Buffets at parties

[BrilliantBetty]

Pre Covid I wouldn't have given this a second thought.

But, do we really want to go back to a table of uncovered food and people just picking bits out and putting on to their plate, handling the same serving implements, potentially chatting close to the food (sneezing?!!).

I am hosting a family and close friends party early next year for approx 60 people. There won't be space for a served & seated meal. It is in a small hall. What are my options? Please tell me what you would do.

AIBU to think the typical party buffet is not exactly desirable any more?

Still love a buffet!
I would think if people weren't sure they just wouldn't eat from it.

@JollyJoon

Either host a party or dont host a party but don't host a paranoid party

Yup.

I can't get worked up over it.

We're generally better with a few more germs.

You could always get a couple of friends teenagers to serve, so that every spoon isnt touched by 60 people etc

Never liked a buffet pre covid tbh.

We had a buffet lunch at an in-person work event this week.
Several people had asked to be seated seperately for the day's events, so that they could stay 2m away from other participants. We were able to set the room up to accommodate that, and ensured their papers were placed on their tables ready for them so that noone touched anything they were touching that day.
Somewhat surprised to see them jostling for position at the buffet!

I love a buffet.
As had been said, the paranoid people can just choose not to partake.
However, if they are comfortable spending 4 or more hours in a room with 59 other people (presumably with no reassurance about most other guests' vaccination status or recent lft statuses or even recent places they had been and how they had acted) then I can't see eating from a buffet is going to increase their risk any.

At events I have been to in recent weeks there has been bowl food - small bowls of dished up portions that can be eaten with a fork standing up. Things like pasta or rice salad - no cutting required. I've also seen small portions of curry served like this. You can have a few options so people can choose a couple of different things to have the equivalent of a meal.

@Voord let's hope the 'full spread' just means the food eh

I dunno, not everyone might like it, gammy fingers picking stuff, putting it back, and people snorting and chortling while serving themselves!

but what are your options?

I went to a business thing where they had pre- done boxes which was OK.

God, I love buffets! There’s a place near us that does huge ranges of sides/salads and waiters come round with meat skewers. Last time I was there, April 2020 (?) there was someone serving the sides, sweating, wiping his sweating face with bare hands which he was holding my plate with. Put me right off, I could cry.

Actually must have been this April.

I didn't like buffets pre covid, and would certainly not be eating from one now.
Most people seem to love them though, and I don't actually think covid will affect their stance.