Sparkle for the Buffet Table

Usually our entertaining is either lunch (with mostly 4 and sometimes 6) or dinner (again with 6). The four sits comfortably at the breakfast room table overlooking the garden. And lunch is served in courses on plates. That is just how we do it at Linderhof!

Dinner, too, be it 6 or we stretch the table for 8, is a seated dinner served in courses on plates. My able "assistant" for dinner parties is Husband Jim and a great assistant he is, clearing the empty plates and bringing the next course's filled ones.

But sometimes, we invite a crowd. And the only way to feed a crowd is with a buffet. And though a buffet can be cold (as we did for MIL's 80th) we sometimes like to serve a hot dish or two -- especially for a winter buffet.

Alas, I was lacking serving dishes for a hot buffet . . and so on antiquing adventures I found . . .
A great chafing dish -- perfect for hot crab dip, meatballs for a cocktail party, or a vegetable for dinner for a crowd. It's silver, has some age and does look pretty on the buffet -- for I've used it already -- for one of my Christmas luncheons.

But, then, often there is a casserole involved when you do a buffet for a crowd and I felt I needed a bigger chafing dish -- one that could accommodate a 9 x 13 pyrex casserole. From oven to buffet and still look elegant.

I found it -- in December when Shirley and I had our Christmas in the city. But, alas, I didn't buy it -- for it was before Christmas and I had spent money already on myself. I must admit that in January I kicked myself for not buying it and every day that I had planned to go to the city it snowed -- really snowed! So I knew, just knew, that it would be gone if and when I'd ever get back there.

Valentine Day we were in the city again and we went by the shop and it was still there -- and home it came to Linderhof.
A lovely silver casserole dish -- perfect for that hot chicken salad for a group luncheon or a hot pasta dish when we have a crowd of couples over before we all head out to the Liberty.

They're tucked away. Awaiting a big bash.

I love silver things when I entertain -- there is something about the sparkle of silver on the table or buffet that just lends an elegant air to the evening.

Silver is one of My Favorite Things! And I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday! There is always many lovely things at Cindy's on Fridays!