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

• It’s too tiring cooking 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’s 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, and stress-free buffet that takes care of itself so you can be a part of your event instead of getting stuck “behind the scenes.” The following tips will keep your buffet on track to ensure a successful party that’s fun for you, too.

Choose your cutlery and serving pieces

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

Choose menu items that can be prepared in advance

If you choose items for your menu that you can make ahead of time and then quickly assemble at the last minute, those last few minutes before your guests arrive will be that much easier. Offer many different dishes in a variety of colors, flavors, and textures. The more dishes you serve, no matter how simple, your guests will get more excited about the menu because the more likely you will 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 as good as the ones you have as slaves. If you serve certain dishes that require special silverware, such as shrimp that require shrimp forks, make sure they are easily accessible with your other silverware at the buffet.

Cold buffets are great

Don’t think you still have to be a slave to a hot stove to prepare a successful buffet. Cold buffets are excellent and involve a lot less prep work. The most popular cold buffet dishes include coleslaw, potato salad, shrimp, cold cuts, cheese, sauces, pickles, wraps, salsa, and even sushi. Fill a large bowl or platter with plenty of gourmet buns and breads, and make sure you have plenty of silverware for spreading seasonings. Even with a cold buffet, if there are plenty of options, your guests will love it.

Make sure there is enough space on the table

The seating space is great, but when you offer plenty of table space for guests to eat, that’s even better. Many people do not like to eat without a table to put their plate on and it is difficult to hold cutlery, a plate and a drink at the same time. You’ll make your guests feel more comfortable and have a better time with plenty of table space. Don’t worry about fancy tables. Comfort is more important here. Moving a table away from the wall or sliding 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 silverware and glasses at the other end so your guests don’t have a handful as they try to serve themselves. Consider rolling your silverware in napkins for a stylish look and simplifying transporting multiple silverware. Usually a knife and fork will suffice, but there are times when you need to include special spoons and silverware, depending on your buffet menu.

Make your buffet visually appealing

Take foods like mayonnaise out of their jars and into attractive bowls. Arrange your platters and serving bowls in a visually pleasing way, mixing colors, heights, sizes, and textures to make your table visually appealing while keeping items like bread and sandwich meats together. Fill any empty spaces on your buffet table with small bowls containing nuts, cheese cubes, olives, and other small foods. Make sure you have spreads available with mustard, mayo, and cheese spreads. Add color and decoration to less visually appealing cakes and dishes with cut fruits and vegetables.

Let the guests bring their special dishes

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

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