Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Creative Buffet Ideas

The dinner menu is an important part of the reception; and when it comes to food for the day the dinner is where the majority of the effort is typically focused. Cocktails are a close second. The food that is often overlooked is the late lunch (aka: midnight buffet or sweet table).
This is the buffet that comes out around 11:30 when guests need a little something in their tummies after a few hours of alcohol. The late lunch is an important part of the reception and really should not be skipped. And if anything's worth doing it's worth doing right... right?

Why not add a fun spin to your late lunch and create a theme. Remember, the menu given to you by the caterer or the venue is often just a guideline. You can always ask for a special creation for your wedding. Here are a few themed buffet ideas that could be a great touch for your late lunch:

Pizza Buffet

Put out a variety of gourmet pizza options. You can even steal Pizza Hut's idea and create some dessert pizzas! If you have access to a portable oven you can create a "build your own" station where guests can choose their own toppings and an attendant can heat up each individual pizza.




Poutine Buffet

This gooey treat made of french fries topped with curds and gravy would make an excellent late lunch buffet. Create a "build your own poutine" buffet by putting out french fries, curds, gravy and (for those who are a little more daring) offer some unique topping options like sauteed onions, mushrooms, hot peppers, tomatoes, green olives, pepperoni, bacon, and various types of cheeses and sauces.


Sushi Buffet

You have to be careful with this one as some of your guests may suffer from seafood allergies. If this is the case you may still be able to have a sushi buffet you'll just have to be extra careful about labelling your selections.



...Now for those with a bit of a sweet tooth, these sweet buffet ideas will tickle your taste buds:


Chocolate Buffet

Whoever said that diamonds are a girl's best friend never tried to keep a pregnant woman away from a box of chocolates. Pregnant or not, chocolate is a treat enjoyed by just about everyone and would make an awesome buffet.

Look for an assortment of chocolates, truffles, and treats containing chocolate or cocoa (as in cakes, pastries, etc). The chocolate fountain is always a hit too (make sure to put out some platter of fresh fruit for that). Throw in some chocolate-covered strawberries and you've got an instant hit.




Coffee Buffet
Are your families a couple of coffee addicts? Why not create a late lunch inspired by coffee? In addition to being a big hit it'll wake everyone up and keep your party going longer!

Offer a selection of gourmet coffees and a few specialty coffees too (i.e. a little something with some alcohol). Serve the coffee with an assortment of mini pastries and mini bagels with cream cheese. You'll also want to toss in a few coffee-flavoured favourites like coffee cake, coffee flavoured ice cream, and a few coffee flavoured chocolates and candies too.




Ice cream Buffet

Bring in your very own mini ice cream shop! Offer a variety of tasty ice cream flavours and allow your guests to come up and take their pick. Offer a selection of toppings including sprinkles, syrups, chocolates, candies, and cherries (of course!).
If you wanted to add a little bit of food to munch on think cakes, brownies, and wafer cookies.



Candy Buffet

You've heard of the candy buffet as a favour idea... but what about a late lunch candy buffet? Include heartier selections like caramel apples, chocolate-covered pretzels, cake, and so on. As an extra special touch, hire an attendant to man the station and help guests make their selections. Doing so is more than just a novelty as this person would also keep the buffet well-stocked and tidy-looking.



Have any other fun buffet ideas? Post them in the comments section!!

Cheers!

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