Feeding a crowd for the holidays? Try serving your meal buffet-style
Whether you're hosting a chic Hanukkah party or simply gathering family to nosh and light the menorah, a buffet is a convenient and delicious answer to your entertaining needs. Food and presentation can be as elegant or casual as you like, and since prepping and setting up are mostly done ahead of time, you're free to mingle and eat with your guests. Here are two irresistible menus and tips for making them a success.
Buffet Party Tips:
Don't Be Afraid to Get Help
If you're concerned about spending too much time refilling drinks or keeping the buffet neat and replenished, consider hiring a bartender or kitchen help to clear plates and glasses and give you a hand with the food. Having someone else there to handle these tasks will free you up to enjoy the party and mingle with your guests.
Think about Temperature
The biggest issue when serving food buffet-style is keeping it warm. There are two solutions to this problem: Serve everything at room temperature (our latke party menu takes that approach) or invest in chafing dishes and warming trays. The chafing dish, a favorite of professional caterers and old-fashioned hostesses, is great for saucy items such as the pot roast on our family-friendly menu. Warming trays are good for casseroles such as the kugel.
Spread Things Around
Avoid traffic jams around the buffet by not crowding platters and bowls in too small an area. If you're having a large party, consider setting up identical spreads along both sides of the buffet table to allow better traffic flow.
Family-Friendly Hanukkah Buffet
Chicory Salad with Oranges and Red Onions
Pot Roast with Caramelized Onions and Roasted Carrots
Potato, Carrot, and Zucchini Kugel
Carrot Cupcakes with Orange Icing
Stylish Latke Party
Marinated Olives with Tangerine and Rosemary
Asparagus, Cucumber, and Sugar Snap Peas with Herb Garlic Dip
Bruschetta with White Beans and Walnuts
Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, and Tarragon Crème Fraîche
Honey-Glazed Doughnuts with Raisins and Pine Nuts
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