Setting the tables for a Buffet

dianelynn01

We are planning a buffet for the wedding reception.  So, how are the tables to be set?  Since there are no servers, how do we address the drinks?  Do we set the table with napkins only?  I hate plastic silverware but I don't want to be washing silverware at the end of the night as well.  Can anyone help?

crfische

You aren't going to have anyone serving drinks?

And you're washing dishes?

What? I'm clearly confused.

pooh8402

I'm having the plates (clear, acrylic, disposable) set up at the buffet, for people to pick up as they are in line. napkins and silverware (mine will be plastic, meh) will be right next to plates. I'll have "serve yourself" drink containers (similar to this: http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=424910) for people to serve their own non-alcoholic drinks. a bartender will serve the alcoholic drinks.

but I'm having a fairly casual wedding, so that may or may not work for you.

mwhitson14

Plates will be at the start of the buffet for people to pick up. I'm doing napkins rolls (check my bio for an example) using linenlike napkins and reflectionsware silverware (napkins are $60 for 300, I don't know about the reflectionsware, from Costco) and they will be placed on the tables. Drinks are going to be manned by two friends who offered their help if I needed anything.

janedoe1113a

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_setting-tables-buffet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:4ae2b1b1-2228-48f6-8f33-3b265165bc88Post:2947d2f5-f946-4ae9-829a-5d9f4747d841">Re: Setting the tables for a Buffet</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm having the plates (clear, acrylic, disposable) set up at the buffet, for people to pick up as they are in line. napkins and silverware (mine will be plastic, meh) will be right next to plates. I'll have "serve yourself" drink containers (similar to this: <a href="http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=424910" rel="nofollow">http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=424910</a> ) for people to serve their own non-alcoholic drinks. a bartender will serve the alcoholic drinks
Posted by pooh8402[/QUOTE]

I'm doing this exactly.