China, Flatware and Glassware F.A.Q.s

1)    What pieces make up an average formal dinner place setting?

    China: Dinner plate, Salad plate, Bread and Butter plate, Coffee Cup and Saucer, and a Dessert Plate (usually brought in later in the meal).   Flatware: Dinner fork, Salad fork, Dinner knife, Butter knife, Teaspoon and either an additional Salad fork or Teaspoon for the Dessert.    Glassware: Water goblet and Wine glass. 

2)    What dishes do I need for my guests at a buffet?

    Less is best, because your guests are balancing these dishes as they go through the buffet line.  Generally, a Luncheon plate (9" diameter) is used to place the food on (including salad) because buffet menus are usually somewhat lighter  than a full course meal. Consider a Snack plate as a practical choice; a Snack plate is a 9' diameter plate with a raised round rim on one side to hold a coffee cup or punch cup  too, thus taking care of two dishes in one!

3)    Can I use plastic stemware with china plates?

    We don't recommend it.   Mixing disposable plastics with china dishes for a sit down dinner or buffet takes away from the "look" you are trying to achieve.   However, it is possible to mix clear glass plates with clear plastic stemware for an outdoor, casual event, especially around a pool.

4)    Do I need to give a fork, knife and spoon to every guest if its an informal buffet?

    No.   Take a look at your menu; are there any food items that will require a knife for cutting? If not, don't put them out, other than a few in the condiment area.  Teaspoon only needed for coffee drinkers?  Consider creating a "Coffee Service Area" where coffee, condiments and a half dozen teaspoons are set out for shared use.

5)    I'm going to be serving Iced Tea, Beer and Soda at the bar...is there one glass I could use for all? Also, is there an all-purpose Wine glass, suitable for red or white wine?

    The Water goblet is perfect for Iced Tea, Beer or Soda, besides water. A Tulip-shaped Wine glass of about 10 ounces can be used for just about any wine, even champagne.  

6)    Is there one Bar glass that can be used for a variety of mixed drinks?

    There are two glasses that can be used for just about any drink: the  "Old Fashioned" and the "Highball" glasses.  In our area, many caterers use only the Old Fashioned,   as it has an 11 ounce capacity and a nice look to it.

7)    I like buffet service, but how can I get my guests to move faster through the line?

    Consider creating "stations" throughout your room;  start them at a "salad station", where only salad items and cold finger foods are placed, then they must go to the "entree station" where the entrees and side dishes are.  Desserts and beverages have their own "stations" as well.  This system will ease any "traffic" problems perfectly, as well as create an interesting look to your event.