Hosting a holiday party can be stressful and overwhelming. Take out some of the work this season by offering a buffet at your next gathering. Buffets are a great way to cater to the varying tastes and dietary needs of guests without too much extra work.
Planning for a buffet meal will help you execute a menu with ease. Whether serving snacks, a light meal, or a full smorgasbord serving food buffet style is the way to go for holiday parties.
There are a few basic steps you can take when planning for a buffet.
- Choose what types of food you will provide, such as snacks or brunch.
- Plan a menu that can be mostly executed ahead of time.
- Find the best location for your buffet. Long, clear surfaces such as a kitchen island or dining room cabinet work best.
- Cover your buffet surface with a washable tablecloth in a festive holiday color or fabric.
- Arrange plates, napkins, and necessary silverware at the end of the buffet where guests should start.
- The day of the event, put food out a few minutes before guests are slated to arrive.
If you follow all the steps above, you will undoubtedly have a buffet. But, this is a holiday party so guests expect a little more spirit of the season infused into the decor. Making your food stand out will entice guests to indulge and encourage them to come back year after year.
A few simple design choices can go a long way in taking a buffet from basic to breathtaking.
- Level it Up! Add visual interest and make it easier for guests to grab foods by placing dishes at different levels around the buffet. If your buffet is one-sided, use upside-down vases or glasses filled with Christmas ornaments to hold plates up higher in the back. Painted clay pots or upside-down bowls can add varying heights and be hidden by wrapping them with garland.
- Frame the Food. Place cloth napkins in various shades of the same color under each dish for added interest. Lace doilies, table runners, and trivets can also be used.
- Decorate with Nature. No one wants to find a stray piece of tinsel in their food or a bunch of glitter in the dip. Holiday decor utilizing natural elements like pine cones, greens, and flowers makes sense when placed near food.
Whatever the occasion, a buffet-style meal can make a big impact with little effort. Instead of spending your next holiday party in the kitchen, plan ahead and enjoy the company of friends.