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What a spread!
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With proper planning a buffet can be an enjoyable get-together
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Buffet bash: Time to eat, drink and mingle
THERE'S A nip in the air which heralds the festive season. Everywhere there is colour, gaiety and festive energy, culminating in a big bash for the New Year. This is also the time when people throw dinner parties for family and friends. Depending on the number of guests, the choice can be a cosy sit-down dinner or a buffet-style bash, with the latter becoming more popular.
Convenient option
Buffets are the easiest way to serve a large group of people. It also gives the guests plenty of time to eat, drink and mingle. As with any type of entertaining, the trick to hosting a successful buffet is to plan ahead, think through the logistics, keep the menu simple and be relaxed. Here are a few things to keep in mind in order to make a bash memorable.
First, pick your theme. This is important in the planning process as everything else, from the invitations to menu selection to the decorations, carries the idea forward. Then, set the date and send out the invitations. Buffets can be informal with just a few chairs for the guests to sit on or they can be formal where tables are set up so that plates can be conveniently placed. You can also have someone serve the guests their food or set up a table where they help themselves. Select foods that are non-messy, especially as most buffets involve balancing the plate on the lap or eating while standing. Bite-sized foods that are easy to get from plate to mouth are ideal.
The biggest offender in an informal buffet set up is serving meat with bones in it or serving anything that is in chunks. The next offender is serving very liquid gravy. Both require much more than a fork and definitely a table to set the plate down! Lay the buffet in such a way that the traffic can flow easily around the serving area. Place the dishes in the proper order such that one course leads to the other. This will avoid congestion.
Plates first
Arrange the plates first, the silverware and napkins last, so that your guests' hands will be free while serving themselves.
Attractive little packages of the silverware rolled in a napkin, makes for easy handling. Keep the beverages, hors d'oeuvres and desserts on separate tables. You must carefully consider the appropriateness of the serving utensils. Use tongs wherever necessary, so that one is not chasing the food around the dish with a spoon!
Avoid putting food-trays/dishes two or three deep to prevent spilling and dripping on to other dishes and on to the tablecloth. If you must arrange it that way due to space considerations, try and place the gravy dishes in front.
Another attractive option is to add more interest and dimension to the table by elevating the dishes at the back. Use small boxes or baking pans turned upside down and cover them attractively with a cloth to achieve this look.
Don't forget to set a beautiful centrepiece. Let it carry your party theme and colours. If all else fails, candles and fresh flowers will always do the trick.
When the big day arrives and the doorbell starts ringing, you know that you and your guests are going to have a splendid time!
CHITRA DANGER
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