How To Plan The Perfect Buffet!
How to plan the perfect buffet. The ultimate guide for planning and organizing a buffet in 10 easy steps! How to host a buffet the easy way!
Today, I will tell you everything you need to know to plan the perfect buffet! And how to host a buffet…the easy way!! Follow THE perfect guide for planning and organizing a buffet in 10 easy steps, and just like me, you will fall in love with buffets!!
I just can’t tell I much I love buffets!
Buffets are my favorite way to host people for lunch, dinner, or brunch.
They give you freedom! 🙂 You don’t need to spend all evening cooking and serving in the kitchen, which means you have more time to enjoy your guests!
Also, buffets are very easy to plan, manage…and control!
I like to see my guests enjoying what they prefer. Each of them builds its plate according to what they like.
It makes everyone happy!! … including me!
…and not having to clear the table and do dishes between each course is kind of relaxing!
Of course, you will have extra work to do the days before D-Day, but your reward is that you will be able to share a glass of wine and spend time chatting with your family and friends!!
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To me, buffets are the best option, especially for big crowds or if you’re not used to having a big bunch of people for dinner.
Because almost everything is ready to serve, you won’t have to worry about overcooked roast or cold potatoes!
You’ll only have to adjust the quantity of food according to the number of people… which is pretty easy to do!!!
😉 And, the more cold dishes you have, the better! It will make things even easier!
Believe me, not having to worry about dinner is simply the BEST!!
Spending as much time as possible with your guests, instead of hiding in the kitchen, is a much better way to spend an evening!!
All your guests will appreciate and remember that evening for a long time!
How to plan the perfect buffet!
Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be totally perfect to be perfect!… As long as it’s nice, pretty…and Perfectly Simple!
Those who know me already know that I like to plan ( almost! ) everything!
It’s THE key to keeping total control of your evening! But not only, but it also gives you peace of mind!
There are a lot of things to think about when planning a buffet. So make sure that you make lists for everything! Menu, grocery, things to order, tasks to do…These lists will be so helpful when you’ll make your Tasks Planner!
…And planning a buffet without a Tasks Planner would be almost impossible!! Trust me, way too many things to remember!
… curious and want to see what my lists and planners look like?
Have a look right here!…not only you’ll find planners, lists, and many useful tricks, but you will also discover my secret weapons! 😉
So let’s dive into it!!
The 10 easy steps to your perfect buffet
When planning and organizing a buffet, there are important things to consider. Here are the 10 most important ones
1-The main thing is to keep it Simple!
Don’t try to do too much. Having simple dishes that everyone will enjoy is the most important thing. Even a simple pasta salad can turn into a masterpiece with the right seasoning!
2-Have enough variety so everyone will find something they like.
Try to avoid choosing only fish or seafood dishes…I always prefer to have a wider variety in smaller quantities 🙂
3-Serve dishes that are basics; we rarely have a whole ”foodie” crowd!
Try to stay away from too spicy dishes. Also, remember that chicken, sandwiches, and salads are the most popular. So it could be a good base to start with. Of course, you can add one or two more exotic plates, but the base should be more classic dishes that all will enjoy.
4-Choose easy-to-serve and easy-to-eat things.
Some of your guests will stand all evening, so bite-sizes or salads are easier…hard to slice a big roast with only one hand!!
5-Select 8 to 10 cold plates and not more than 3 to 4 hot ones.
Of course, all the cold plates will already be waiting for you in the fridge! Ready to put on the table whenever it’s time to serve
And having only a few hot dishes to heat is easier: especially if you choose plates that all can be heated at the same oven temperature 😉 having only the time cooking to manage will save you from a lot of headaches!!
6- Make-ahead dishes are the best for buffets!
Try to choose as many dishes as possible that you would prepare a day or two before. That will save you time on D-Day for last-minute things ( funny, but there is always a few ones! )
7-Make sure that you have enough serving plates, trays, glasses, utensils, napkins…
You might need to buy or borrow some…
8-Plan and set your buffet table a few days before to make sure that everything will fit on it 🙂
Find the right place for your table. It as to be easy to access and close to the kitchen
Having a separate table for coffee and desserts is also a great idea.
9-How to set your table, the perfect way
Keep in mind that hot food should be in front… probably the last thing you will put on the table. Higher plates should be at the back, such as salad bowls or multi-level serving plates.
Your guests should have easy access to forks & knives, and plates. It’s a good idea to have those on one side of the table. That way, people will start from there to garnish their plate, and traffic will be all in one way… well, it’s not always exactly like that, but it really doesn’t matter!! ha! ha!
You might find good ideas here on how to set your buffet table; I like to see what others do, and it always inspires me…even if I never do the exact same!
10-Make room on your kitchen countertops
Remove ahead everything you won’t need ( blender, toaster, trinkets…). You will definitely need that extra space!
Same for your fridge. You will have plenty of dishes to refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. So, try to remove as many things as possible that you won’t need on D-Day. Use a cooler to store them if needed.
How to select the perfect menu for your buffet
That is definitely the funniest part!! 🙂 here are the 10 main things I go through when it’s time to select my menu
- 1-Again, you must offer a good variety so all your guests can enjoy it. Especially if there are kids. Make sure that you have at least one plate you’re sure they like.
- 2-When it’s time to choose, I always prioritize make-ahead dishes!! Many dishes can be prepared the day before or longer if you freeze them (which I love!! )… but make sure that you get them out of the freezer before so they have time to taw!
- 3-It is also a very good idea to serve bite-size food. Consider this when you look through recipes. A lot of dishes can be cut into bite-size.
- 4-Salads, like potatoes or pasta salads, are very easy to serve, and everyone likes them! They are a perfect option.
- 5-And, of course, a buffet without sandwiches is not really a buffet!! 😊 So, I always have a big sandwich tray. I like ordering it from a caterer… I realized that it doesn’t cost more, but it saves me a LOT of time!!
- 6-Assorted cheeses platter with crackers or French baguette and dip with veggies are good old classics! Absolutely everybody likes them.
- 7-I also like serving sliders ( so easy to make! ) or stuffed mini-croissants. Easy to serve, and even kids like them!
- 8-Then, add one or to fancy cold dishes. It could be shrimps, smoked salmon, tortellini skewers, stuffed vegetable…anything that looks good and taste good… and that you can prepare ahead will do! Let your inspiration guide you! 🙂
- 9-For hot dishes: I like to mix a little. Let’s say one or two mostly meat, such as meatballs, skewers, sausages…
- 10-The other dishes could be some kind of; mini-pizza, mini-eggrolls, dumplings, quiche, or any type of lasagna… really up to you to choose!
Pro tip: Make sure that you clearly identify fish or seafood dishes… allergy matters…
Need a complete buffet menu and all recipes !!?? I knew it!! ha! ha! You will find all that there, with many other good tips too!
…I kept the best for the end! 😊 My favorite part!… Desserts!!!!!
Desserts are the final touch! That sweet little thing that will end the dinner. 😊 So be creative!
- They are tons of desserts that you can bake ahead or freeze.
- Again, select some that you can cut into bite-size pieces.
- I like to have 2 or 3 deserts or two desserts and a fruit platter
- Try to select something for every taste; one chocolate treat and one vanilla or lemon…or any other except chocolate!
Deserts can sometimes take long to prepare. That’s why I always prioritize desserts that I can make ahead and freeze; such as cupcakes, tartlets, or any unfrosted cake… you will save a lot of time if you only have to add icing on D-Day!!
Need some inspiration to find great buffet desserts? Have a look at my Top 10 favorite make-ahead desserts!
And because 10 desserts is not enough; I also made a book! 😉
Nothing but the best Make-Ahead desserts!
Let’s come back to our Simple Buffet…
All the tools you will need
Tools are an important part that we often forget about! We think about food, beverages, and decorations, but serving plates and bowls are also important when it’s time to plan the perfect buffet!
So here are the must-have items:
- A lot of nice serving bowls and plates
- Big flat trays are also very useful
- You’ll find some really nice ones at any dollar store 🙂 and at a great cost too!
- Spatula and big serving spoons
- Stackable trays or plates are a good idea, especially if your table is not very big. And they look great!
- It’s also the best occasion to use those old fancy plates or silverware sitting in your cupboard! I do have a few lovely ones that I got from my mother, and I’m always proud to use them 😉 it adds a special touch to your table
- A few coolers for beverages or extra food that won’t fit in your fridge
- It’s ok to add decorations to your table, but remember that it shouldn’t use too much space…think pretty but convenient!
- And it’s very important to reserve a place where your guests can put their empty plates and glasses ( but again, kitchen countertops are the last place to choose!! Unless you have a designated spot that won’t be in your way)
Everything that you can, AND MUST! do ahead
Here are some of the things that you have to keep in mind when you’re thinking about how to plan the perfect buffet. These are all things that you have to do ahead!
As I mentioned before, the goal is to have as little as possible to do on D-Day.
Almost everything should be done ahead…Reserve only last-minute things for D-Day!
- Prepare ahead everything you need to decorate plates: fresh parsley, any other fresh herb, lemon, or lime slices…
- Garnish and cover each dish on D-Day morning, or even better, the night before 🙂
- Of course, house cleaning should be done 7 to 10 days before. Reserve an hour or so the day before to refresh and do some touch-ups
- I also suggest that you do groceries 2 or 3 days before D-Day to allow you enough time to cook
- Try to shop for dry food and beverages a week or two before. Having only fresh products to buy will save you a LOT of time! ( and it also spreads the costs… )
- Wash all fruits and veggies at the same time. And when you cut veggies…well, cut veggies! All of them at the same time 😉 it will make you save time, of course, but you will save on dishes too!!
- Wash and iron tablecloth if needed
- Make some ice cubes for drinks and ice blocks for coolers
- Make sure you have enough cooking sheets to heat all that will need to be heated ( keep in mind that everything will be in the oven at the same time )
The goal here is to have almost everything done ahead… the only thing you will have to worry about will be throwing a few trays in the oven! And TADA! buffet will be ready to serve!!
…Sounds So perfectly Simple, right? 😊
What quantities of food and drinks will you need?
The question we’re always worried about when we organize a buffet! We definitely don’t want to run out of food!
I usually calculate it this simple way; one dish for every two persons. It’s more than enough!
So ten plates on your table for 20 people is perfect… but if you’re like me, you would like to add just a little more! 😉
Surprisingly, people usually eat less when it’s a buffet, and not everyone will take from each dish.
Having that said, I try to make 12 serving dishes for big crowds, and I never run out of food… my guests have always been completely filled!
WHAT IF IT’S OUTSIDE?
How to plan the perfect outdoor buffet!? Of course, the base is the same, but there are still a few more important things to consider…
- Make sure that the buffet table is not in full sun
- Find a place for it close to your kitchen door; you’ll save steps!
- You will need ice beds to keep the cold dishes cold
- You might also need to cover the plates to protect them from flies and mosquitos
- Have one or two garbage cans where all can see them
- Also, make sure that not all of your sitting places are in full sun. It’s always nice to have a few tables and chairs in a shady area
…The rest is pretty much the same 🙂
But of course, for desserts, ice cream or frozen ones are not recommended!!… I’ll let you figure out why ha! ha!
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How to plan the perfect buffet: final thoughts
As you can see, buffets are very easy to plan! And they are So perfectly Simple!!
As long as you have a good plan and stick to it, all is possible!! Take time to choose your menu…or even better, look at the full menu and all recipes I have for you right here!!
Also, ensure you have all the tools you’ll need, from serving trays to spatulas! And that you follow the 10 easy steps to the perfect buffet!!
…So, now that you know everything about how to plan a perfect buffet, I’m sure that you realize that it’s way less intimidating than you thought!
… just think of all the possibilities!!!
From now, you will probably turn every meal into a buffet!! 😉
I would love to hear from you 🖤 Please use the comment box for any questions or comments, or tell me what are your best tips and tricks?
Or even better 🙂 use that comment box to share your favorite recipe for a buffet. That would make me very happy!!
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Talk to you soon
Related Post:
-Buffets Vs. Formal Dinners
