As soon as the nice weather arrives, any excuse is good to get together with family or friends. To impress your guests, we rely on special “buffet” recipes, chic and original.
When the number of guests starts to be large, it is sometimes simpler and more convivial to organize a homemade buffet with small gourmet dishes to share. A buffet can include both individual dishes in miniature version, or generous recipes, in large quantities for which each guest will serve themselves. This last format will be more suitable in the case where your guests will have space to sit. Otherwise, we opt for simple appetizers to enjoy while standing.
How to make a chic buffet?
An elegant decoration
The real difference between a simple fairground table and an elegant buffet is first of all the arrangement of the tablecloth. Indeed, the latter must be long enough to reach the ground in order to hide the legs of your table: a detail that makes all the difference. If you do not have a tablecloth long enough, do not panic! Simply fix your table against a wall in order to have less surface to cover, or simply superimpose two tablecloths by playing on the lengths.
As for the dishes, it’s literally the perfect opportunity to go all out. Stack your most beautiful plates on top of each other and place your cutlery in a vase, alongside pretty cloth napkins.
Amazing recipes
For a chic and successful buffet, we focus on mixing textures and flavors in the kitchen. Ramekins, soup spoons, tartlets, or crostini… The diversity in terms of choice of colors and presentation is always impressive. In this period of beautiful days, it is the word freshness that seduces; so we let ourselves be tempted by small bites of seasonal fruits and vegetables. As for the composed salads, they can be served in a large bowl with silver serving cutlery, or in small gourmet verrines, which your guests will love. In both savory and sweet versions, miniature cabbages make adorable appetizers that are as easy to prepare as they are to eat. They can be garnished with all sorts of fresh and light preparations, such as homemade whipped cream flavored with herbs, salmon or avocado. Ready in no time, English tea sandwiches allow for endless combinations and will transport your guests to the heart of festivities worthy of the Queen of England herself! Sweet and savory combinations, on the other hand, are a sure source that you can always count on. Cheese and honey; meat and seasonal fruits; or even caramelized onions, the choice is yours. And to never run out of inspiration again, here are 16 recipes worthy of a banquet in all finesse.
Black radish, feta and salmon roe bites
© Valery Guedes
The ideal option for a chic and summery buffet.
Discover the recipe for Black radish, feta and salmon roe bites
Sage Leaf Fritters
© Vérane Frédiani
A recipe that smells of Provence.
Discover the recipe for Sage Leaf Fritters
Cauliflower florets with coconut milk and tahini yogurt sauce
© Emanuela Cino
We love the homemade sauce which brings freshness and acidity.
Discover the recipe for Cauliflower florets with coconut milk and tahini yogurt sauce
Black cabbage, herb chantilly and salmon roe
© Virginie Garnier
With their surprising look, these little darlings are catching our eye.
Discover the recipe for Black cabbage, herb chantilly and salmon eggs
Smoked mozzarella crostini with anchovy butter and sage
© Virginie Garnier
The strong flavor of anchovies pairs perfectly with the light taste of mozzarella.
Discover the recipe for Crostini with smoked mozzarella, anchovy butter and sage
Smoked trout maki with fresh cheese, cucumber and sesame
© David Japy
A recipe ready in no time that will definitely surprise your guests.
Discover the recipe for smoked trout maki with fresh cheese, cucumber and sesame
Smoked trout and turmeric cabbages
© Virginie Garnier
One thing is for sure, this recipe will not last long on your buffet.
Discover the recipe for Smoked Trout and Turmeric Puffs
Breaded smoked tofu sticks with three-color quinoa and green sauce
© Valery Guedes
The chive, mint and coriander sauce subtly flavors each bite of crunchy tofu.
Discover the recipe for Smoked tofu sticks breaded with three-color quinoa and green sauce
Cherry tomatoes with sesame, candy apple style
© Lisa Klein Michel
Ready in 5 minutes flat, this recipe will be a hit.
Discover the recipe for Cherry tomatoes with sesame, candy apple style
Puff pastry tartlets with vegetables and mozzarella
© David Japy
Easy to make, this recipe can be varied endlessly.
Discover the recipe for Puff pastry tartlets with vegetables and mozzarella
Crispy strawberries with cornflakes, chocolate and Piedmont hazelnuts
© Emanuela Cino
Take them out of the refrigerator 5 minutes before tasting.
Discover the recipe for Crispy strawberries with cornflakes, chocolate and Piedmont hazelnuts
Crostini with marinated mackerel in soy sauce and chives
© Delphine Constatini
Ask your fishmonger to prepare the mackerel fillets to make preparation easier.
Discover the recipe for Crostini with mackerel marinated in soy sauce and chives
Beetroot and sesame cabbage
© Virginie Garnier
Here is a recipe that will make you love beetroot.
Discover the recipe for Beetroot and Sesame Puffs
Cucumber ricotta, basil
© Clara Vucher
An instant feeling of freshness.
Discover the recipe for Cucumber ricotta, basil
Mini cauliflower cannelés
© David Japy for Marabout editions
Serve hot or warm, perhaps accompanied by a sauce of your choice.
Discover the recipe for Mini-cannelés with cauliflower
Mini goat cheese and rocket cakes
© Jean-Claude Amiel
Easy to store, they can be reheated in the microwave just before serving.
Discover the recipe for Mini-cakes with goat cheese and rocket