Buffet ideas

[LongEaredOwl]

DP and I are thinking about having a buffet reception- mostly because we don't have much money, but also so we can get involved in the fun of cooking and baking for the big day.
I would just like to get an idea of what makes a good buffet- I'm already thinking lots of breads, cheeses, salads, jerk chicken, trifle. What would you like to see at a buffet?

Cold meats are pretty common along with sausage rolls, quiche, and various salads, couscous, rice etc.

Are you thinking a buffet dinner such as curry or beef bourguignon,or more canapé type food? Every buffet I have ever been to has featured chicken curry and rice, with cold meats and salads. Delicious, but it does get quite boring. However if you have guests who are fussy it will appeal to most - those who won't eat curry can fill up on salad.

I love a buffet with canapés and lots of meats and cheeses. For parties I have done mini crab cakes, smoked salmon and cream cheese on squares of rye bread, mini pizzas, honey mustard cocktail sausages, prawn and mango skewers, teriyaki chicken skewers and parmesan, parma ham and sage puffs. All can be prepped in advance but are very time consuming so you would need to draft in plenty of help.

Depending on numbers a big curry or several lasanges or quiches could be much easier, with the added bonus that almost everyone will eat them (can you tell that I get very excited about food?)

The breads, cheeses and jerk chicken sound fab, btw, I'd be in heaven!

We had a chef carving a joint of beef, served with gravy in baps and with homemade wedges. Nom.

Another idea is to have a Cheese wedding cake, then cut and serve with crackers, chutneys, grapes, cold meats, olives etc.

I would recommend you go to a wholesalers to buy large cateriing packs of party food & ingredients which works out cheaper than going to a supermarket.

I use costco (they have membership for individuals as well as businesses) which has branches available nationwide. JJ Wholesalers is another one & you don't need to be a member. You just order online, choose a convenient time slot & they will have your order ready to collect at that time.

Don't do trifle as it is too fiddly to make for a large amount of people. Do tray bakes like choc brownies or carrot cake as they are easy to bake & freeze before hand. Don't underestimate how stressful cooking for your own wedding reception will be, where possible delegate.

If you can afford to buy large catering packs of party food like quiches & sausage rolls which only h needs cooking in the oven.