When the Picnic Turns Buffet

Many folks have family reunions in the summer, where the spaciousness of the warm outdoors can handle a large crowd best. Often these reunions are built around potluck buffets - nothing more than a grand picnic, really. If you are looking at a large outdoor summer meal, here are some keys to simple self-service buffets al fresco.

Arrange plates and food so guests can move easily around buffet tables, serving themselves in logical order, following this pick-up pattern:

Napkins, dinner plates, hot dishes, cold dishes, salad, bread, relishes, silver

Leave enough room between dishes so guests can put down their plates while serving themselves, if possible

If the crowd is large, arrange duplicate services and have guests form two lines

For extra speedy service, delegate serving of main dishes to someone

Replenish food when necessary and invite guests to come back for "seconds"

Set drink glasses, condiments, etc. on a side table where guests may help themselves during the meal

Or if using canned or bottled drinks, have them off to the side arranged nicely in an iced tub, wheel barrow, etc.

At dessert time, ask someone to remove main course dishes while you organize dessert service