Buffets Vs. Formal Dinners!

How to choose between a buffet or a formal dinner for your next party.

What’s the best option?

Pros and cons of buffets & formal dinners.

Buffets vs. formal dinners…

The pros and cons. Who’s going to win the battle?

Are you planning to host a dinner and wondering what’s the best option between a buffet or a formal dinner?

Well, stop wondering!  The answer is right here!

I just can tell how much I like buffets! But, on the other hand, I love sitting dinners too! It all depends on the situation…

So I thought, why not compare both options so you can choose what’s best for you?

I have hosted many of both buffets and sitting dinners, and I have to admit that I prefer buffets for bigger groups. Of course, my dining room is kind of small, so I find it easier to serve a buffet, but there are plenty of other reasons too, so let’s talk about these reasons.

 

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Buffets Vs. Formal Dinners!…

Pros & Cons

First, let’s start with the pros and cons of each of them. That will definitely help you make your choice 🙂

First…Buffets — The Pros —

1. As I mentioned earlier, it’s much easier when you host a big crowd
2. Also way much easier to manage
3. And easier to keep control of it!
4. We can taste many different dishes
5. There’s always something for everyone
6. Everyone can help themselves as they wish
7. Almost all dishes you serve are make-ahead dishes
8. People can stand to eat or sit where ever they want
9. You don’t have to serve everyone
10. It’s much more convivial
11. Perfect for those who eat a bit more
12. Fewer dishes to do!
13. Easy to transform it into a potluck
14. You can try many different new recipes
15. Almost all the work can be done in advance
16. You definitely have more time to enjoy your guests
17. Easier to spread the work to be done
18. It’s also easier to manage the unexpected
19. It usually costs less than a formal dinner
20. There are always many conversations going on
21. Even the pickiest eaters will find something they like
22. It’s easier when there are kids
23. And you will have lots of time to create a fabulous buffet table!

You feel a little intimated about planning a party?…

Now:  — The Cons —

1. You will need a lot of room in your fridge
2. Many dishes have to be heated at the same time
3. Maybe not all of your guests will like to stand to eat
4. It could be a little more work
5. You will also need a big table or countertop to set your buffet

Buffets Vs. Formal Dinners!…

Pros & Cons

And how about formal dinners?

Let’s now talk about formal dinners.

 — The Pros —

1. Usually a bit quieter
2. Your guests might have more time to chat around the table
3. Perfect for smaller groups of people
4. Easier to have deeper conversations
5. All eat at the same time
6. Also easier if you are hosting older people
7. You can assign a sitting place for each guest

Finally,  — The Cons —

1. You will have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen
2. It’s a bit more stressful
3. You won’t enjoy your guests as much
4. Cooking time can be hard to manage
5. You will have to ensure that everything is ready at the right moment
6. You can’t invite as many people
7. Of course, you will have to clean the table between each course
8. Fill each plate and bring it to the table
9. Figure out how much to serve for each of your guests
10. It is hard for you to take part in any conversation
11. Constantly having to check on wine, bread, water…
12. A lot of steps to do between the kitchen and the dining table
13. Also much more dishes to do!
14. Find a menu that all will like and enjoy
15. Not easy to please everyone and find the right meal
16. It usually costs more
17. Sometimes hard to find the right conversation topics
18. Hard to host more than 6 to 8 people
19. Unexpected are harder to manage…what if the roast burns…
20. It can be tricky with younger kids

Buffets Vs. Formal Dinners!…My opinion

As you see, there are as many pros for buffets as cons for formal dinners…

So, what do you think? 🙂

Still ready for the formal diner option?

Of course, both options are great; just make sure you choose the one that is easier for you!

Personally, I prefer to offer a buffet. I don’t mind working a bit more on the day before if it ensures I have more time with my guests. I find that it is totally worth it!  😉

I also like the informal side of buffets; we always have so much fun. And if you have less time for meal prep, don’t be shy to turn it into a potluck!! It could be even more fun.

I have a whole post on buffets and how to plan the perfect one, so I suggest you read it just in case you missed it. I’m pretty sure you will find absolutely all you need to plan your next buffet!

My goal is not to scare you, but It’s sometimes a little harder to manage a formal dinner, if you know what I mean. Although it is very pleasant, it forces you to spend a lot of time hiding in the kitchen, and it could quickly turn into a stressful experience if you’re not used to it.

Having to manage cooking time and making sure that everything is ready at the right moment always ask for a bit more concentration, that’s why we usually don’t take part in all those cool conversations with our friends, which is sad because hosting is all about chatting with friends and family!

 

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Buffets Vs. Formal Dinners!…Final thoughts

My final thoughts?

To me, buffets are the easiest way to host a group. They might also make you save money. 😉 Have a look here to find that there are tons of great easy, low-cost recipes for buffets!

The key to ensuring your buffet’s success is to keep things simple! Always remember that the simpler, the better!

And never forget that hosting is not a competition, and you certainly have no one to impress here! Just make sure you have enough quality food, take a glass of wine, relax, and enjoy!!

As always, I would love to hear from you 🖤

So please, use the comment box to tell me who won the battle?  Or even better, use that comment box to tell me what you prefer and why… buffets or formal dinner? I just can’t wait to see your answer! I’m sure you have some good tricks to share!

If you liked this post, let your friends know! 😉 Please share it!

Talk to you soon!

Related Posts:

-8 Things That Will Help You Plan A Party

-How To Host Kids When You Have None

-Dinner Party: Here How To Save Money!