Cocktail Buffets
For those of us that don't know a cocktail buffet is a hybrid of a cocktail party and a buffet dinner party. A cocktail buffet is the choice of many hostesses for entertaining all except the smallest and informal groups. Because there is usually enough food presented so that the guests need not have dinner afterward and therefore are expected to linger longer and makes the invitation frequently stats only the hour of arrival. The host or hostess should make it very clear to their guests that the gathering is a "cocktail buffet" so that the guests realize there will be served substantial food and need not make other plans for dinner.
The menu will of course vary but even the simplest must provide more than just hors d'oeuvres. The menu will either be elaborate or simple. Just be sure that your dishes are appetizing and are set properly before the arrival of your guests. The least that one can expect is a platter of cold meat, ham, chicken, or roast beef, slices of buttered bread, accompanying dishes such as sliced carrots, celery, olives, raw cauliflower, and possibly some sandwiches already made are the typical dishes that are served at cocktail buffets. Try to spice things up a bit so that your guests can feel as if they are trying something new and unique. A more elaborate cocktail buffet would include a dish that would require to sit down and enjoy versus standing near the table without a plate for the dishes mentioned earlier. If you are serving a elaborate buffet, one or two hot dishes should be used such as casseroles that can be kept warm on an electric hot plate. If you don't wish to go into the added complication of plates and silver, you may choose a hot dish such as bite-sized meat balls or frank-furters, tiny hot potatoes dipped in salt or hot bread or rolls with a cheese fondue, all of which may be speared with a toothpick.
The table should be covered with a table cloth, and napkins must be available. If there is enough room, a centerpiece of flowers or fruit would be attractive.
Posted by Eugene Vodovoz at 21 December 2011, 4:29 PM 
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: host hostess cocktail buffets
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: host hostess cocktail buffets
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