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To Serve or Self-Serve

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Have you ever struggled with deciding whether to provide table service or a buffet for your guests? The decision is usually based on two factors- the level of formality attributed to the event and the number of guests in attendance.

Should I have table service?

Table service is an occasion in which the host of an event provides the guests with previously plated meals, whether it be by a wait staff or the host themselves. This kind of meal is often served during weddings or formal events, such as an awards dinner.

To Serve or Self-Serve_01

There are several positives to choosing table service. If the meal is a central focus of the event, it allows guests to take their time and enjoy several courses, where as buffet style can be a much more casual and quick affair. Plating presentation will be more impressive when served directly from the kitchen, and made to order dishes will be fresh. It should be noted that table service is more appropriate for upscale events, and if there are many guests, the serving may require more time.

To Serve or Self-Serve_02

Maybe a buffet?

Buffet service is a self serving method in which guests can line up at a table or group of tables that are already laid out with quantities of food, and the guests pick and choose what to put onto their plates.

To Serve or Self-Serve_03

Buffets are nice because they are more cost-effective, picky eaters can be as choosey as they would like, and they encourage guests to mill around with others and be social. Buffets have become increasingly common due to their convenience, even amongst formal wedding receptions.

Or possibly family style?

Family style can be a nice compromise between self-service and serving each individual dish. Dishes are served on many platters and placed at the center of tables. While guests are able to help themselves, the dishes can still be presented in an elegant and unique fashion. Guests are encouraged to interact with the others seated at their table and strike up conversations with those who they may be unfamiliar with.

To Serve or Self-Serve_04

How about a combination?

You always have the option of doing a little of this and a little of that. Just because you are having a buffet doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful tablescapes with nice chargers, china, and glassware.

To Serve or Self-Serve_05

And if you have table service or family style, you might consider having a dessert table or beverage table so guests can mingle and help themselves.

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Choosing the serving style is about the best way to accommodate your guests while maintaining the level of formality you would like your event to convey.

Categories: Ideas, Party Tips, Table DesignLeave a comment
Tags: buffetfamily styletable service
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Main Office: 1(800) 400-0543
Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
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6785 Sierra Court, Suite A
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING COVID-19

The Stuart Rental Company’s highest priority is the health and safety of our team members, clients, and their families. Therefore, we are taking this opportunity to set forth how we are managing our business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will continue to update our policies as we learn more from the medical and scientific community, including new information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We encourage everyone to frequently refer to the CDC website for the latest on how best to contain and mitigate the impact of the virus.

OUR SHOWROOM IS OPEN

LIMITED HOURS: 10:00AM to 2:00PM, MON-FRI

CLEANING AND SANITATION

We have enhanced the process and increased the frequency of our equipment cleaning, spending extra attention to regularly contacted surfaces.

  • – We are using the same chemicals on our equipment as hospitals use to disinfect their surfaces.
  • – In addition, we continue to launder all linens and disinfect dishware, silverware, and glassware with high-temp commercial dishwashers, industrial sanitizers and chemicals.
  • – These processes are done in compliance with the latest California state and federal CDC guidance to ensure our products are COVID-19-free following their cleaning.
  • – We are cleaning our showroom, offices, warehouse and common areas with greater frequency using hospital-grade disinfectants, paying special attention to frequently touched surfaces.
  • – We have curtailed all non-essential employee travel to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to our staff and among the general population and we have instructed employees who feel ill to stay home and consult their healthcare provider.

 

DELIVERY AND PICKUP PROTOCOL: 10:00AM to 2:00PM, MON-FRI

We are keeping our teams current on all recommendations and updates from the CDC as well as instituting new safety precautions for the pickup and delivery of any product.

  • – We have equipped our delivery and pickup teams with masks, nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer, and EPA-approved cleaners/disinfectants specifically recommended by the CDC in its Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations.
  • – During pickups and deliveries, we wipe all products with all-purpose cleaning solution and a disinfecting cleanser.
  • – Nitrile gloves are carefully disposed of after every pickup.
  • – We have instructed our staff to follow CDC-recommended social distancing guidelines, including avoiding shaking hands and using proper hygiene etiquette including hand washing.

We are committed to doing what is necessary to curtail the impact of COVID 19 and will therefore update these policies as the CDC and local and state health officials issue more guidance.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STUART’S SOCIAL DISTANCING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT!

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