Entertaining

• 1). Plan the event around a concept or theme. Coming up with a theme will help you narrow down the food and décor choices for your party.
  
  
• 2). Keep it simple. Limiting the menu to a few entrees and side dishes will ensure that meals taste better because you won't be hurrying to get many dishes out to the buffet.
  
  
• 3). Make sure your menu includes a few popular food selections. Not everyone loves seafood, so offer beef or chicken as well as your favorite seafood dish. This will ensure every guest can find something they like on the buffet.
  
  
• 4). Know how many people are coming. Make sure that you have plenty of food for the number of expected guests. Don't forget that in addition to food, you'll need wine, water or other beverages for the group.
  
  
• 5). Allow guests to mingle and chat before eating. Gentle background music from an MP3 or CD player will enhance the ambiance and help guests relax.
  
  

Decorating the Buffet

• 1). Choose a color palette for the table. Keep it from looking too busy by covering the table with a white, cream or black tablecloth, then using colored or patterned napkins and plates for accent. For example, a New Year's Eve party buffet would look inviting with a simple black tablecloth accented with silver or gold napkins.
  
  
• 2). Set the table in a logical manner. Since guests will walk through the buffet in a specific direction, create a beginning by placing plates and silverware at one end. Then place fruit or a salads, your side dishes and bread and end with the entrées.
  
  
• 3). Create a separate table or area as the drink station. Here guests can choose whatever you're offering--water, soda, lemonade wine or coffee--out of designated pitchers or bottles. Make sure you have plenty of glasses and cups available.
  
  
• 4). Enhance each of the tables with a centerpiece. Some options are vases with fresh flowers, topiaries, tea light or pillar candles or hurricane vases filled with citrus fruits for a pop of color.