St. Louis Holiday Essentials

PERSONAL SHOPPERS

At Your Service of St. Louis County

Reduce your stress level this holiday season by spending less time fighting crowds and more time with loved ones. At Your Service of St. Louis County will do your holiday shopping, wrap your gifts, and ship them for you. Hourly rates apply, but membership packages are also available. 314-994-1382, atyourservicestlcounty.com.

Concierge Consultants

Hire your own elves this holiday season and let Concierge Consultants take the stress out of shopping for the holidays. With as little as 24 hours’ notice, Concierge Consultants can find gifts for everyone on your list, from family members to co-workers and clients. Services are available at either hourly or package rates. 314-707-0676, theconciergehelp.com. 

Elite Concierge

Give yourself the gift of a personal shopper, and let Elite Concierge brave the long lines at the mall for you this season. With more than a decade of experience, Elite Concierge uses a professional eye to select the gifts that will make you the hit of the holidays. The service is available in central St. Louis County, West County, and St. Charles. Call for prices and availability. 314-884-1161.

Errands, etc.

Save yourself valuable time and money during the holiday season this year by marking one big item off your list—shopping. Errands, etc. will shop on your behalf for every last person you’d like to delight—or you can bring one of the company’s personal shoppers along for a second opinion when you go shopping yourself. Hourly rates apply, but custom estimates are also available. 314-721-0908, errands-stl.com.

The Personal Gift Basket Co.

Coming up with a creative, unique gift for everyone on your list can be a challenge. But The Personal Gift Basket Co. can help. The company will do the shopping, wrapping, and even the shipping for you, complete with a note to let you know when the gift has been sent. The fee is 10 percent of the total order. 866-532-4023, thepersonalgiftbasket.com.

LIGHTING COMPANIES

Holiday Traditions

This outfit is one of the only companies in St. Louis strictly dedicated to holiday lighting, and it takes its displays seriously. During your initial meeting, the company offers computerized previews to ensure that the display will look exactly as you imagined it. Commercial-grade lights are available to purchase, along with a lifetime guarantee. Light storage is optional. Prices start at $400, with the cost depending on the style and quantity of lights. The service books up quickly, so be sure to call early. Five percent of net profits go to the Toys for Tots campaign. Holiday Traditions serves the St. Charles and St. Louis areas. 44 David,St. Charles, 636-922-4435, northpoleindustries.com.

Missouri Holiday Decor

It doesn’t feel like the holidays until the lights are hung outside. But who has the time? Missouri Holiday Decor will install, maintain, remove, and store all Christmas lights and decorations for you. Interior and exterior lighting displays are offered, along with animated and musical options, wreaths, trees, garlands, and inflatable display figures. Light strands are set up for a seamless look, and both LED and incandescent options are available. 6728 Armistead, Barnhart, 636-674-5354, mochristmas.com.

Mitchell Lighting

For an elegant outdoor holiday display, contact Mitchell Lighting. A free consultation will help determine the type of display that will best fit your home. The company installs its own lights and decorations, and it will collect all of these materials at the end of the season. Clients must agree to a three-year contract, and all work is under warranty against weather and mechanical failure. Home lighting displays start at $300. 314-567-4444, mitchell-lighting.com.

Red Nose Lighting

If the company name doesn’t get you into the holiday spirit, nothing will. Red Nose Lighting provides all the lights, supplies, and decorations needed to make the perfect holiday home. All work comes with a 24-hour service commitment, ensuring a quick fix to any damage, and removal at the end of the season is standard. Packages start at $500. Red Nose Lighting, a service of SealMaxx Plus, does work across the greater St. Louis area, St. Charles, and the Lake of the Ozarks. 636-264-0297, concretewoodsealers.com.

Rottler

A trusted name in St. Louis, Rottler can make your holiday bright. Take advantage of the free lighting-plan estimate to create your ideal holiday display. In addition to lights for your home, Rottler has electronic digital timers, garlands, bows, lit wreaths, and tree decorations. Packages include decoration removal after the holidays. The company doesn’t serve all areas, so call for details. Multiple locations, 314-426-6100, rottler.com.

St. Louis Christmas Decor

This lighting company takes your vision and makes it a reality. St. Louis Christmas Decor’s services include design, installation, maintenance, and timely removal. During the rest of the year, the company also offers landscape lighting. 1130 Hobbs Mill, Ballwin, 636-489-1855, stlouischristmasdecor.com.

St. Louis Holiday Lighting

Nick D’Amato of St. Louis Holiday Lighting creates incredible light displays throughout the St. Louis area. Full-service installation includes the loan of all materials, removal, and storage of lights. Fees are determined on the basis of the number of feet of lights installed, and all lights are installed with a timer for automatic display each evening. Bulb replacement and repairs are included. Each additional year of service comes with a discounted price. Landscape lighting is also available. 314-718-0105, stlholidaylighting.com.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Bowood Farms

If you’re looking for interesting garlands, wooden tags, glittery pine cones, and unusual ribbons, then you need to take a trip to Bowood Farms. (We also suggest stopping for lunch at the store’s Café Osage.) And Bowood offers fabulous greenery as well, treated to make sure it lasts beyond the ringing in of the new year. 4605 Olive, 314-454-6868, bowoodfarms.com.

Christopher’s

Across the street from the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market’s tree lot is a store loaded with everything you’ll need to decorate your acquisition. Christopher’s offers the kind of unique collectibles, ornaments, and accessories that make treasured gifts. Holiday candles and soaps are offered in a variety of scents, and the hostess gifts are personal and memorable. 127 E. Argonne, 314-909-0202, christophersgifts.com.

Down by the Station

A Kirkwood institution that is just a walk down Argonne Drive and across Kirkwood Road from Christopher’s, Down by the Station has ornaments for every taste. One of our favorite offerings is the Bride’s Box, an evocative collection of a dozen ornaments for those who were just married, each with its own meaning—such as a heart for true love, a house standing for shelter and protection, and a flower basket for good wishes. 150 W. Argonne, 314-965-7833, downbythestation.com.

The Gifted Gardener

Right after Halloween, The Gifted Gardener turns into holiday central. Pine-tree candles fill the store with the scent of the season, and the holiday open house early on puts every visitor to the shop in the mood to decorate. Wreaths and trees in all sizes are decorated with ornaments and accessories of every color and style. Make sure to check out the unique ribbon options for sale. If you don’t have your own holiday collection yet, this is a good place to start. 8935 Manchester, 314-961-1985, thegiftedgardener.com.

Ken Miesner’s Flowers 

A floral designer with excellent taste, Ken Miesner fills his store to the brim with holiday ornaments, wreaths, accessories, and decorations. There are plenty of Santas, as well as holiday items for every possible collection. Custom arrangements are available. The prices are reasonable, and the options are virtually endless. 1701 S. Lindbergh, 314-567-6650, ken-miesner.com.

Mary Tuttle’s Flowers

If you happen to be a fan of Patience Brewster’s whimsical creations, then grab your keys, get into your car, and head out to Chesterfield to Mary Tuttle’s Flowers. There are also myriad ornaments and decorations, gifts galore, and a range of items for enhancing your house for the season. And if you’re lucky, you can indulge in a cup of the incomparable hot cider. 17021 Baxter, Chesterfield, 636-728-0480, marytuttlesflowers.com.

Rusted Chandelier

For an avid holiday decorator, walking into the Rusted Chandelier is like being the proverbial kid in a candy store. Floral arrangements, ornaments, beautiful ribbons, and wreaths kick off the season and provide what you will need to put your home into the holiday spirit. Custom arrangements are available, but order early before the holiday rush. 118 N. Kirkwood, 314-821-7881.

Seasonal Concepts

Get everything you need for the holidays in one place. Seasonal Concepts offers pre-lit artificial trees, garlands, lights, and accessories, so you can spend your time enjoying the holidays, rather than shopping for them. Whether you have a small apartment or a large home, Seasonal Concepts can make your holiday as grand or as simple as you’d like. 14121 Manchester, Ballwin, 636-227-4044, seasonalconceptsonline.com.

Sign of the Arrow

If your talents include needlepoint, be sure to drop into Sign of the Arrow, a wonderland of projects for the holidays, from stockings to ornaments to tree skirts. And if you aren’t adept with a needle and thread, you can hire the shop (with plenty of lead time) to complete the project. Or if you just want to pick up some cheery decorations, you have plenty of choices here as well. 9740 Clayton, 314-994-0606, signofthearrow.com.

Terra

This shop may be known for patio furniture and barbecue supplies, but when the weather gets cold, the store turns into the North Pole. Terra fills every nook and cranny in its large space with decorated trees. Decorations, lights, ornaments, and accessories are offered in every style, and the themed trees will provide inspiration for your own. 11769 Manchester, Des Peres, 314-966-0800, terrastl.com.

Three French Hens 

When Santa comes to town, we suspect he goes to Three French Hens for ideas. Stocked full of items you simply can’t find elsewhere, the 10,000-square-foot store does the holidays on a grand scale. Densely decorated trees give you an idea of the extensive ornament options. Decorations, accessories, ribbons, and lights are in abundance. Even if you have all you need for the season, it’s worth a trip to walk through the store for decorating ideas. 16935 Manchester, Wildwood, 636-458-8033, threefrenchhensstl.com.

The White Rabbit

To make it a shabby-chic holiday, visit the ladies at The White Rabbit. Displays are soft and magical, and the ornaments and decorations are unique. The offerings have the same vintage flair the store is known for, but there are also unexpected items to spin into new holiday traditions. In addition to finding decorations, knock some names off your gift list by perusing the store’s range of jewelry and accessories. 9030 Manchester, 314-963-9784, thewhiterabbitstl.com.

FOOD

BAKERIES

4 Seasons Bakery

A husband-and-wife baking team, Aaron and Agi Groff are both graduates of the CIA—the Culinary Institute of America, not the spy outfit. They source ingredients locally and serve up recipes handed down by Agi’s German ancestors. Even if you live downtown or in Illinois, this shop is worth the mileage to get there. 2012 Campus, St. Charles, 314-288-9176, 4seasonsbakery.com.

The Bagel Factory

Need old-school, East Coast–style bagels? This cash-only spot isn’t an all-purpose bakery, but it’s one of the few places in town that offers the real thing, bagelwise. 11256 Olive, 314-432-3583.

Black Bear Bakery

If you’re hankering for the dense breads from the old Lickhalter Bakery, Black Bear is your huckleberry. It’s a collective that is heavily involved in improving the community; we give it an A+ for both product and effort. 2639 Cherokee, 314-771-2236, blackbearbakery.org.

Breadsmith

If you like your bread heavy and hearty and are searching for the perfect pizza shell or oversize oatmeal cookie, you have certainly come to the right place. 10031 Manchester, 314-822-8200, breadsmith.com.

The Cakery/The Cup

The bakery that established The Cup (formerly The Cupcakery) sits on the top rung when it comes to cakes. Order ahead, and be sure to get your cake frosted in buttercream. In our opinion, there’s none better. 1420 Tamm, 314-647-6000, thecakerybakery.net; 28 Maryland Plaza Rear, 314-367-6111; 1057 Century, Edwardsville, Ill., 618-656-2287; cravethecup.com.

Chouquette

Simone Faure resigned from her position as executive pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, to open this French patisserie, which carries Japanese-influenced chouquettes, signature wedding cakes, “smash cakes” for kids, and of course, “Petit Faures.” 1626 Tower Grove, 314-827-4049, simonefaure.com.

Clayton’s Bakery & Deli

Sure, the breakfast rolls are sweet, but this is the place for iced cookies, which are fresh daily and seasonally themed. Clayton’s also features many delicacies from the (may it rest in peace) Lake Forest Pastry Shop. 11744 Manchester, Des Peres, 314-821-2509, claytonsbakerydesperesmo.com.

Companion

It’s a beacon for great bread, natch, but also for excellent house-made soups, with four selections daily at each café. (If its New England clam chowder isn’t the best in town, tell us whose is.) 8143 Maryland, 314-721-5454; 9781 Clayton, 314-218-2280; companionstl.com.

The Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe

All of the muffins are magnificent; the apple, blueberry, and pumpkin ones are perfection. The seasonal brie-and-mushroom soup is a don’t-miss. Heck, even the wood-fired pizzas here are good. 11719 Manchester, 314-909-0010, thedbcafe.com.

Federhofer’s Bakery

Look for the neon sign with the chef holding a birthday cake—it marks one of the city’s best vintage German bakeries. 9005 Gravois, 314-832-5116, federhofersbakery.com.

Great Harvest Bread Co.

Just the scent of the store will lead you to buy many more loaves than you had planned. To us, the standout item is the olive bread. 7360 Manchester, 314-991-0049, greatharvestolivette.com; 125 W. Argonne, 314-821-1848, greatharvestkirkwood.com.

Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Café

The cupcakes are huge, almost too much for one person. And the sandwiches? They’re stupendous. 8509 Delmar, 314-993-5455, jillyscupcakebar.com.

Knodel’s Bakery

Open since 1901, this bakery makes cakes, cakes, and more fancy cakes—for every fancy. 6621 W. Florissant, 314-385-2000, knodelsbakery.com.

La Bonne Bouchée

C’est magnifique. It has the best croissants in town, and it’s one of the more civilized places for lunch in West County. Westgate Centre, 12344 Olive, 314-576-6606, labonnebouchee.com.

Lubeley’s Bakery & Deli

If your daughter dotes on Barbie, come here for her birthday cake, then put the Mattel marvel in the middle and make the cake her multitiered skirt. 7815 Watson, 314-961-7160, lubeleysbakery.com.

McArthur’s Bakery

This bakery is a great place to start your day. But you’ll have to get in line; you aren’t the first to realize it. 3055 Lemay Ferry; 113 N. Kirkwood; 13700 Olive, Chesterfield; 314-894-0900, mcarthurs.com.

Missouri Baking Company

At this institution on The Hill, it’s a tossup as to which of the delicacies offered is the best. The cannoli? The biscotti? The Napoleon or the Josephine? The chocolate drops? We crave them all. 2027 Edwards, 314-773-6566.

Nadoz Euro Bakery and Cafe

We opt for the sandwiches and single-serve pastries and do our best to remember to take home some chocolates from artisan chocolatier Christopher Elbow. 3701 Lindell, 314-446-6800; 12 The Boulevard–St. Louis, 314-726-3100; nadozcafe.com.

Party Pastry Shop

This is a bakery from the old school, right out of the 1960s. It has ladies in white aprons, glass cases, and a delightfully antique ambience—plus dynamite donuts and great seasonal cookies, hot cross buns, party rolls, bear claws, apple turnovers… If you’re missing Pfeiffer’s shaved-chocolate cake, head here. 15447 Clayton, Ballwin, 636-227-7188.

Pie Oh My!

If you love your pies fresh but prefer a tart-size version to the gluttony of a whole 9-incher, Jane Callahan is your baker. 2719 Sutton, 314-704-4416, pieohmystl.com.

Pint Size Bakery

The name describes the place, but the flavor and assortment (albeit in limited batches) are humongous. We’re especially fond of the savory muffins, quiches, and blondies, as well as the oatmeal cream pies, which are Pint Size best-sellers. 3825 Watson, 314-645-7142, pintsizebakery.com.

Saint Louis Bread Co.

The salads and sandwiches are great, but don’t forget those breakfast soufflés. While they are caloric, they’re a great way to start the day. The pumpkin muffins are also a fave. Multiple locations, 314-781-0508, panerabread.com.

Sarah’s Cake Shop

According to one connoisseur, Sarah’s salted-caramel cupcakes are “insane!” Other favorites here: the mini cupcake towers, the red-velvet cupcakes, and the glitter bites. 10 Clarkson Wilson Center, Chesterfield, 636-728-1140, sarahscakeshopstl.com. 

Sugaree Baking Company

One of the best ways to spend $5 around here? Pick up one of Sugaree’s 6-inch caramel apple crunch pies. Sugaree has savory treats, too, like quiche and chicken and beef pot pies. It’s open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 1242 Tamm, 314-645-5496, sugareebaking.com.

SweetArt

“Follow your heart” is this bake shop’s prime directive. Reine Bayoc is the baker and chef; her husband, Cbabi, is the artist. Located in the Shaw neighborhood, the studio and café are one. 2203 S. 39th, 314-771-4278, sweetartstl.com.

Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop

This from-scratch bakery is all about the fresh and healthy—and popsicles, a.k.a. ice pops, which will make your eyes pop. It’s also where Amrita Rawat of Mila, Sweets bakes and sells her amazing macarons. And if you want gluten-free or vegan choices, definitely stop in. 2201 Cherokee, 314-932-5166, whiskstl.com.

CATERERING

Adeline’s Kitchen and Catering Company

The company that started out more than two decades ago as RSVP Catering has changed its name to Adeline’s, named after the owner’s grandmother. Located in a century-old brick building, the caterer creates a variety of popular items, including Roquefort grapes and salmon with a Chinese mustard glaze. 800 S. Fifth, St. Charles, 636-896-9000, adelineskitchen.com.

Owner: Terri Roberts 

Functions: All types of parties in private homes and public venues 

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: Depends on the event

The Art of Entertaining

Known far and wide for its carryout food (take note of the family dinner night on Mondays for $25 for a family of four), this company caters parties, weddings, and corporate events. And if you want to take a picnic dinner to the nearby Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, this should be your top pick. Choices of meals run the gamut, and there are low-sodium and lower-calorie meals available. 8796 Big Bend, 314-963-9899, theaofe.com.

Owner: Ann Marie Lemcke 

Functions: All types of parties in private homes and public venues 

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: Depends on the menu

Bistro 517

This caterer’s intrepid staff works hard to anticipate clients’ needs, right down to the flower arrangements. A decade old, the company favors local and organic ingredients. The menus are arranged by type of event, covering anniversaries, funeral receptions, holidays, and New Year’s Eve, among other occasions. 517 Gray Barn, 314-822-3741, bistrostlouis.com.

Owner: Diane Martin

Functions: All types of parties in private homes and public venues 

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: Starts at $18

Butler’s Pantry

You can always test out Butler’s Pantry’s fare at the Sunday brunch at Café Madeleine in Tower Grove Park’s Piper Palm House or at Bixby’s at the Missouri History Museum. Founded in 1966 by Richard and Anita Nix, the family-owned firm ranks as one of the state’s largest catering companies. Services provided include venue design, ranging from finding locations to audiovisual and lighting design, ice sculptures, tenting and staging, florals, and decor. 1414 Park, 314-664-7680, butlerspantry.com.

Owner: Richard Nix Jr.

Functions: All types of parties in private homes and public venues 

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: Depends on the occasion

Callier’s Catering

This family-owned and -operated catering business is available for events from an informal gathering to a black-tie affair. Callier’s Catering offers a range of meal styles, from large buffets to easy box lunches to fun picnics and barbecue.14787 Manchester, Ballwin, 636-230-0019, callierscatering.com.

Owner: Dennis Callier

Functions: Any size

Guest Count: 20-person minimum

Rentals: Uses an outside rental company

Cost per Plate: $15.95-plus, a la carte

Catering by Georgianna

In business since 1976, this catering crew is known for its pasta con broccoli, the chicken breast in white-wine sauce with sautéed mushrooms, and the top-round roast beef au jus. 3578 Adie, 314-770-2022, cateringbygeorgianna.com.

Owner: Mary Ellen Scheel

Functions: All types

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: Depends on the menu

Catering St. Louis

Like Butler’s Pantry, Catering St. Louis offers the complete package, from event planning to theme development, security, flowers, trees, photographers, and more. The menus feature ingredients from local suppliers. The company caters events at such picturesque locations as the St. Louis Artists’ Guild, Three Barn Farm, the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, and the Gateway Arch. 2141 59th, 314-961-7588, cateringstlouis.com. 

Owner: Mark Erker 

Functions: No home catering

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $20-plus

Ces & Judy’s Catering 

Ces & Judy have been catering parties and weddings since 1981, from breakfast and brunch right down to picnics and box lunches, dinners, food stations, a children’s buffet, and more. One of the company’s delicious picnic menus even includes St. Louis–style pork steaks. You can’t get much more down-home than that. 10405 Clayton, 314-991-6700, cesandjudys.com. 

Owners: Cecily Hoffius and Judith Bellos

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $15-plus

Companion

Famous first and foremost for its bevy of breads, Companion also provides reliable catering for any occasion. The company offers Gathering Sacks—sack lunches for $10 each—as well as trays for breakfast (with pastries or bagels and lox) and lunch (with whole or mini sandwiches), plus individual salads and a delectable assortment of desserts. 8146 Maryland; 9781 Clayton; 314-537-2285, companionstl.com.

Owners: Josh Allen and Jodi Allen Gordon

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Not provided

Cost per Plate: $10-plus

Cuisine d’Art 

Catering for more than 20 years, Cuisine d’Art also runs a café, so you can check out its offerings first. The company provides custom menus for each event, and most parties request a selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres. The most popular dishes are the shrimp with andouille and the layered potato terrine. 701 N. New Ballas, Creve Coeur, 314-995-3003, cuisine-dart.com.

Owners: Beth Williams and Brenda Harris

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $30-plus

Entre.

You already know about Chef John Perkins of Entre if you’ve been sagacious enough to sign up for one of his pop-up underground restaurant events. But you don’t have to wait for one of his Brigadoon-like pop-ups to appear to try out the food. He will come to your home and cater your own personal party, and he also caters events in Entre’s very cool Central West End space. 360 N. Boyle, 314-632-6754, entrestl.com.

Owner: John Perkins

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: Depends on the occasion but starts around $55

Erker Catering Company 

From birthday parties to buffets, sit-down dinners to gourmet sandwiches for lunch, Erker says no event is too small or too large. Menus are available for those with special dietary needs, including those on fat-free, sugar-free, Atkins, organic, or other diets. 9029 Manchester, 314-727-3366, erkercateringco.com.

Owner: Robert Byrne

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: Depends on the occasion

Gourmet Foodworks/ L & M Catering

Working in the historic Bevo Mill, Milan Manjencich has created a mini catering empire, providing box lunches and serving corporate events. Menus are available for everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to tailgating at sporting events. Two highly recommended dishes are the chicken roulade and the beef-tenderloin kebabs. 4749 Gravois, 314-721-3233,

thebevomill.com, gourmetfoodworks.com.

Owner: Milan Manjencich 

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided on request

Cost per Plate: $4.75-plus

Gourmet to Go 

For anyone who has ever started the

day at Gourmet to Go or swung by for lunch and a club tea, you know the drill. It has great samples, fresh salads, CEO beef-tenderloin sandwiches, champagne turkey sandwiches, bacon rolls, lemon squares…and that’s just for starters. Catering: 314-205-1151; cafés: 9828 Clayton, 314-993-5442; 8182 Maryland, 314-727-2211; gourmettogo.com.

Owner: Martha Uhlhorn 

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: Minimum of six

Servers: Provided on request

Cost per Plate: $7.50-plus

Gregory’s Creative Cuisine

From omelet stations for breakfast to all types of food stations, buffets, seated dinners, and ethnic delicacies, Gregory Mosberger offers it all. Among his specialties are bourbon-grilled chicken with roasted–red pepper sauce and grilled bison tenderloin with red currant and Dijon mustard glaze. 4700 Adkins, 314-481-4481, gregoryscreativecuisine.com. 

Owner: Gregory Mosberger

Functions: It’s on the preferred caterer lists for Magic Chef Mansion, Soulard Preservation Hall, and Kuhs Estate and Farm, among other locations. It also caters in private venues.

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided 

Cost per Plate: $6-plus

Hanneke’s Westwood Catering

The personalized service and unique customization of menus create a one-of-a-kind experience whenever Hanneke’s Westwood Catering is on the scene. The beef brisket and pistachio chicken are difficult to pass up. 190 N. Sappington, 314-965-7428, westwoodcateringstl.com.

Owner: Suzie Hanneke Westerbeck

Functions: Caters at all parties, at both private homes and other venues

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $25 to $30

Hollyberry Catering

The little company that started out with just divine desserts (Dave’s double chip cookies! Oatmeal crannies! Lemon heaven!) has grown into one of the city’s most favored caterers. Aside from some brilliant box lunches (don’t miss Lizy’s berry chicken salad), Hollyberry now caters any event, including weddings. It is also one of the few caterers to create 500-calories-or-less box lunches, called the Slim Series. 284 East, 314-968-9239, hollyberrycatering.com.

Owner: Holly Cunningham

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided on request

Cost per Plate: $15-plus

Julia’s Catering

When Julia Krelo lost her job as a flight attendant, she started catering in 2004, doing omelet brunches after weddings, cocktail parties, and dinner parties, as well as creating business lunches and corporate airline catering. Her from-scratch specialties include beef tenderloin, rack of lamb, and meatball sliders. 314-283-0988.

Owner: Julia Krelo 

Functions: All types of parties

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided 

Cost per Plate: $15-plus

Kirk’s Traveling Kitchen

From a small tasting party of four to a major corporate event for 300, Kirk’s Traveling Kitchen is amazingly versatile, handling any transition. People have been impressed by the tastiness of the goat cheese–stuffed Medjool dates and the Spanish almonds with pickled chili peppers. 636-448-8721, travelingkitchen.com.

Owner: Kirk Warner

Functions: Caters private cookingparties, demonstrations, and classes, as well as corporate functions and team-building culinary classes

Guest Count: No minimum; Warner caters parties of four to six up to team-building events for 300

Servers: Provided on request 

Cost per Plate: Depends on the event

LaCHEF and Co.

Around the holidays, LaCHEF prepares a whole lot of grilled tenderloin in a béarnaise-and-horseradish sauce, along with prosciutto-grilled shrimp and sweet bacon. That’s likely enough to get your mouth watering, and the creative presentations are a treat for the eyes. 7169 Manchester, 314-647-5350, lachef.com.

Owner: Sherrill Gonterman

Functions: All types, including both special and private events

Guest Count: No minimum

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $25-plus, depending on the event

Local Harvest Catering 

Everything is made from quality ingredients using local produce, and the vegan green plate varies with each season. One popular dish is the Missouri farm-raised trout served over spaghetti squash sautéed with Brussels sprouts in white wine vinaigrette. 3137 Morgan Ford, 314-241-3196, localharvestcafe.com/catering. 

Owners: Patrick Horine and Maddie Earnest

Functions: Business events, weddings, and private events

Guest Count: 10 to 200 people 

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $20-plus for lunch; $30-plus for dinner

LoRusso’s Cucina

From rehearsal dinners and wedding anniversaries to baby showers and family picnics, LoRusso’s caters it all. The restaurant also has a private banquet room and a main dining room available for catered events. Specialties include the seafood ravioli and chicken Marsala. 3121 Watson, 314-647-6222, lorussos.com/banquetroomcatering.aspx.

Owners: Rich and Terri LoRusso

Functions: All types

Guest Count: Eight to 800 people

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $11.50-plus for lunch; $15.95-plus for dinner

Napa Catering

Known largely by word of mouth, Napa Catering has shown up in some of the area’s poshest homes. The owner, Emily Marshall, trained at the Culinary Institute of America, and aside from her mashed potatoes, which will send you into a state of bliss, she is revered for her customized theme menus and game dinners. 2106 Cherokee, 314-614-5282.

Owner: Emily Marshall

Functions: All types

Guest Count: All sizes

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $60 average 

Patty Long Catering 

This longtime caterer is one of the city’s most trusted—and most comprehensive—available. The company’s specialties include braised beef rib in a rich vegetable-and-wine stock garnished

with a gremolata, as well as roasted ginger pistachio–encrusted salmon with miso-orange glaze. 1804 S. Ninth, 314-621-9598, pattylongcatering.com.

Owner: Joan Long

Functions: Exclusively owns and caters the 9th Street Abbey and River Bot tom Saloon in Soulard and is on the preferred caterer lists for many of the city’s most iconic venues, including City Museum and the Butterfly House; the company also caters at private homes

Guest Count: 9th Street Abbey caters for a maximum of 250 people; River Bottom Saloon caters for a maximum of 350 people. Catering elsewhere is subject to each venue’s capacity limits.

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: Depends on the event and location

Russo’s Catering 

Matt and Fran Russo established Meramec Catering, now Russo’s, in the ’60s. Their sons continue the company’s tradition, serving fresh ingredients and catering any event. 9904 Page, 314-427-6771, russosgourmet.com.

Owner: Fran Russo

Functions: All kinds of events; Russo’s is a preferred vendor for some of the most in-demand venues in town, and it also hosts events in its own space

Guest Count: Will do events ranging from delivery/drop-off for two to seated dinners for 1,000 to corporate events as large as 10,000

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $8.95-plus

Something Elegant Catering 

With owner and super cook Linda Pilcher in charge, Something Elegant offers numerous customizable menus with many delicious plates to choose from, including grilled shrimp in spiced pistachio chutney and a sophisticated macaroni and cheese with aged Gouda, Edam, and Swiss. 2200 Yale, 314-781-7722, somethingelegantcatering.com.

Owner: Linda Pilcher

Functions: All functions

Guest Count: No minimum 

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: $12 to $75

Steven Becker Fine Dining

Well-known around town as the caterer at the Coronado Ballroom, this firm started out in 1954 as Lazy Suzan, a Clayton restaurant and caterer. Dan and Jeanne Becker’s son, Steven, took over and upped the ante, adding such elegant dishes as citrus-brined honey lavender turkey, house-made bûche de Noël, ganache with orange mousse, and many  others. Steve Becker Fine Dining’s sister company is Nadoz Euro Bakery + Cafe. 3701 Lindell, 314-367-4848, stevenbeckerfd.com.

Owner: Steven Becker

Functions: Everything from private parties to galas 

Guest Count: More than 10 guests

Servers: Provided

Cost per Plate: At-home catering starts at $15 to $20; Coronado catering starts at $75. Catering menus vary, running $11.95 to $150 per person. 

HOLIDAY DECORATORS

Bloomin’ Buckets

9844 Manchester, 314-961-4040, bloominbuckets.com

The Jeweled Cottage

421 N. Sappington, 314-966-9994, thejeweledcottage.com

Kelce & Pedley Design

yourlandscapedesigners.com

twigs & MOSS

7715 Clayton, 314-454-0447

Walter Knoll Florist

2765 LaSalle, 314-664-5050, wkf.com

WHERE TO GET PRESENTS WRAPPED

Beautiful Wrappings St. Louis

[email protected], beautifulwrappingsstl.com

City Pace

314-282-5893, citypacestl.com

The Personal Gift Basket Co.

866-532-4023, thepersonalgiftbasket.com

Wrapped by Caroline

[email protected], wrappedbycaroline.com

TREE LOTS & FARMS

Christmas Traditions Tree Farm

25882 S. Lohman, Wright City, 636-745-7488, christmastraditions.net

Eckert’s Orchards

951 S. Green Mount, Belleville, Ill.; 2719 Eckert Orchard, Millstadt, Ill.; 618-233-0513, eckerts.com

E.H. Glueck & Co.

2800 N. Broadway, 314-241-0222, ehglueck.com

Heritage Valley Tree Farm

1668 Four Mile, Washington, 636-239-7479, heritagevalleytreefarm.com

Meert Tree Farm

14560 Dry Fork, Festus, 636-931-3901, albesm.com

Mills Apple Farm

11477 Pocahontas, Marine, Ill., 618-887-4732, millsapplefarm.com

Pea Ridge Forest

22735 Tree Farm, Hermann, 636-932-4687, pearidgeforest.com

Sullivan Farms

Multiple locations, 314-570-6662, sullivanfarmsstl.com

Summit Produce

150 E. Argonne, 314-984-9496, summitproduce.com

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

6726 Chippewa, 314-481-2652, teddrewes.com

By Elizabeth Baumgartner, Anisah Giansiracusa, Rachel Lalk, George Mahe, and Caillin Murray