When people first get in touch, they often already know the date and the number of guests, but not how they want the food served. Yet the style of service changes the whole feel of the day. Here's how we help people decide.

A sit-down dinner

Best for: smaller groups, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, dinner parties at home.

Everyone sits together and each course arrives at the table. It's the most special-feeling option and the most relaxing for the host, because there's nothing to organise once you sit down. Guests can even choose their starter and main ahead of time, as they did for an 18th birthday dinner for 16 and a sit-down birthday for 18.

It does need enough table space for everyone, and a clear idea of numbers.

A sharing feast

Best for: family gatherings, relaxed celebrations, garden parties, anyone who loves generous food.

Big platters go down the middle of the table and everyone helps themselves. It has the warmth of a family meal with the ease of a buffet, and it suits mixed appetites and dietary needs well, because people take what they like. Slow-cooked centrepieces like Vietnamese shoulder of lamb or spiced rum pork ribs are made for this.

A buffet

Best for: bigger numbers, open houses, office events, wakes, and parties where people mingle.

A buffet lets guests eat when they want and keep moving. It's the most flexible option when you're not sure exactly who will turn up, or when people come and go through the afternoon. It can be laid out and ready before guests arrive, which matters for occasions like a funeral tea.

Canapés

Best for: drinks receptions, the start of a wedding, short evening parties.

Small bites passed round while people talk. There's more on this in how many canapés you need per guest.

Three questions to help you decide

  1. Will everyone be sitting down? If not, choose a buffet or canapés.
  2. Is the food the main event? If yes, choose a sit-down dinner or a sharing feast.
  3. How much space is there? Long tables suit feasts and dinners; a buffet needs one clear table and room to queue.

Still not sure? Have a look at our example menus, or book a call and we'll talk it through with you.