"casual, economical, delicious!"

A buffet is nothing more than a self service dinner party. Ideal for large parties, church functions, and informal gatherings of all types, this is a great way to stretch your entertainment dollar! Much like many other entertaining events a buffet dinner can be whatever you want it to be. Though this type of event is more informal and casual by nature, formal buffets with all silver service, Mikasa china, and imported French stemware are not unheard of.

At a standard buffet dinner guests are seated at tables outfitted with tablecloths, napkins, silverware, and glasses. Condiments are at each table and peripherals such as hot rolls & butter and such are served to each table as guests are seated. Guests form a line (or lines) at the buffet table when the food is put out, pick up a plate, and either serve themselves, or are helped by servers standing on the other side of the table. When all guests are served there is usually plenty of food for second helpings. This is a good way to get to try a variety of foods at one time. Instead of just being served one item, as on a plated dinner, many different foods are available for you to try.

Buffets offer not only affordability, because they are by their nature less labor intensive than other types of parties, but they are also a practical way to serve many people quickly, and efficiently. They can be held at your home, church, school, lodge, or office. They can be indoors or outdoors, and they can be breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They can be based on a particular theme (Italian night, Mexican fiesta, southwestern square dance night, etc.), or holiday (thanksgiving dinner, 4th of July barbecue, etc.), or a celebration (wedding, graduation, bar mitzvah, etc.). Flexibility is the main attraction of the buffet!

Examples of buffet type dinners: