How to Serve a Buffet

How to Serve a Buffet : (source : Better Homes & Gardens)

Buffet-style serving is fun, whether supper is for 5 or 50!. Begin with a buffet centered around good food and an attractive table.

Setting the table

If guests are to sit at the dining table or at card tables, have the places all set beforehand with linens, silver, glassware, and salt and pepper shakers.
For a buffet, you can go fancy and use your best china ; or keep it casual with simple accessories. It's all up to you.
There's no hard and fast rule for setting a buffet. Most important : Arrange it attractively-no crowding. Place serving dishes to make it easy for guests to help themselves. Often big dishes are placed in the center at each end of the buffet table. Include a serving fork or spoon alongside each food that's offered. Place extras, such as sauce, near food they accompany.
Serving a crowd? Make twin arrangements of food, one on each side of the table. You'll avoid traffic tie-ups; self-serving will move right along.
Decide ahead of time exactly how many forks, spoons, plates and cups you'll need and put out just that number. The food and tableware can go on the dining table, sideboard, or both.

Time to Eat!!

Guests would begin by picking up plates and napkins.(Here napkins are stacked with plates to save room on the table; but they might be arranged beside the plates or placed with silver)
Guests would go around the table, helping themselves to meat, vegetables, relishes, salad, rolls.

Serving dessert

Have dessert arranged on side table; or clear buffet and arrange dessert, plates, and silver or let guests help themselves. Or pass tray of desserts to guests seated at tray or card tables. Serve coffee with either the meal or dessert, or both. Usually any beverages go on buffet or a side table.