Buffet Recipes

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The following buffet recipes and plans will help you plan the perfect buffet. Buffets are an easy way to host a large party and allows more time for socializing, by cutting back on kitchen and serving duties. A buffet can be as casual or formal depending on the occasion.

The first thing to do when planning any party with food is to plan the menu. Once that is done, write up your shopping list. Also check to make sure you have enough dishes, flatware, glasses, napkins, serving utensils and vessels. You may decide to purchase disposable goods, and also may need warming trays, sterno, and chafing frames.

When creating a shopping list, use this as a guide:

Count on 3 drinks per guest.
Count on 4 to 6 hors d’oeuvres per person if you’re serving a meal. If you’re just serving hors d’oeuvres with cocktails, the amount goes up to 12 pieces per person.
Provide guests with non-alcoholic drink choices.
A portion of meat per person is 1/4 to 1/3 pound.
Assume some of your guests will be vegetarians.
A portion of vegetables, rice, pasta, or salad is 1/2 cup.
A 9-inch pie or tart (after a large meal) will serve 8 to 10.