Expert: Patty Sachs - 10/21/2008

Question
I am giving a surprise 60th B'Day Party, Buffet Style for 26 people will serve hot and cold dishes in our cottage.
do I have to seat 26 people as this means I would have to seat people almost in a circle as room is limited. also they could not mingle. Help need ideas

Answer
Dear Lorraine:

If you are serving food that requires a fork and a knife you must provide seating for your guests.  This does not mean all have to be seated at a table.  If you provide trays of some sort they can eat off their laps seated on chairs, benches, stairs (oh, yes, it is done often) pillows placed near coffee tables, standing at a bar height table or counter, and other imaginative eating surfaces.

If none of the foods require a knife you could possibly get by with china, glass, plastic or very sturdy paper plates, with folks standing and eating.  Remember they will need a nearby surface to place their cup/glass, though.

Mingling is not usually a part of eating.  Folks typically land to eat.  Moving around while eating is pretty awkward and can be messy with people bumping into each other while balancing a plate, utensils, glass and likely a napkin.

There are those small dinner plates that have the recess or clip to hold a beverage container.  They are great for sit/stand buffets.  

I hope these options have given you some ideas of how to serve our guests so that they are completely comfortable.  The most elegant and lavish buffet will fizzle if the guests are not able to enjoy the process of eating and drinking.

Best to you for a successful party,

Patty Sachs
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