When planning the catering for an event, one of the most common questions is: buffet or sit-down dinner?
At a buffet, the food is displayed on a serving table, allowing guests to choose and assemble their own plates. A sit-down dinner, on the other hand, means that the food is served directly to the tables, with each course brought out as a ready-plated dish. The right choice depends on the nature of the event, the size of the group, and the atmosphere you want to create.
But which option is better? That depends on the group size. For groups under 20 people, a sit-down dinner is often the most popular choice for occasions such as management meetings, client events, or smaller celebrations. Guests can focus on conversation and enjoy the service without having to get up for food.
Still, could a buffet also work for smaller groups?
3 Reasons Why Buffet Might Work Better
1. Relaxed and Social Atmosphere: A buffet is ideal for events that aim to create a more casual and social setting. When guests move around, choose their own food, and change seats, it naturally encourages new conversations and networking.
2. Variety and Freedom of Choice: A buffet offers more options than a sit-down dinner. Guests can build their plates according to their own preferences and sample multiple flavours. It’s also easier to accommodate different dietary needs.
3. Efficient and Flexible Solution: Especially for larger events, a buffet is a practical and time-saving option. The meal flows smoothly without the need to wait for each course to be served. Buffets also work perfectly when the program includes both a formal part and time for socializing. In addition, a buffet can be a more sustainable choice — studies show that food waste can be reduced by up to 20% when portion sizes and quantities are planned carefully.
In the end, there’s no right or wrong choice. What matters most is the kind of atmosphere you want to create for your event. A sit-down dinner is ideal for smaller, more formal occasions where guests can enjoy a calm pace and attentive service. A buffet, on the other hand, brings a sense of ease, variety, and togetherness, making it a great fit for larger or more relaxed events for example Christmas Party.
HUONE offers catering options that are buffet style and it is a part of “social meeting experience” philosophy. Eating together is important part of any meeting or event where people genuinely connect and enjoy each other’s company. When the dining style supports this idea, it helps shape a warm, interactive, and memorable experience!