Dinner is buffet so what should I put on the guest tables?

Question

The party is at a party hall and the food will be served at the buffet table. So each person will go up to get their food. Should the plates,forks , napkins and knives be at the buffet table for the guests to pick up as they line up? So what is left for the guest tables just the centerpeice?

Answer 1

Put a sign on each table stating:

You may help yourself to the food and drink,

But, if you touch my female staff.

You will go home, wearing your food. <}:-})

Answer 2

I would have each place setting 'set' except for the plates, they need to stay on the buffet.   This includes the glass(es), silverware, napkins and of course the centerpiece/decorations.    I absolutely HATE to go to a buffet where I have to JUGGLE my plate, silverware, etc, etc...it is sooooooo nice to just fill you plate and go sit down where everything is waiting for you.   It might take a little bit more time in the set up, but your guests will feel special and appreciated.

Answer 3

Keep all plates, napkins, silverware at the buffet table.  For the guest tables keep it simple with centerpieces.  If you have favors, you can even put a favor at each seat.

Answer 4

you can have a table cloth and the center piece but yeah when you go to a buffet all you have on the table are condiments

Answer 5

....and name cards.

Answer 6

i would put water glasses and napkins on the table at each seat...... salt, pepper, butter pats for bread, sugar,  creamer for coffee........ and your center pieces....... maybe some after dinner mints.....

Answer 7

I say do an imitation of mandarin buffet. The material is cheap and people seem to like it.

Answer 8

Depends how formal the party is.  

#1  If it's not formal, simply having the centerpeice at the table will work well.  

pro: Reduced setup time! No tables to set.

con: It can be a hassle to carry everything.  Often this slows the line up, can result in accidents and some people wind up making many trips.

#2 If it's more formal and especially if it's a large group of people, it's a good idea to minimize the amount people will have to carry.  Often everything except for the items that will actually carry food are on the table.  In some cases if rolls are being served with the meal, the side plate is at the table and the rolls are placed in a bread basket on the table.

pros: Makes it much easier to serve large groups.  Looks more formal. Reduces the chances of buffet related accidents.

cons: Longer setup time since all those table will need to be set.

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Depending on your event you might choose somewhere in the middle.  For example, letting them get there own rolls at the buffet.

Answer 9

i did a buffett to. just leave the dishes etc by the food i had a centerpiece on each table and some finger foods to hold the people until buffet was ready

and i had the favors and a small plate with a fork on the place setting. small plate was for the finger foods i had on the table when they arrived