Today in our language there are so many different words of foreign origin that it is almost impossible to know all of them - what they mean and how to translate correctly. That is why in this article I want to talk about what a buffet table is, where this word came to us from and what is hidden behind it.
Meaning of the word
It is necessary to begin to understand any problem with the definition of concepts. First of all, it is necessary to understand what country and culture this word came to us from. This is France. It will also be interesting to learn how the “buffet” is translated from French: this is the “fork”. A logical question may arise: “Why so?” It's simple, because during the buffet, the main cutlery used by the guests is the fork.
What it is?
However, even if the meaning of the word is known, it is still difficult to say what a buffet table is and what it is. So, in short, this is the joint use of food by people. However, there are some nuances. In this option, each person serves only himself, the waiters can only bring dishes and drinks to the tables. It is important to say that during the buffet it will not be possible to find a chair to eat normally, food is taken standing, most often in a light conversation with different people.
About the choice
Knowing what a buffet table is, you may ask: “And when is it advisable to hold it?” After all, everyone is accustomed to a classic feast. There are several options. The first of them, and probably the most important one, is when for a circle of people the main goal is communication, not a feast. In this version, snacks are only a pleasant addition to a sweet conversation. The second case, when it is better to hold a buffet, rather than a banquet or feast, if the hall is not large enough to accommodate everyone. So, this is a great option for various kinds of parties and gatherings on interests. Well, the third case - if there is no desire for a long time to host guests. In this case, the buffet table will be an excellent lifesaver, because people will not be able to stay on their feet for a long time and, a little tired, will begin to disperse home.
Service
Having understood what a buffet table is, it is also worth mentioning how to properly serve your guests. In this option, it is customary to hire waiters who from time to time will fill empty plates, bring drinks and change dishes. After all, the main goal of the hosts is to entertain the guests. If the reception was organized for a small company in a small room, everything can be put on the table even before the arrival of the guests.
Dishes
If a person decided to organize a buffet table, this is what you need to take care of. It’s good, of course, to hire a cook and just discuss a buffet menu with him , but this is not always possible. So, what is advisable to put on the tables? Here you just need to think carefully: what will it be convenient for guests to eat, because you will have to take food while standing. The ideal option, of course, would be small canapé sandwiches, light snacks are also possible . The first dishes and side dishes during the reception are simply unacceptable. It is also important to competently observe the order of serving dishes, because not all of them will be immediately put on the tables. First of all, even before the arrival of guests, you can set the fact that for a long time does not lose its shape or color, and also feels normal in a warm room. It can be various fruits, cold appetizers, booze. Next are hot snacks, which, it must be said, at the receptions is not so much. And the last dishes are those that contain mayonnaise, caviar, butter.
Benefits
So, what is a good reception in comparison with other types of serving dishes? First of all, this is the originality and originality of the event. And while buffet receptions in our country are becoming more and more popular, they have not yet received such wide distribution as to become routine. I would also like to say that it is at the receptions that a freer, lighter atmosphere reigns, which does not fetter people. Indeed, in a large company there may be those people who are not too pleasant to each other. If at the table they are constantly in sight of each other, then at the buffet table they may not even meet, talking with completely different people. And the hostess is much easier: there is no need to choose how to properly place guests at the table and how to please everyone (especially those who plan to make a wedding buffet).
rules
If a buffet is planned (no matter what it will be), you need to follow a few simple but important rules for it. The first of them: on the table should be only that which can be easily taken with a fork (remember the translation of the word from French). The very table with snacks should be placed a little to the side, but not near the wall, guests should be able to approach it from all sides. It is important to ensure that everything is correctly placed. So, appliances are always located on the one hand, all together (a plate on a plate, a fork near the fork), and not individually arranged for each guest. Symmetrically from the center there are also dishes so that on each side you can take what you want. Closer to the edges always place salad bowls and sauces. It is important not to forget about the small table on which guests can put dirty dishes. Most often it is mobile and is located near the table with snacks. It is important to remember that the buffet should have a triple supply of all dishes (especially if an exit buffet is planned), so that the hostess doesn’t go away during the event in order to wash her. As for the coloring, it is best that the plates are plain, ideally white. It is also important to choose drinks for such an event. Be sure to have mineral water, juices on the table, champagne and various wines from alcohol. Stronger drinks, such as vodka or cognac, are not accepted at the receptions. It is worth remembering that the buffet tables can also be decorated. For this, various floristic compositions are suitable, candles can be used. It is also important at the same time to decorate the room where the event will take place, and correctly select the musical accompaniment of the evening.