Welcome to the buffet ...

or an original solution to any celebration

Holding a buffet table at various events is especially popular. The main advantage is that guests can chat freely. The hosts do not need to constantly run and serve food, and the invitees can serve themselves. In addition, more people can be invited to the buffet table. Recently, the buffet table has become a fashionable trend for various celebrations.

Buffet etymology, meaning of the word and a little history

So, a buffet table - what is it, what are its roots, how to hold it, what to serve on such a table?

To begin with, it is necessary to say that the word buffet is borrowed from the French language. In France, after the revolutionary events, the habit took root at about five in the evening with a fork, and they did it while standing at the table. Therefore, the literal translation of the word "ala-buffet" means "on the fork." This way of eating has evolved a bit and turned into a meal at events.

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At such a reception, guests use this particular cutlery to eat food. And the table at which food is taken, in a standing position, is now called a buffet table. There should be a sufficient number of dishes on it. These are various cold snacks, hot dishes and wine drinks.

Very similar for serving buffet and buffet. When the buffet is held, drinks and various snacks (both cold and hot) are served on the table. The buffet consists only of cold snacks, which are usually taken with your hands, and such a meal lasts for a short time.

What is a buffet table?

A buffet table is the use of snacks and drinks during various events. The difference between this table is:

• minimum costs for conducting;
• self-service;
• eating is done while standing (there are no chairs at the buffet table);
• the device used is a plug;
• there is a large number of dishes on the table;
• no change of dishes;
• saving on food products;
• the main goal is to communicate with a circle of people with a light snack.

In addition, the buffet table has a number of advantages. Among them:

When holding a buffet table, you need to know some of the features of the organization:

Variety of types of buffet

Buffets are held at various events. Increasingly, they occur at corporate parties timed to all kinds of celebrations. They can set a buffet table for weddings, birthdays, March 8. The buffet is popular at major business meetings and deals. Such meals are organized mainly in nature. Depending on this, there are various types of buffets for a typical event: business, wedding, birthday, graduation, classmate meetings, complaint buffet and others. In addition, a mini-buffet is often organized for various purposes. It includes:

1. Business buffet

The organization of such a reception is popular in between business meetings and important conferences.

1. Cocktail buffet

This is a joint meal of different groups of people. Usually carried out in nature. There are more drinks than dishes at such a buffet table.

1. Cocktail party "glass"

The destination is a treat for casual guests. In such cases, a glass of wine, champagne or a glass of vodka or brandy is served. They are accompanied by sandwiches and other snacks.

1. Buffet "the only dish"

Known more as a way of conducting tastings. One specific dish is served, the taste of which must be discussed.

Wedding receptions

Depending on the stages of organizing the wedding, it is possible to hold buffets at such a celebration after the redemption of the bride, after the registry office and, of course, at the celebration itself.

1. Buffet after the bride's redemption

After a long, but such a fun process as ransom, a small buffet table is set for the hungry guests. Such a reception is held, as a rule, in the room where the bride was at the time of the ransom. Light snacks are prepared for serving. It is important that they look bright and colorful. A beautifully decorated table is a very important part of the buffet table. Therefore, you should think about how best to design it so that it is unforgettable. Since the purpose of the event is the ransom of the bride, it is better to decorate thematically: a white chiffon tablecloth, dishes with cut out hearts from products, and more. A flower arrangement will also perfectly decorate such a table.

Soft drinks are placed on the table - after all, the wedding ceremony and the main celebration are ahead. For a snack, sandwiches and canapes with high-calorie foods (cheese, herbs, caviar) are suitable. Don't forget about cold cuts.

The presence of sweets is a must. They do not need to be laid out, the best option would be to serve several open boxes on the table. The ideal solution for such a table would be fruits that do not need to be cut (grapes, peaches, apples).

1. How to organize a small buffet after the ceremony

It will be good when a buffet table is organized after the registry office. It will allow newlyweds and guests not to get very hungry for the main table. Therefore, after painting, a short meal is very relevant, especially in cases when the bride and groom go for a photo shoot or a walk. They spend it in a separate room of the registry office or just in nature. First, you need to determine the place for the buffet table, not forgetting that a room in the wedding palace is not always provided.

For reception after the wedding ceremony, you must prepare:

• a high, but comfortable table, it is better if it folds;
• buffet plates (paper, non-disposable and with wedding decor);
• forks;
• glasses and glasses;
• chocolate candies;
• champagne;
• drinks and mineral water;
• fruits;
• canapes, sandwiches or salad tartlets;
• decorated napkins.

In case of rain, you need to stock up on a large umbrella. A gazebo rented in the park would also be a good option. Therefore, in order to hold a buffet in nature, you must first start preparing it or entrust this work to professionals.

Buffet in nature

A buffet in nature is an excellent option for an off-site outdoor banquet. Such reception of guests is becoming more popular in our time and is used for weddings, birthdays, children's parties, corporate parties and much more.

How to organize a buffet in nature

In order for the guests to have positive emotions and good memories of the event, it is necessary to think in advance how to organize a reception-buffet and carefully prepare every detail of the event.

The first step is to decide on the location of the holiday. It can be a wild beach, a forest clearing, an area near a river or lake, a park or a country house. You can prepare a buffet table anywhere, taking into account the convenience for guests. You also need to think about a roof over your head, in case of a change in weather conditions, so that the celebration does not break down.

Plastic furniture is most often chosen for such events. Tablecloths are laid on the tables and arranged so that guests cannot interfere with each other. As a rule, such tables are much higher than usual, thanks to which guests do not have to bend over for treats. Chairs are placed nearby so that vacationers are not always on their feet.

An important role must be given to table setting. Usually they use glassware, but in nature it is much more convenient and practical to use plastic. The quantity is taken into account at the rate of three types of glasses per person (for example, a wine glass, a glass and a glass), plates are placed in a pile at the rate of invited guests. All dishes are formed in sets for 8-10 people and placed at a distance of at least 80 centimeters. The set of cutlery includes a fork and a knife, they are also included in the calculation of guests. There must be spare kits in case one of the guests dropped their item.

In addition to food on each table, there should be empty dishes where waste will be placed. There must be beautifully designed napkins, as well as salt and seasonings.

Finally, you should think carefully about the dishes that will be on the tables. When composing the menu, you need to take into account that the food is not only tasty, but also satisfying. The greatest preference at buffets is given to dishes that do not require the use of cutlery. These are sandwiches, meat and cheese cuts, tartlets, pita rolls with various fillings, pizza, pies. Alcoholic drinks offer champagne and wine, non-alcoholic drinks - mineral and plain water, juices and nectars. Fruits and vegetables are best served whole, they retain their appearance longer. Another significant point is that all food should be consistent with the proposed drinks.

If you use these rules, organizing an outdoor event will not leave anyone indifferent, guests will be delighted not only from the treats, but also from the very atmosphere of the holiday. But if you plan to use the services of specialists in this field, then the buffet service will be held at the highest level.

Reception ala buffet is a great alternative to a wedding feast

In many European countries, a wedding reception instead of a banquet has long been a tradition. Holding such a feast does not tire guests and newlyweds, does not limit the number of guests. The dishes on the table delight in their variety, but the costs of their products are minimal.

Guests at the buffet table are entertained by the host. Recreation areas are organized where everyone can find something to do. The beautifully decorated hall creates a unique wedding atmosphere. Live music is a great option during a wedding reception.

Features of the wedding reception:

• original design of the place for organizing the buffet table;
• the presence of a large number of dishes;
• chairs and benches are needed in the hall, because this buffet is longer than the usual one;
• variety of snacks and drinks;
• hot dishes are not served at the wedding buffet;
• for a huge number of guests, the presence of a waiter for service is desirable;
• special design of the buffet table;
• possibility of thematic tables: sweet, fruit, cheese, tea and others at will;
• entertainment.

Wedding receptions can be held in nature, in a restaurant, at home.

Holding buffets for various events

Buffets are an ideal option for a feast on various holidays: birthday, New Year, March 8, Defender of the Fatherland Day, professional holidays, anniversaries. Such tables should be decorated thematically. If a buffet is organized for the New Year, New Year's decorations should be present on the table. On March 8, the presence of flowers and decorated dishes, napkins is mandatory. Birthday buffet - balloons, candles, flower arrangements. This is especially true for a children's birthday - the design should be relative to the tastes of the main hero of the occasion. When setting the table for a children's birthday, you can use colorful tablecloths with pictures, toys.

Assortment of dishes for buffets:

• tartlets - baskets of dough with different fillings (for example, with Caesar salad, Olivier, cheese);
• canapes - small sandwiches based on croutons with different products (red fish, pates, caviar, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese and others);
• sandwiches;
• cold cuts;
• rolls;
• vegetable mix;
• assorted berries and fruits;
• desserts;
• alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Such techniques can be carried out both indoors and outdoors.

In addition to merry celebrations, sad events also take place in life. The complaint buffet will replace the costly memorial dinner. Given the financial difficulties and the undetermined number of those who came, such a buffet table is an excellent option for a commemoration. Features of such an event:

1. Tables are placed in the center of the room or near the wall, leaving a spacious passage between them.
2. First, arrange the glass and crystal dishes. For each guest, three types of glasses and a wine glass are required.
3. A separate table for glasses and drinks.
4. Cutlery is placed next to the plates in a slide, and napkins are also there. It should be noted that there should be two times less knives than forks.
5. It is advisable to serve chilled drinks.
6. Vases with flowers and fruit bowls are placed on the central part of the table.
7. Plates for appetizers and desserts are placed at the edge of the table. They are placed in stacks of 6-10 plates.
8. Snacks that do not lose their appearance at temperature are served first half an hour before the buffet table.
9. Tongs are required near the plates with snacks so that each guest can put the dish on his plate.
10. Juices are best poured into jugs, and red wine must be opened a few minutes before the reception.
11. It is necessary to decorate the table depending on the purpose for which the event is taking place.

The main principles of buffets:

• convenience in everything (it is convenient to put food, go to the table);
• variety of dishes;
• beautiful design of snacks;
• aesthetic table setting.

How to make a buffet table original

To organize an original buffet table, you should know the new trends that make it unforgettable.

First, chocolate fountains have become fashionable lately. This is an extraordinary sight and every guest likes to dip some piece of dessert or fruit into such a fountain and enjoy it.

Secondly, fountains from various alcoholic beverages are used to create a chic reception. Such an action will certainly revive the invited guests. You can also build a pyramid of champagne and other drinks for a luxurious event. But it is better, of course, if this is done by professionals.

In addition, the presence of themed tables: tea, cheese, dessert tables will betray the originality of the buffet table. The beautiful unique design of the room, non-standard snacks and table setting with the connection of the master's imagination will undoubtedly become the main attributes of the buffet's creativity.

When organizing a buffet table, keep in mind the theme of the meeting. The decor and design of the venue for the event and the buffet table itself depend on this. It is necessary to calculate everything to the smallest detail, set the table and draw up a menu according to the recommendations for carrying out. In order to invite to a buffet table, you can use invitations.

It is not provided with strictly scheduled places.

Organized (arranged) when:

• there are many guests, but there is not enough space for them to meet.
• hosts and guests are limited in time.
• the purpose of the meeting is communication, not a hearty meal.

Peculiarities:

• One waiter for 18-20 guests (if a buffet table with waiters).
• Lots of miniature snacks.
• The duration can be 1.5-2 hours.
• The buffet table can be served 4-5 times.
• More guests than at a banquet at the table, with equal hall areas.

• First of all, they put those that do not lose their qualities and appearance from the effects of temperature.
• In the last place, they put aspic, snacks with mayonnaise, butter and caviar.

When drawing up a menu, you need to consider:

• For 1 guest, expect 500-400 gr. snacks (various).
• You can offer a welcome glass (aperitif) - 50 gr. champagne.

The simplest option for a buffet table is canapes (tiny sandwiches weighing 60-80 g), a couple of light snacks, tea and fruits.

see also

• Table d'hote (table d'hote)

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Excerpt from the Buffet

I cannot share your opinion about Pierre, whom I knew as a child. It seemed to me that he always had a beautiful heart, and this is the quality that I value most in people. As for his inheritance and the role played by Prince Vasily in this, it is very sad for both. Ah, dear friend, the words of our Divine Savior that it is easier for a camel to get into a needle's ear than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God - these words are terribly just. I pity Prince Vasily and even more Pierre. For such a young man to be weighed down by such a huge state - how many temptations he will have to go through! If someone asked me what I desire more than anything in the world, I want to be poorer than the poorest of the poor. Thank you a thousand times, dear friend, for the book that you are sending me and which makes so much noise with you. However, since you tell me that among many good things in it there are those that the weak human mind cannot comprehend, it seems to me unnecessary to engage in incomprehensible reading, which, for this very reason, could not bring any benefit. I could never understand the passion that some persons have, to confuse my thoughts, addicted to mystical books that only arouse doubts in their minds, irritate their imaginations and give them a character of exaggeration, completely contrary to Christian simplicity.
Let's read the Apostles and the Gospel better. We will not try to penetrate what is mysterious in these books, for how can we, miserable sinners, learn the terrible and sacred secrets of Providence as long as we wear that fleshly shell that raises an impenetrable veil between us and the Eternal? We better confine ourselves to studying the great rules that our Divine Savior has left for us to guide us here on earth; we will try to follow them and try to make sure that the less we give rampant to our minds, the more pleasing we will be to God, Who rejects all knowledge that does not come from Him, and that the less we delve into what He was pleased to hide from us, the sooner He will give us this revelation by His divine mind.
Father did not tell me anything about the groom, but only said that he had received a letter and was waiting for Prince Vasily to visit; As far as the marriage plan for me is concerned, I will tell you, dear and invaluable friend, that marriage, in my opinion, is a divine institution that must be obeyed. No matter how hard it may be for me, if the Almighty wants to impose on me the duties of a wife and mother, I will try to fulfill them as faithfully as I can, without worrying about studying my feelings in relation to whom He will give me as a spouse.

Stylizing many things in a Western or European manner is a tradition that has spread, among other things, to the culinary industry. And the French concept - buffet - today you will not surprise any average Russian citizen. I must say that the French "la fourchette" has several meanings:

• This term is sometimes called restaurant chains;
• Rich assortment of grocery supermarkets;
• But one more definition of it - the called technique, which is called "on the legs" - is much more widespread.

For the first time at a buffet table

However, before you classify yourself as an avid diner of buffets, it is not superfluous to learn some rules of behavior within this meal, which is more like a polylogue with a snack. Since all those present, moving from one table with snacks to another, constantly communicate, exchange compliments or even get to know each other for the first time.

By the way, from the original language, this seemingly slightly pretentious word is translated in no other way than simply "fork"! Needless to say, melodic French is often misleading to those who are not polyglot. But let's get to the point.

1. The time for such meals is in the evening;
2. Guests gather at about five in the evening, and stay at the dinner party for no more than two hours. However, there are exceptions when a buffet table develops into a dance party or something similar;
3. Before you go to the buffet table, an invitation must be sent to you, indicating the dress code, time and place of arrival, as well as, possibly, some nuances regarding the behavior at the evening;

4. A purely business buffet table, which is common in the West, has its own strict rules: the chef stays a little later than his subordinates for the evening, and leaves before everyone else. This is due to how cars are parked outside the building where the light dinner is taking place.

Table setting for buffet

The table at such a meal does not play a decisive role, and is not placed in the center of the hall. Tables, usually covered with white tablecloths, stand along the walls, on which dishes rise in small piles, and tableware lies.

Right there, a little to the right of the dishes, you can see bottles lined up in the shape of a cone, behind which goblets and glasses are placed in descending order. And directly behind the stacks of plates - large dishes, with various food, which is laid out like a platter.

The main buffet dishes:

• Hard or curd cheese;
• Sausages and neatly chopped ham, possibly parma;
• Fruit and (or) vegetable cuts;
• Separate snack plates with olives, capers, gherkins and similar treats.

Often, buffet organizers make it easier for themselves with the availability of cutlery, and serve dishes in the form of plates with canapes, salads, which are laid out in convenient tartlets and other devices that will allow you to take food without using forks and knives.

There should be a waiter near each set table, who helps guests to pour drinks into glasses. Doing it yourself is not prohibited, but it looks somewhat vulgar and does not always correspond to the general rules of the party.

How to behave at a buffet table

If you are at such a dinner for the first time, then you may be somewhat embarrassed by the unusual atmosphere of an event of this format. And in this case, the main thing is not to get confused.

Remember the main thing: you are not in a hurry, and no one is rushing you anywhere. If you manage to maintain such an "Olympic" calmness, then you yourself will see how much more comfortable and confident you will feel.

When approaching the snack tables, remember:

• Food should be applied not with your own devices, but with those that lie on a common dish. This is both more convenient and correct;
• You should not immediately put everything and "more", as you have to put a glass with a drink on the edge of the same plate, which the waiter pours when you approach him.

So, the correct guest of the buffet table should look something like this:

1. A plate of food - in the left hand;
2. A glass, or a glass and a fork - lie on a plate;
3. And, of course, a friendly smile on your face!

In addition, remember that a buffet table is, rather, not a full meal, but a reason for communication, which can be both personal (birthday, engagement, etc.) and public (presentation, meeting with business partners) ...

How do they drink at buffets?

Finally, a few words about how to properly consume alcohol at a buffet table. In the West, it is not customary to clink glasses at such events, however, in our country this tradition is considered almost a national cult. Therefore, getting to the buffet table for the first time, first observe those who are a regular at such parties in this particular circle, and competently repeat their behavior in terms of etiquette.

And yet, the empty plate should be left on a special table for dirty dishes, or put on a tray, which the waiter will bring to you especially for this purpose.

Buffet- this is one of the methods of joint reception of food, which differs in that the guests invited to the meal eat while standing and independently choose both culinary products and drinks.

It is worth noting that, as a rule, a fork is considered the main cutlery at a buffet table, since it is inconvenient to use a knife or spoon while standing. According to the rules of the buffet table, there is no clear seating system for guests. Often, such a method of receiving guests as a buffet table is used if a really large number of guests is expected, and also if the purpose of the meal is more communication than directly eating.

In addition, the buffet table frees the hosts of the event from many troubles and worries, for example, regarding the seating of guests, the choice of tableware or tableware. It is also noteworthy that the buffet table is often held without the involvement of waiters.

The buffet, as a rule, is limited in time and lasts no more than two hours in a row. The so-called business buffet or cocktail lasts no more than an hour. The event is organized in between important meetings or meetings.

Although when holding buffets, many of the rules of banquet etiquette are omitted, it still has its own characteristics that must be followed. For example, for receptions, certain tables are used that are higher than the standard ones.

Moreover, it is better to use rectangular buffet tables. In addition, there are special multi-storey buffet tables that allow you to serve culinary products in an original way. For serving the buffet table, special types of textiles are used, namely tablecloths-maltons or the so-called tablecloths-skirts.

In the center of the table there is always a flower arrangement. Chilled drinks in bottles are placed at the edge of the table, and jugs with juices, water or fruit drink must be placed on special plates. Form the dishes for the appetizers in stacks of a maximum of 10 pieces in one.

At the buffet table, firstly, they put snacks that do not lose their appearance and taste under the influence of temperature, and then buffet dishes, which contain perishable foods, as well as mayonnaise, caviar, butter or aspic.

The simplest version of the buffet menu can consist of: several types of canapes, as well as sandwiches and light snacks. For dessert, it is better to serve fruits, pastries, and from drinks choose tea, coffee, as well as champagne, juices and mineral water. According to the classical culinary canons, the exquisite buffet menu should include at least 16 cold appetizers, 3 hot dishes, as well as dessert and drinks.

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The buffets were invented by the French and designated this collective meal standing by the word "fork" - "fourchette" - in honor of the main cutlery used by guests at the buffet table. The thrifty and practical West quickly appreciated the merits and benefits of the new way of eating. But the buffet table took a long time to get to Russia. It became widespread among Russians relatively recently - just a couple of decades ago. Probably, stable national traditions became an obstacle to this. wide Russian feasts... And walking around the room with a plate in hand was incomprehensible and unusual for the hospitable Russian mentality. But everything is changing.

What is a buffet table? And with what it is eaten? What are the characteristics of this foreign type of meal? We deal with the largest banquet search portal www.4banket.ru .

Features of the buffet

The buffet table has a number of distinctive features that make it easy to recognize.

• At the buffet table, the invitees eat while standing.

No chairs are provided for the buffet table. Snack tables are usually placed along the walls. Guests move freely in the center of the hall, independently putting their own treats on a plate.

On a note: a buffet is sometimes confused with a buffet, when guests also choose and serve their own food on their own. But unlike a buffet table, they then go to the table with a full plate and at it, with all the usual comfort, start their meal.

• The duration of the buffet table is no more than 3 hours.

This is understandable, because the guests will get tired of standing on their feet for a long time.

• Buffet service.

Full self-service - at a buffet table, guests put their own food and choose an already filled glass. Waiter service is allowed, but it is fundamentally different from banquet service. At a buffet table, waiters can constantly be in the hall in order to unobtrusively offer guests snacks and drinks. They also clean up empty bottles and used plates, keep order on the tables.

• Buffet menu - focus on snacks and drinks.

The buffet menu does not imply complex hot dishes and large portions. Everything is thought out "for a fork" - so that it is convenient to take and eat, therefore dishes are served in portions, "for one bite" - in small bowls, wine glasses, tartlets ...

On a note: tables for a buffet table are higher than for a banquet seating - at least 1 meter - so that it is convenient to take food from them without bending over.

Table legs are draped with "skirts". Great attention is paid to decoration and effective presentation of dishes.

On the tables in the first line canapes are displayed, in the second - salads, in the third - meat snacks, in the fourth - carcasses. Desserts are located in the center of the table.

Important: at the buffet table, snacks are put on the tables half an hour before the arrival of the guests. To prevent the dishes from losing their aesthetic appearance, mayonnaise and other melting and current ingredients are not used in their recipes.

Benefits of a buffet table

This, at first glance, uncomfortable way of eating has a number of valuable advantages, thanks to which the buffet table was able to win the hearts of even Russians who adore long table gatherings.

• Versatility

The buffet fits perfectly into the concept of business events - the birthday of the company, the celebration of a successful deal or successful negotiations, various presentations and exhibitions. But not only! Today, the buffet table is actively used for personal birthdays and as a wedding event. Yes! A buffet table at a wedding is not uncommon these days.

Important: the buffet is not fixated on the hall restaurant ... He loves to go out of town, loves outdoor areas, terraces and tents , easily adjusts its menu to the format of the event.

• Democracy

The format of the buffet table does not tie the invitees to a certain place at the table, does not burden with unwanted neighborhood. At the buffet table, everyone is free to choose their own interlocutor and communicate as much as they want, because it is friendly, easy communication that is the main thing at the buffet table. Food and drinks are just a nice addition to this.

• Profitability

A buffet table is much easier to organize than a classic banquet. And the buffet will cost less. It will allow you to save on the size of the hall, on the number of staff and on the menu.

Note from4BANQUET : a buffet table is a way out of a situation when you need to gather a large number of guests in a small area. It does not require as much space as a banquet seating.

Since the buffet is not such a long event as a banquet, it has less food consumption. Guests simply will not have time to eat as much as for the whole evening of the banquet feast.

The only thing that cannot be saved on is quantity. utensils ... It will take twice as much for a buffet table as for a banquet.

But this is where the "buffet weaknesses" end. It remains only to enjoy the advantages of a buffet table and skillfully extract benefits from them.

This is what the entire civilized world is already doing. We wish you the same.

Good luck! And pleasant events for you!