Entertaining family and friends is a joy, but getting the party started can be a bit stressful. Have you ever said the following to yourself?

• It’s too tiring to cook for a crowd!
• I’m too busy to throw a party!
• I have to work the whole party and never get to have fun!

If you’ve ever had these thoughts, there’s a one-word solution to your party dilemma: “buffet.” A fancy cutlery buffet can be simple and elegant, offering you an easy way to make your party the talk of the town.

The best way to enjoy your own party is not to “overthink it”. Plan a simple, attractive, stress-free buffet that takes care of itself so you can be a part of your event instead of stuck “behind the scenes.” The following tips will keep your buffet going to ensure a successful party that’s fun for you, too.

Choose your cutlery and serving pieces

The day before your party, collect your platters, platters, utensils, and cutlery. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your serving pieces and cutlery for a unique look. Plan where you will place each serving piece and the best location for your cutlery. Don’t forget to serve utensils like serving spoons, serving forks, scoops, condiment spoons, tongs, cake servers and more. This ensures that your guests can easily serve themselves.

Choose menu items that can be prepared ahead of time

If you choose items for your menu that you can prepare ahead of time and then quickly assemble them at the last minute, those last few minutes before your guests arrive will be much easier. Offer many different dishes in a variety of colors, flavors, and textures. The more dishes you serve, no matter how simple, the more your guests will be excited about the menu because the more likely you are to have something that everyone will enjoy. Also, don’t be afraid to buy certain ‘heat and serve’ items in the frozen food aisle. The mozzarella cheese sticks you find there will be only as good as the ones that enslave you. If you serve certain dishes that require special cutlery, such as shrimp that require shrimp forks, make sure they are easily accessible with your other cutlery at the buffet.

Cold buffets are great

Don’t think you still have to slave over a hot stove to put together a successful buffet. Cold buffets are great and involve a lot less prep work. Popular cold buffet items include coleslaw, potato salad, shrimp, deli meats, cheese, sauces, pickles, wraps, gravy, and even sushi. Fill a large bowl or platter with plenty of gourmet rolls and breads, and make sure you have plenty of silverware to spread the condiments. Even with a cold buffet, if there are a lot of options, your guests will love it.

Make sure there is plenty of room on the table

Seating space is great, but when you offer plenty of table space for guests to eat, that’s even better. Many people don’t like to eat without a table to put their plate and it’s difficult to hold cutlery, a plate and a drink at the same time. It will make your guests more comfortable and have a better time with plenty of table space. Don’t worry about fancy tables. Comfort is more important here. Removing a table from the wall or pushing two small tables together and covering them with a tablecloth works perfectly.

traffic flow

Designate a “traffic flow” for your buffet by placing plates at one end of your serving table and your cutlery and glasses at the other end so your guests don’t have a handful while trying to serve themselves. Consider wrapping your cutlery in napkins for a sleek look and to simplify transporting multiple cutlery. Usually, a knife and fork will suffice, but there are times when special spoons and cutlery may need to be included, depending on your buffet menu.

Make your sideboard visually appealing

Take foods, like mayonnaise, out of their jars and place them in attractive bowls. Arrange your serving platters and bowls in a visually pleasing way, mixing colors, heights, sizes and textures to make your table visually appealing while keeping certain items together, like bread and sandwich meats. Fill the empty spaces on your buffet table with small bowls containing nuts, cheese cubes, olives, and other small foods. Be sure to have spreadable cutlery pieces available with mustards, mayonnaise, and cheese spreads. Add color and decoration to less visually appealing cakes and dishes with cut-up fruits and vegetables.

Let the guests bring their special dishes

If your guests ask if they can bring something to your party, tell them “Yes, a small dessert would be great!” Small desserts work well because you can usually find the perfect place to present them at your buffet table. If you don’t have room at your buffet table, place the desserts on their own special table, as most of your guests will eat their dinner plates first before returning for dessert. Make sure you have small dessert plates and extra cutlery for your dessert table.

You can have a lot of fun at your own party if you consider “having a buffet.” With these simple tips, a few serving pieces, and cutlery, your buffet will be a hit that people will talk about for years to come.