A vase of flowers on a table

To buffet or not to buffet?

October 18, 2017

So, you’ve got a big party coming up, you’ve sorted the entertainment, the venue, sent out the invitations, decorations are ready to be put up, you know how many chairs and tables you’re going to need and you’re pretty much on top of it all. But, what about the food?

With so many guests it can be difficult to know where to start. Hot food? Cold food? Desserts? Should guests bring their own drinks? What about dietary requirements? It’s a logistical minefield.

Most hosts opt for the traditional buffet. Guests can choose what they wish from a limited menu, but did you know that there are other options? Here we look at the pros and cons of organising a buffet and touch on other options that might be better suited to you and your guests!

To buffet or not to buffet?

A vase of flowers on a table

Try a different idea

If you find the idea of a buffet a little dull, or if you’re hoping to set the bar for other hosts then why not consider something a little different? An alternative food display such as a hog roast will really get people talking! Companies such as hogroastmachines.co.uk provide high-quality hog roasting machines for both hire and purchase!

Not only do they look and smell impressive, but also look expensive! A hog roast looks inviting to your arriving guests. You can also cook more than one meat, allowing room for variety. There’s very little to clean up after as well!

The Buffet: Cons

The tried and tested method of feeding a large group of people is of course, the classic buffet. But there are many pitfalls when it comes to organising one of these:

Hygiene

It doesn’t bear thinking about, but groups of people touching and rummaging through plates and bowls of food with unwashed hands isn’t the most appetising of meals. Especially if there are children at the party.

The Waste

When organising a buffet, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of buying too much. Or in some cases, too little. The last thing you want is to buy hundreds of pounds worth of food, only for it never to be touched and then end up in the bin! Or alternatively, be too cautious and not buy enough, leaving guests hungry!

The Mess

When the party is over and everyone has gone home. There’s always the task of the clean-up. You may find yourself hunting for half-eaten plates of food, and find them in the most interesting of places, throughout the venue – or your home!

The Buffet: Pros

A big variety. With a buffet, you can please everyone. Cover all dietary requirements and please guests both young and old!

The Cost

Buffets aren’t what they used to be. A buffet can be done cheaply, but well. It’s common now to be able to purchase high-quality food at affordable prices. So you can still wow your guests with a stunning array of food but not break the bank in the process.

A bunch of different types of food

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Photo Credit: Lucas Alexander Whitney Wright

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