Just like that, folks, it’s October! And we all know what the -Ber months signify for most Pinoys; they mark the longest Christmas season in the world — which means a truckload of festivities. But how exactly do we party during a pandemic? Simply put, we don’t (or rather, we shouldn’t!). This doesn’t mean all 2021 get-togethers are #cancelledt, though. We can still enjoy each other’s company over good grub and tipple remotely and digitally, or indoors with those near and dear.
Hosting an e-numan? Wondering where to buy party trays and fancy drinks for an intimate gathering at home? We’ve got you covered with these online stores that offer everything you need for your next quarantine-approved get-together. Your new normal is about to get lit — without condoning the spread of COVID-19, of course.
Also read: How to Plan an Online Christmas Party — Pinoy Edition!
As far as food goes, potluck platters are perfect because they’re easily delivered and they’re packed to feed a handful of hungry guests. What’s more, they fit all sorts of tastes and budgets! Here’s where to buy the best party trays, whether you’re going all-out or staying within a certain price range for mouth-watering dishes that don’t break the bank.
Seafood lovers, your search is over. The Holy Crab PH serves “fresh and sumptuous seafood platters,” and they’ve been doing so since 2018!
Our picks: The Crustaceans platters — all crab, all shrimp, all lobster, or a combination of your favourites good for four to five people. They also have Surf n Turf platters for bigger groups, but let’s save that for after post-community quarantine celebrations. Place your orders via Instagram.
One word, a party on anyone’s palate: TRUFFLE. Where to buy food trays peppered with this star ingredient? House of Truffle and Co. doesn’t disappoint with their rich, savoury dishes.
Our picks With only two items on a simplified menu, it’s hard to choose just one. Cheesy Shrimp with Garlic Aioli Sauce pairs perfectly with their signature Truffle Cream Pasta. Place your orders via Instagram.
Lasagna’s just one of those fail-safe dishes. It’s comfort food, and we need all things comforting more than ever in these stressful times. Mum’s Lasagna says their cheesy, home-baked food trays are made with love. We’re sold.
Our picks: Don’t forget to add pizza bites to your lasagna; the small size feeds two to four people. Bigger households can just size up! Place your orders via Instagram.
Red Mittens started out as a passion project. These kind folks make the yummiest treats in their own kitchen, and it wasn’t long before their friends prodded them to open an online shop. Yup, it’s that good!
Our picks: The recipe that started it all, Roasted Lemon Chicken. Plus, their classic Sushi Bake. If you’re more of a meat-eater, they also have a baked Sushi Beef dish. Place your orders via Instagram.
Also read: Sushi Bake: What It Is & Where to Get It in Metro Manila
Don’t have time to cook and source ingredients? Still deciding where to buy party trays that just bring in those Pinoy party vibes? Go for HOTDISH. We’re talking about home cooked meal platters, pichi-pichi, and yes, lumpia.
Our picks: Pancit Sisig — you read that right — and a ton of lumpiang shanghai. Place your orders via Instagram.
Another online shop that satisfies your craving for Filipino favourites like spaghetti topped with hotdogs and inihaw na pusit (or isda). Aizel Food Delivery also offers packed meals, if that’s what you’re looking for; great for keeping our frontliners fed!
Also read: 25 COVID-19 Initiatives You Can Support Through Local Volunteer Orgs
Our picks: Any of their Bilao Platters, packed with Pinoy party food. Place your orders via Instagram.
Here’s an Instagram store that solely specialises in a wide variety of sushi goodness. Choose from eight kinds of Sushi Bake (they even have scallops!) or filling sushi rolls.
Our picks: A glorious Sushi Bake tray called the 6-in-1, which features six flavours in one deep dish. Place your orders via Instagram.
Anytime you’re craving for the heartiest pansit bilaos, you no longer need to think of where to buy party trays. Big 5 Delivery boasts of “Manila’s finest Pansit Sisig”; you can take our word for it or try a tray for yourself.
Our picks: Choose whatever suits your current mood: pansit sisig or crispy bihon. And make sure to add a box of flavoured butchi. Place your orders via Instagram.
We love charcuterie boxes because you pretty much know fully well what you’ll get — an assortment of finger food that’s great with wine. E-numan or not, nothing says tasteful tipple and slaw like a well-thought charcuterie spread.
You’re assured of the freshest ingredients with The Grazing Home. What we love about their offerings is how simple it is to settle on a box. Go for a “For Me” box if you just want a dose of self-care; it’s good for one to two heads.
Our pick: For sharing with a small group, the “For Us” graze box covers three to five persons. Place your orders via Instagram.
A dear friend sent a Cased Gifts grazing box to me for my birthday, and I was pleasantly surprised by how charcuterie boxes make ideal presents for people trying to eat healthier. Amid the flurry of birthday cakes and ice cream (which I love to nth degree, by the way), I welcomed Cased Gifts’ assortment of fruits, nuts, and cheeses. Also, Cased Gifts makes sure your box comes with a card. Mine read, “Turn off your laptop and enjoy this spread” — courtesy of my gal pal, who knows how much of a workaholic I am!
Our pick: The Big Wine Box comes with an entire bottle of wine! They also offer small and big boxes without alcohol if you’re one of those poor souls allergic to wine (like me *sigh*). Place your orders via Instagram.
Like we said, charcuterie boards are great go-tos for wine nights, tita (or tito) sessions, and quarantine-approved gatherings. They add colour and oomph to any spread! The Curated Board is no different, plus they give you the choice of including baked camembert or a caviar pie to your grazing box!
Our pick: Cheese lovers, there is no thinking about this. Add baked camembert to your grazing box! Place your orders via Instagram.
You now know where to buy party trays that impress and satiate. What’s left to source? The cherries on top of your future intimate celebrations at home: drinks and desserts. Cheers!
This may sound random to you, but it’s normal for me and my family to periodically crave for baklava! But where to buy party trays filled with the delicacy? For authentic Turkish baklava delivered straight to your doorstep, the Instagram store Handcrafted Blessings will never disappoint. Their baklava creations are wonderfully flaky and drizzled with sweet syrup — yum!
Our pick: Baklava! I personally enjoy the original flavour, but they also offer a version with a chocolatey twist. Place your orders via Instagram.
Yet another quarantine project, Pastries by H now offers baked goods on a regular basis. The store has cakes, cupcakes, cookies — you name it.
Our picks: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies and Sunshine, a moist lemon cake you can order in loaves or rounds. Place your orders via Instagram.
Also read: 10 Desserts on Instagram We Can’t Stop Thinking About
I personally turn to Boozy for branded liquor and craft beer sets that I want delivered to my shipping address. It’s hassle-free; they offer cash-on-delivery and cashless payment options, and same-day shipping. I can also vouch for their riders, who strictly follow COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing and sanitisation of packages.
Our picks: Support local breweries like Crazy Carabao and Engkanto! Place your orders via the official website.
Treat yourself to some limited-edition beverages with 35cl Cocktail Co.’s bottled cocktails. Each collection is released biannually for now, and they’re only sold until supplies last. Every bottled concoction created by 35cl Cocktail Co.’s zeroes in on unusual flavour notes, such as corn, turon, and sugarcane.
Our pick: A 120-ml bottle of turon cocktail. Place your orders via Instagram.
An award-winning speakeasy in Makati, The Curator Coffee & Cocktails needs no introduction. What you do need to know is that the popular watering hole now offers bottled versions of their usual mixes. They come with the same quirky names, in case you’re curious.
Our picks: A bottle of Still Hurting, which features reposado tequila, Campari, Mezcal, and coffee-infused vermouth. If you’re anticipating a hangover, The Curator also sells bottled java. Place your orders via Instagram.
Also read: 50 Cafés & Stores Offering Coffee Delivery & Pick-up in Metro Manila
Some Young deems itself “a modern apothecary”, which is quite accurate in the way they craft boozy beverages that will soothe weary souls. If the pandemic has you tuckered out, then by all means get yourself Some… Young. Pun intended.
Our picks: Several *ehem* bottles of Moon Flower, a gin-based cocktail infused with calming chamomile. Place your orders via Instagram.
Proudly Promdi is a travelling cocktail bar that offers artisanal cocktails inspired by fun Filipino flavours. Since it’s better to stay at home, let them deliver the goods to you!
Our picks: Ube Gandanghari and Langka Negroni. Yes, they’re exactly what they sound like — spiked, gulp-friendly versions of your favourite Filipino ingredients. Place your orders via Instagram.
Also read: Where to Buy Ube Jam: 9 Stores That Offer Delicious Purple Yam Jam
As you can see from this list alone, quarantine need not get you down in the dumps especially now that the -Ber months have rolled in. So put on some Jose Mari Chan hits; schedule those Zoom e-numans; sit back and destress with your loved ones at home. Gather responsibly, in private (and in small, safe groups!).
We’re claiming it: We’ll be ushering in a COVID-free 2021! And by then, you’ll already know where to buy party trays and fancy drinks for those potluck get-togethers that we dearly miss. Tagay! Lamon! Tsaka na ang diet! Most importantly, keep your distance and wear a mask when you go out.
Including a massive Leeroy New installation.
A journey through old-world Manila.
Let our guide walk you through pet travel essentials and must-knows!
Boracay by bus? Yes, please.
A great option to discover the island!
Travelling to BARMM just got easier!