Buffets tend to be one of the easiest ways to cater to large parties, and are extremely popular at weddings, funerals, birthdays and corporate events. Carefully planning a buffet ensures that there is something for everyone, and is easily done if you follow these top tips.
Choosing to host a buffet at your event is a sensible option. Many professional caterers offer reasonably priced buffet services, producing delicious hot or cold food which is ready to eat, leaving one less thing for you to worry about. First you will need to decide what type of buffet is best suitable for your event. Will guests be seated or standing? A lot of events do not see guests seated at formal dining tables. They allow guests to relax at small cocktail tables, sofas, standing tables or pub seating. Although guests have the option to sit down, these types of buffets are often called standing buffets, or fork buffets. They encourage the movement of guests, who may choose to move around near other guests, making conversation with different people.
These fork buffets are a common catering solution for funerals, corporate events and birthday parties; events where guests may want to catch-up with each other or make conversation or network with new people. As the name suggests, fork buffet food usually does not require a knife. Foods are small and can be eaten with little mess or awkwardness. Fork buffet foods include sliced meat, salad, and salad accompaniments such as pasta or potato salads. Caterers will bring fork buffet food to the venue, without the need for cooking facilities, making fork buffets ideal for business meetings or outdoor events such as marquee weddings.Finger buffets are similar to fork buffets, but require no cutlery at all. They typically consist of bite-size foods such as sandwiches, quiche, pork pies and sausage rolls, and are also suitable for almost any less-formal event. Finger buffets are the least formal dining option, so may be less suitable for a big event such as a wedding, and less than impressive at a business meeting.
Hot buffets and sit-down meals at events offer a more formal dining experience, but have less scope for guests to move around and talk to different people, are often more expensive, and caterers will often require cooking facilities on-site to ensure food stays hot. They also generally require guests to be hungrier, and it’s difficult to choose a menu which everyone will enjoy.Next you will need to brainstorm ideas for your dishes. A good caterer will list possible dishes for you to choose from and cater to any specific requirements. Don’t be afraid to question whether they can make your favourite buffet dish, and don’t forget to consider vegetarians and food intolerances. Buffets are easier to plan than formal meals, as a selection of dishes will ensure guests can find something which they like. When planning a finger buffet or fork catering you will require a good variety of dishes, including a balance of meat, carbohydrates such as potatoes or bread, and vegetables such as salad dished. Also consider deserts, perhaps a cake is suitable for your event.Ordering finger or fork catering is usually simple as they tend to be ordered by the number of people in the party, although you might want to order for an person extra in case.
If you have counted children in the party as adults they may not eat a full adult portion and ordering extra may not be necessary.Even if your guests are enjoying a fork buffet, and may not necessarily be seating, you will still require a venue with tables for the display of the buffet. Consider whether the buffet table has adequate space around it for the number of guests, you don’t want a long queue at the table. Your caterer will probably be able to provide plates and cutlery for a small fee. With the help of a good caterer, feeding guests at your event should be the least of your troubles.
Brophies The Caterers provide a range of catering solutions for all types of events. Choose from an innovative range of menus for fork buffets, finger buffets, canapés and hot meals.
