Most events involve serving food to guests, and how you serve them is just as important as the menu itself. The service style has an impact on how your guests enjoy their food, and can help you meet event objectives as well. We’ve listed down the Top 5 service styles, and when they are most appropriate:
- Plated Meals
This is the most formal style of serving food. A waiter is often assigned to serve a table or two with pre-set entrees. It is best used for events with a formal vibe, such as galas or black tie events. It keeps guests on their seats, so it can also work for conferences, in order to minimize noise and keep the focus on the speaker. A sit-down meal is also good for intimate conversations, so if you want to help your guests network within a small group, you can arrange for them to be seated together.
One limitation of plated meals is that there are usually one to two entrees prepared – get a headcount and a list of guests with food restrictions so you can prepare a special dish for them.
- Buffet
A buffet is your best bet for large crowds, or for events where guests will come at different times. It gives guests the freedom to choose their food, so it also helps you accommodate picky eaters or those with food restrictions. One setback of buffets can be the long lines, so prepare to keep the service flowing by setting up a double-sided buffet or two buffet tables that offer the same menu.
For extremely large groups, it’s also best to avoid “make your own” dishes such as tacos or deli dishes, as they can slow the line down. To encourage a large group to mingle, vary the setup – throw in cocktail tables and lounge setups together with standard tables.
- Butlered Hors d’ Oeuvres
For networking events, or any gathering that puts the focus on social interaction, strolling waiters passing hors d’oeuvres and small plates around is your best bet. By passing around food, you help guests keep the conversations going as they don’t have to stop when getting something to eat. The bite-sized options also help you manage your budget.
If it’s during lunch or dinner hour, offer something more substantial, such as small plates with meats, vegetables or pasta that guests can eat using only a fork.
- Action Station
Action stations are chef-attended bars where guests can have their food made as they watch. It’s a good option for crowds with differing food preferences, and can also add an energetic vibe to your event. This is best for seated events where a block of time is allotted for lunch, as guests may spend time watching the chef in action. The upside is the guests get their food fresh!
- Family Style
This may be reminiscent of your family reunions at home. Guests are seated at a table, large serving sizes are placed in the middle, and guests help themselves on a lazy Susan or pass on the food to each other. From a service stand point, this allows the kitchen to serve the food faster. Cost is also manageable because you get to control the portions for each individual on the table.
As this setup can be more casual, it is best for events involving groups who have known each other for a while – such as office luncheons or family reunions.
(Image Credit: Food Setting)
