Around this time of year, invitations to parties, get togethers, and dinners abound. Whether you’re hosting an ugly sweater party, relatives from out of town, or Christmas Day, it can be quite a lot – on your budget and your stress level. So this year, why not let some elves take care of all the work for you – from cooking to hosting, clean-up and planning, these Central Jersey holiday catering restaurants and venues will do as much or as little of the work needed. All you have to do is RSVP yes!

(We also put together a list for Jersey Shore Holiday Catering and North Jersey Holiday Catering to make sure you’re covered no matter what part of the Garden State you’re from!)

Central Jersey Holiday Catering

Livoti’s Old World Market
3 Locations: Aberdeen, Marlboro and Middletown
Click here for store locations and hours

Three locations (Middletown, Aberdeen, and Englishtown) give you three opportunities to turn your next party into a memorable one. In addition to their catering menu packed full of Italian specialities, they also have Holiday Specials including Lobsters Oreganata, Fruita Di Mare, and Linguini with Homemade Crab Sauce, holiday roasts, and a number of a la carte and appetizer platters. If that’s not enough, there’s a homemade Christmas dinner for 12-15 people for just $299 and a huge in-house bakery! Now that’s a deal that’s straight from Babbo Natale.

iPlay America
110 Schanck Road, Freehold
732-577-8200

When you invite your guests to a Central Jersey holiday party at iPlay America, you can guarantee that they’ll reply yes, maybe even a h*ll yes! From galas to corporate outings of all sizes, they have a space for you (even fancy spaces!) Think of it as a day to treat your employees, friends, and/or family to a day or evening of fun and food. With tons of different packages and menus available, including their all new holiday menu, they’ll definitely be something that suits your budget and idea of a great time.

Gusto Grill
1050 Route 18 North, East Brunswick
732-651-2737

No matter how many guests you’re planning on inviting, Gusto Grill can turn your event into a grand one. From intimate dinners to large parties, their dedicated team of party specialists will help you create a festive holiday party, especially once you take a look at their secluded loft overlooking the restaurant.

Old City Café & Grill
20 North Union Avenue, Cranford
908-276-2701

Treat your guests to a special treat this holiday season, and we’re not just talking about goodies under the tree! Old City Café & Grill will help you add some goodies to your table. They’ll help you customize the perfect array of traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare – even grilling on the spot! Now that’s a feast that we can get behind!

Jersey Freeze
120 Manalapan Avenue, Freehold
732-462-3008

No party is complete without a stellar dessert from Jersey Freeze. Whether you’re choosing their classic Cookie Pie or a Ice Cream Cake, they’ll whip up the sweetest treat for your guests with just 48 hours notice. (Talk about last minute hospitality!)

Toast
700 Bloomfield Road, Montclair
973-509-8099

There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than to toast with Toast! Their comforting, yet unique style of cuisine can make your at-home dinner party to a hundred person brunch a complete success. Dine at one of Toast’s three locations (Montclair, Red Bank, and Asbury Park) with a BYOB policy (perfect for those holiday Mimosas) or bring the party to you. With plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and omnivore choices, your guests will definitely be toasting to you!

Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop
300 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach
732-892-7576

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. A Central Jersey holiday party is not complete without a delicious selection of high quality sweets! At Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop you can rest assured that your sweet tooth is in great hands. Choose from unique favors to custom themed creations that include everything from decadent chocolate to homemade fudge and mouth-watering candied apples.

Phoenix Performing Arts Center
59 Chestnut Street, Red Bank
732-747-0014

Need to throw a party, but don’t have the space? Check out the open and elaborate space at Phoenix Productions Performing Arts Center right in Red Bank. With two large studios, a generous lobby, and plenty of facilities, there’s more than enough space to house anywhere from 20 to 100 chairs!

Hailey’s Pub
15 Station Place, Metuchen
732-515-9767

Why not spread the holiday cheer this year with the help of Hailey’s Publick room! Catering to each group’s needs, their decorative space can accommodate anywhere from 10 – 50 guests. So get ready to party and host a legendary evening on the town! As for those looking to get their game on, why not bring the party to Hailey’s Harp-cade where you and your guests can dine off of their extensive food and drink menu, while playing 20 arcade games to . your heart’s content!

Red Knot Restaurant
3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth
908-241-2211

Whether you’re a fan of golf or not (or a love to hate golf kind of person), Red Knot Restaurant located in the Clubhouse of Galloping Hill Golf Course offers the ideal space for intimate gatherings. Let them do all the heavy lifting, from decorating to cooking, so you can sit back and relax and enjoy the view of the sprawling golf course (now that’s a hole-in-one).

MJ’s Restaurant
845 Route 34, Matawan
732-566-6220

Yes, they’re known for throwing great parties from weddings to dances, but they also have a great space for holiday parties too! Throw the most memorable party of the year, as the experts at MJ’s do all the designing and prepping for you for any size party! (And with views like this – we can’t guarantee the double rainbow – how can you go wrong?!)

The Greek On Main
419 Main Street, Metuchen
732-515-9457

Book your holiday party with The Greek On Main where they have proven (again and again) to provide outstanding service and dishes. With facilities that can accommodate up to 50 people, there’s no reason not to say “opa!” this holiday season!

Woody’s Roadside Tavern
105 Academy Street, Farmingdale
732-938-6404

This neighborhood restaurant is just the place to host your upcoming Jersey Shore holiday party. At Woody’s Roadside Tavern, you can host your guests in a private party room with an extensive dinner buffet menu. Choose from dishes like Eggplant Rollatini to Stuffed Shells, and Beef Burgandy all for just $30.00 per person (and maybe throw in a Crabby Pretzel Dip for good measure – after all, your guests are on the nice list!)