Buffets are a mainstay of weddings, holidays, conferences, catered affairs, and other high-volume meals. Diners love the flexibility and convenience. Offering a buffet streamlines your foodservice operation as well - no more hunting down place cards! But to make the buffet at your restaurant, catering service or cafeteria stand out among the best, you need a few key "ingredients."

The food

Of course, it all starts with the food! Taste is important, but it's not the only factor. You know your menu and your chefs best. What dishes can be made in large quantities? What can be prepared in advance? How many entree options will you provide? (Don't forget to take into account guests with special dietary needs or food allergies.) Most importantly, are the foods you've picked profitable? Keep in mind that you can't predict exactly what people will eat, so there may be some dishes that get prepared but not eaten.

Chafers

There's nothing more inviting than the steam rising from a tasty dish. Not only is proper heat control a good way to make a meal more appetizing; it also prevents foodborne illnesses. Keep food hot and fresh in coordinated, professional-looking chafing dishes, or chafers.

There are many different styles and varieties of chafers to suit your needs. Maybe you want gold accents to lend an air of sophistication. Perhaps open flames pose a risk in your venue, and you need an induction model instead. Or if your focus is on speed of service, the size of your dishes might be the biggest concern. Our trusted partner Vollrath offers a chafer selection guide to help you make the best decision for your buffet.

Display pieces

A great meal doesn't just taste good - it looks good too. The full spread should be displayed in an aesthetically pleasing way that draws the eye. Try creating levels with risers, which will also ensure that smaller items like sauces don't get lost. Colorful bowls can add a fun pop. Food that doesn't need to be kept hot can be served in interesting baskets, boxes or other vessels. If you're going for an eclectic feel, try mixing and matching different displays, or go with all stainless steel for a sleek and polished look.

Carving station

Freshly carved meats are often the highlight of a high-end buffet. Put these in their best "light" with a high quality carving station. The station also gives a friendly and knowledgeable member of your kitchen staff the chance to add a personal touch to your guests' dining experience.

Drink service

If guests won't be making a visit to the bar, a fully-stocked self-service beverage station is key. At a minimum, you'll want to have water and hot coffee. Be sure to provide the usual fixings for that cup of joe - setting up a beautiful creamer and a tray of sweeteners lets diners customize to their hearts' content.

Trays

Now that plates are loaded up, your guests need to make it back to their tables! You can ease the process by providing trays that match the style of your venue and service pieces. Attractive trays can also be used to display baked goods or other large grab-and-go items. If your service is more casual, think about custom screening your logo onto your trays to give your brand a little added visibility.

Just like your customers can build a custom meal at your buffet, you can build a custom buffet setup that best suits your needs. Our friends at Vollrath have a wide array of buffet-ready products that will help you create the perfect spread.