Organising an after-work event or a leaving party at the office in Paris: formats, quantities and budget
After-work event or leaving party at the office: which format, how many canapés per person, which drinks, what budget. The planning guide.
The after-work event and the leaving party have become essential rituals of office life. A colleague moving on, a team wrapping up a project, a new hire to welcome: these informal moments bring teams together far more than a meeting does. You still have to get them right. Here is how to organise an after-work event or a leaving party at the office in Paris, from choosing the platters to the budget. If you are looking for the packages directly, everything is on our corporate after-work catering page.
After-work events, leaving parties, welcome drinks: moments that matter
A corporate after-work event takes place at the end of the day, over a few bites and a drink, in a relaxed atmosphere. The leaving party marks a transition: it is the moment to say thank you and to look back. Welcome drinks greet a new hire, the end-of-project gathering celebrates an achievement. In every case, the logic is the same: friendliness, sharing and something to nibble without turning the room into a canteen. A buffet set in the middle of the table creates an instant connection.
Aperitif platters or dinner reception: which to choose?
For a short after-work event, sharing aperitif platters are enough: mini baguettes, club sandwiches, wraps, cheese or charcuterie platters, crudités and dips. For a more significant leaving party or an evening that runs on, a dinner reception takes over: more elaborate savoury and sweet canapés, in sufficient quantity to stand in for a standing dinner. The choice depends on the time, the length and the importance of the occasion.
How many canapés per person for an after-work event?
The question always comes up. For an aperitif after-work event lasting one to two hours, allow 6 to 8 savoury and sweet canapés per person. For a dinner reception that replaces dinner, go up to 16 to 18 canapés per person. It is better to plan a little generously: an after-work event that runs out of bites ends early, whereas a slight surplus gets shared until the end. These benchmarks apply to an adult audience in a work setting.
Drinks: mocktails, soft drinks and the alcohol-free option
A successful after-work event does not require alcohol. A mocktail bar made to order, infused waters, artisan juices: an alcohol-free offer is expected today and means no one is left out. It also suits a professional audience and a workplace wellbeing approach very well. We put together the drinks menu to match your atmosphere, with or without a live station.
Budget for an after-work event or a leaving party at the office
The budget for a leaving party at the office depends on the format and the number of guests. An aperitif after-work event remains affordable; a full, more generous dinner reception naturally costs more. The best approach is a quote based on your headcount, your time slot and your wishes, rather than a standard rate. We put it together within 24 hours, with company invoicing and delivery anywhere in Paris and Île-de-France.
Delivery and set-up in Paris and Île-de-France
L'Écrin Traiteur delivers and, if needed, sets up your platters and your reception directly on your premises, in Paris and across Île-de-France. Hand-made bites, careful presentation, a clean set-up: all you have to do is enjoy the moment with your teams. Find the packages and prices on our corporate after-work catering in Paris page, or request your quote directly.
Sources
- Packages and canapés: cocktail reception packages and after-work page, accessed 15 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many canapés per person should you plan for an after-work event?
For an aperitif after-work event lasting one to two hours, allow 6 to 8 savoury and sweet canapés per person. For a dinner reception that replaces dinner, plan 16 to 18 canapés per person. It is better to plan a little generously: an after-work event that runs out of bites ends early.
What budget should you plan for a leaving party at the office?
It depends on the format: an aperitif after-work event remains affordable, a full dinner reception naturally costs more. We prepare a quote based on your headcount, your time slot and your wishes, with a reply within 24 hours and company invoicing.
Do you offer an alcohol-free option for after-work events?
Yes. A mocktail bar made to order, infused waters, artisan juices: the alcohol-free offer is complete and suited to a professional audience. It means no one is left out while keeping the friendly spirit of the moment.
How much notice do you need for an after-work event or a leaving party?
An order before 2 pm the day before is enough for most formats. For a larger reception or a live station, it is better to allow a few days so we can settle the selection and the logistics. Delivery from 6:30 am in Paris and Île-de-France.
Do you set up the buffet on site?
Yes, set-up is possible. We deliver and, if needed, set up your platters and your reception directly on your premises in Paris and Île-de-France, with careful presentation, so that all you have to do is enjoy the moment.
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