State Park Ballrooms Stand Out for Holiday Events

Ballroom spaces at Oklahoma State Parks deliver a unique blend of natural beauty and sophisticated amenities. Imagine floor-to-ceiling windows framing snow-dusted landscapes or golden sunset views across tranquil waters. These settings create instant atmosphere that standard event venues simply can't match.

Available Locations

We proudly operate at multiple Oklahoma State Park locations, each offering distinctive spaces:

  • Lake Murray State Park: Our flagship location featuring panoramic lake views and elegant ballroom space that accommodates up to 200 guests

  • Quartz Mountain: Rustic elegance with mountain vistas and ballroom capacity for up to 175 guests

  • Additional park locations: Including Roman Nose, Sequoyah, Robbers Cave, and Beavers Bend, each with unique charm and varying capacities

Catering Packages for Park Venues

Our state park holiday packages include:

  • Buffet Service: Traditional holiday favorites with locally-sourced ingredients

  • Plated Service: Elegant multi-course meals for more formal affairs

  • Cocktail Receptions: Heavy hors d'oeuvres with festive holiday-themed stations

  • Bar Service: From full premium bars to signature holiday cocktails and local craft brews

"The ballroom at Lake Murray transformed our company party last year," shares Andrea M., a repeat corporate client. "The sunset views combined with The Lookout Kitchen's catering created an experience our team still talks about."

For the most memorable venues, book early! Our state park ballrooms fill quickly for prime December dates. Contact us at catering@thelookoutkitchen.com for availability.

Christmas witha view! Inside Lake Murray Lookout Kitchen in Ardmore, OK. Our restaurant can make a perfect venue for your Holiday party!

Option 2: Host Your Event in Our Restaurant Spaces

Sometimes the perfect venue is already set with ambiance, full kitchen capabilities, and trained staff ready to go. That's why we offer holiday parties right in our own restaurant spaces.

Restaurant Space Options

Depending on your group size and preferred location, we offer:

  • Full Restaurant Buyout: For larger groups wanting exclusive access to the entire venue

  • Private Party Room: Intimate space for smaller gatherings of 15-40 guests

  • Semi-Private Dining Areas: Sectioned spaces that maintain atmosphere while providing some separation from other diners

The Restaurant Advantage

Hosting your holiday party at The Lookout Kitchen means:

  • No Transportation Worries: Your food moves mere feet from our kitchen to your table, ensuring optimal temperature and presentation

  • Full Menu Access: Choose from our complete menu offerings with seasonal specials

  • Flexible Timing: Lunch, dinner, or even brunch options depending on your preference

  • Built-In Atmosphere: Our spaces are already holiday-ready with tasteful decorations and ambiance

Popular Restaurant Party Formats

Over the years, we've perfected several holiday celebration formats:

  • Cocktail & Appetizer Socials: Casual mingling with passed hors d'oeuvres and drink stations

  • Family-Style Feasts: Shareable platters that create conversation and connection

  • Multi-Course Tasting Menus: Curated seasonal progression of smaller plates

  • Holiday Brunch Gatherings: A lighter, daytime option perfect for family celebrations

"We've hosted our holiday party at The Lookout Kitchen for three years running," says Michael T., a local business owner. "The party room gives us privacy while still feeling connected to the restaurant's energy. And the food is consistently outstanding."

For restaurant space bookings, we recommend contacting us at least 6-8 weeks in advance for prime holiday dates. Some of our most popular holiday events include our Thanksgiving 2024 celebration and our annual Valentine's Day event which showcases how we transform our spaces for special occasions.

Option 3: We'll Come to You—Off-Site Catering Excellence

The Moonraker Group, parent company of The Lookout Kitchen, can accomodate your catering needs; wherever they may be! Pictured here is a full lunch catering setup for the Oklahoma City Thunder at their home office inside the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, OK.

Sometimes the perfect venue is your office, home, or another special location. Our off-site catering services bring The Lookout Kitchen's quality and service directly to you.

The Freedom of Location Choice

Off-site catering opens possibilities for:

  • Office Spaces: Transform your workplace for staff celebrations

  • Home Gatherings: Elevate private parties without the hosting hassle

  • Unique Venues: Historic buildings, art galleries, or other distinctive spaces

  • Outdoor Settings: Weather permitting, create magical winter wonderland experiences

Our Off-Site Capabilities

When The Lookout Kitchen comes to you, we bring:

  • Full-Service Excellence: From setup to breakdown, we handle all details

  • Equipment as Needed: Tables, chairs, linens, tableware, and service stations

  • Professional Staff: Experienced servers, bartenders, and on-site chefs

  • Menu Integrity: Systems to ensure food quality matches our restaurant standards

  • Bar Services: Complete beverage service customized to your preferences

Sample Off-Site Holiday Menus

For off-site events, popular holiday menus include:

  • Traditional Holiday Buffet: Classic comfort with modern presentation

  • International Holiday Feast: Global inspirations for adventurous groups

  • Oklahoma Heritage Menu: Local specialties celebrating regional traditions

  • Custom Theme Menus: Tailored to your event's specific concept

"Having The Lookout Kitchen cater our home holiday party was a game-changer," explains Jennifer K., a residential client. "We actually got to enjoy our own party for once. The staff was professional, the food was incredible, and they left our kitchen cleaner than they found it!"

For off-site catering inquiries, we recommend booking at least 8-10 weeks in advance for holiday dates. Contact our catering coordinator via our events page for a custom quote.

Sliced Beef Ribeye or Prime Rib is always a poular option for Lookout Kitchen Catering guests! We always cut and serve fresh, directly from the Carving Station, by our Chef and directly on your guest’s plate!

Special Holiday Menu Highlights

No matter which venue option you choose, our holiday menus feature seasonal specialties designed to create memorable dining experiences:

  • Appetizers: From classic stuffed mushrooms to elevated charcuterie boards with local cheeses and holiday preserves

  • Entrees: Herb-crusted prime rib, maple-glazed ham, stuffed acorn squash (vegan), and other festive centerpieces

  • Sides: Creative twists on classics like roasted root vegetables with rosemary and brown butter, cranberry-pecan wild rice pilaf

  • Desserts: Mini dessert stations featuring bite-sized portions of holiday classics and innovative sweets

  • Beverages: Signature cocktails, local craft beers, fine wines, and festive non-alcoholic options

All menus can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

Booking Your Holiday Catering Experience

Ready to secure your holiday catering? Here's our recommended timeline:

  • September-October: Book your preferred date and venue, especially for prime December weekends

  • 4-6 Weeks Before: Finalize menu selections and guest count estimate

  • 2 Weeks Before: Confirm final guest count and any special dietary needs

  • 1 Week Before: Review final details, timeline, and setup with our coordinator

The holiday season is our busiest time of year, so early planning ensures you get your preferred date and menu options. Our team is standing by to help create the perfect holiday celebration tailored to your vision and budget.

Lookout Kitchen Catering signature Hors d'oeuvres: Shrimp Cocktail Shooters, Brie on Crostini with Cherry compote, & Antipasti skewers!

The Lookout Kitchen Difference

What sets our holiday catering apart?

  • Location Versatility: From state parks to our restaurants to your chosen venue

  • Menu Customization: Tailored offerings that reflect your preferences

  • Service Excellence: Professional, attentive staff focused on guest experience

  • Local Sourcing: Seasonal ingredients from Oklahoma producers when possible

  • Seamless Execution: Decades of combined experience handling events of all sizes

Ready to Celebrate?

Whether you choose the natural splendor of an Oklahoma State Park ballroom, the turnkey convenience of our restaurant spaces, or the personalized touch of off-site catering, The Lookout Kitchen is ready to make your holiday event memorable for all the right reasons.

Contact us today by calling (405) 602-2324 or email us directly to start planning; catering@thelookoutkitchen.com. Holiday dates fill quickly, so don't wait to secure your preferred option!

Let us handle the details while you focus on what matters most during the holidays—connecting with the people who matter most to you.

JP Wilson