Etiquette: Free food at a party.....if the food is self-serve, does that imply buffett-style?

Question

Does there have to be a sign saying "limit take one" or something in order to indicate it's not a buffett style serving? How can you tell whether a self-serve is a buffett or not?

(what I mean by buffett is unlimited supply....you can go back in line and take more)

Answer 1

The only realistic way to limit amounts taken is to offer a "served" buffet whereby staff standing behind the buffet serve food onto guest's plates. However, this would only be suitable for a "fork" buffet where main course dishes are being served.

Answer 2

If its in the restaurant and the food is self serve, there are no waiters asking what youd like to order and the food is displayed in large dishes useually under bright light and out in the open. Then its safe to assume YES it is a buffet.

So yes to everything.

Answer 3

If you are going to let guests serve themselves I strongly suggest a buffet style party because no one wants to get their own food and then have to be told that there is a limit.  

Answer 4

You would not do that at a party.  If it's self serve, it's buffet.