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[Mominohio]

I like a well set table, and don't have a ton of room, so I choose to really do a more elaborate centerpiece and put the food out buffet style, but all dishes still match what the table is set with.

Growing up, the food was always on the table, even at most relatives homes, but I think once people get a serving out of the dishes, the whole thing looks messy and I don't want to look at that all through the meal. I don't like having to pass things and bother people constantly while they are trying to eat either, so buffet works best for me.

I will put butter, gravy, salt and pepper, as well as bread on the table, but none of the main courses or sides. Sometimes I will do a dessert tray, and remove the centerpiece and replace it with the dessert tray at the end of the meal. 

[GenXmuse]

There is way too much food to fit on the table so we do buffet style except for rolls, butter and condiments. Dessert at the table though. 

[panda1234]

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@qvcfreak wrote:

I setup buffet style and place smaller servings of favorite sides on the table so no one needs to get up

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Good idea putting smaller servings on the table.

@qvcfreak

[DREAMON]

I serve the food on the table, clear dinner dishes then everyone returns for dessert. My mom always did it that way so I just do what I always have done. 

[Carmie]

With all the people at my house for the holidays, we have to do a buffet.  There is now about 40 of us.  My buffet table has warmers to keep the food hot and iced bowls to keep food cold.  We also have more than one dining table and I have them in different rooms to get everyone seated.

I have a seperate coffee and dessert buffet table too.

[Regal Bee]

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@gmkb wrote:

@Regal Bee I have really been enjoying all the pictures you have posted recently.  You have exquisite taste.  Your pictures have inspired others to post pictures also.  Each person's picture is unique to that person's taste, but equally lovely.

I have served both buffet and tabletop.  Usually the buffet is for more casual meals.

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@gmkb What a very nice thing to say. Thank you!

Yes, I love seeing  everyone's pictures and I especially love all the ideas. 

[Bri36]

I do a buffet.  I like to set a pretty table, and there is no room for food.  LOL

I put rolls, butter, salt and pepper, and a water pitcher on the table.   People can get up and take what they want.  I hate passing platters of food back and forth.  That gets annoying to people trying to eat. 

Once I clear the table after dinner, I put out some fruit and cookies so people can pick on that when they're having coffee after dinner.  Depending on how many desserts there are, I keep those on the island buffet-style too. 

[In-x-s]

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@Mominohio wrote:

I like a well set table, and don't have a ton of room, so I choose to really do a more elaborate centerpiece and put the food out buffet style, but all dishes still match what the table is set with.

Growing up, the food was always on the table, even at most relatives homes, but I think once people get a serving out of the dishes, the whole thing looks messy and I don't want to look at that all through the meal. I don't like having to pass things and bother people constantly while they are trying to eat either, so buffet works best for me.

I will put butter, gravy, salt and pepper, as well as bread on the table, but none of the main courses or sides. Sometimes I will do a dessert tray, and remove the centerpiece and replace it with the dessert tray at the end of the meal. 

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Exactly this!!  No sense in me retypying what @Mominohio said so well!

[Evie2004]

We always set the food up in our kitchen, but put a bread basket, with butter, jam on the table..also a gravy boat, cranberry sauce on the table..no centerpiece, as I want to see everyone as we talk..also have a small side table that holds ice bucket, water, iced tea. It is easy for anyone that wants seconds to help themselves..works for us! 

[ID2]

I never do a buffet. We just put the dishes of food on the table with us! I wouldn't be able to get rid of all of this food if my guests had to keep getting up to walk over to the buffet table! Its a lot easier and more efficient just to pass a dish around the table. I feel its always a bit awkward for the guests to file in a line to get their food. I always find it uncomfortable and not as inviting for those eating at my home.