The best part of the holidays is finally having everyone together — family traveling in from near and far, all under one roof. The only downside? Someone has to host. And let’s be honest: preparing a full holiday spread, including dinner, sides, appetizers, pies, cookies and that picture-perfect charcuterie board, can feel like a full-time job. Thankfully, B.F. Mazzeo is nearby, making holiday hosting not just manageable but genuinely enjoyable.
Serving the community since 1965, B.F. Mazzeo is a one-stop shop for holiday shopping mayhem. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by vibrant displays of fresh produce, specialty packaged goods, beautifully arranged gift baskets and just about everything you could imagine needing to elevate your holiday table.
Charcuterie boards remain a staple at any great gathering, and the secret to an unforgettable board is quality ingredients. B.F. Mazzeo delivers on every level, offering an impressive selection of imported cheeses, including festive options shaped like Christmas trees, alongside crackers, imported cured meats and even caviar. Add spreads like hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush and tahini, and your board is already off to a strong start. Variety and color are essential, and with bins of nuts and stunning produce throughout the store, inspiration is everywhere. I couldn’t resist the imported nougat topped with pistachios, hazelnuts and almonds — one of each, of course.
If you’re ready to skip processed holiday treats, B.F. Mazzeo has you covered there, too. Their edible arrangements are almost too cute to eat, featuring Christmas tree cakes, snowman chocolate-covered strawberries and gift baskets topped with oversized red bows. Looking to really wow your guests? The store carries unique produce you won’t find just anywhere, like tiny lady apples, gooseberries, starfruit and Buddha’s Hand citron. I picked up dragon fruit and lychee for our next dinner party to add a little je ne sais quoi to the table.
“We’ve been making fresh fruit baskets since 1965. My father started it,” said owner Vince Mazzeo. “He began with about seven types of baskets, and now we’re up to 60 or 70.” These baskets are made fresh daily and are perfect for easy grab-and-go gifts or party centerpieces.
Hosting doesn’t have to mean cooking everything from scratch. B.F. Mazzeo offers family-sized prepared sides like mashed sweet potatoes, baked ziti, stuffed mushrooms and roasted broccoli. A quick call a couple of days ahead and your dinner sides are handled — done. That leaves more time to focus on the fun stuff, like desserts and spending time with your guests.
“If someone wants something special or unique, we try to accommodate them,” Mazzeo said. “Quality comes first, and our prices are fair. If you’re looking for consistency and high quality, this is the place to shop.”
Much of that quality comes from bakery chef Jenna Russo, who keeps the store stocked with irresistible baked goods and ready-to-eat meals. Every visit becomes a test of willpower once you spot the chocolate chip ricotta pie, Jewish apple bread, cookies and muffins. I finally gave in and added a box of ricotta snowball cookies to my cart — and immediately went searching for Russo to beg for the recipe. Everything coming out of the Mazzeo kitchen somehow finds its way into my weekly lunch rotation.
“We’ve added a lot of items to the menu since I’ve been here — almost six years now — and the feedback has been great,” Russo said. “We have such high-quality fruits and produce, and I love creating new dishes and baked goods that customers can’t get anywhere else.”
With a few days’ notice, or even a week, Russo can create custom cakes and pies, pouring creativity and care into every cookie, quiche, stuffed bread and dessert. Her soups and prepared meals, like pasta fazool and pot roast, are fast sellers for good reason — once you try them, you’ll understand why.
B.F. Mazzeo will be open during the week of Christmas, closed Dec. 25-26, and operating with normal hours until closing on New Year’s Day. Be sure to place orders by Dec. 22 to secure the highest-quality items for your holiday celebrations. Hosting just got a whole lot easier.
Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.
