SAMPLE

silver Dinner Buffet

The following are best estimates based on the event type and time:

• Typical 60 minute cocktail hour before dinner: 4 - 5 pieces per person
• 1 - 2 hours with dinner to follow: 6 - 7 pieces per person
• 2 - 4 hour event ("heavy hors d’oeuvres"): 8 - 11 pieces per person
• 4 hour / dinner replacement event: 12 - 15 pieces per person

Tips:

Hors d’oeuvre dinners are not always a less expensive dinner option. Although many people hope that ordering hors d’oeuvres will reduce overall cost, this is typically not the case! In fact, quite the opposite. Hors d’oeuvre dinners are often more expensive since the menu is more labor intensive. What's more economical? Try adding stationary platters and displays, plus an action station to help fill up your guests such as a pasta station.

Perks of an Hors d’Oeuvres Event:

• Multiple flavors / foods from various cultures
• Cocktail atmospheres create a less formal service
• Requires less space than a sit down/buffet dinner
• Encourages movement at an event; great for mixers, networking and open houses

Challenges to Keep in Mind

Venue Matters

Hors d’oeuvres menus are equipment and kitchen sensitive.

Some items need to be prepared on the spot in order to achieve the best quality possible.

Venues that span over large areas often will require more staff to reach as many guests as possible within

the allotted time frame. If the venue does not have the proper cooking and/or warming equipment needed,

rentals might be necessary to execute the menu properly.

Budget

Hors d'Oeuvres are typically more expensive than a buffet or plated dinner.

Due to their nature, hors d'oeuvres are very labor intensive.

It requires more items to fill your guests up than it would for a cocktail hour pre-buffet or pre-plated dinner.