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Buffets

"Casual, economical, delicious!"

A buffet is nothing more than a self service dinner party. Ideal for large parties, church functions, and informal gatherings of all types, this is a great way to stretch your entertainment dollar! Much like many other entertaining events a buffet dinner can be whatever you want it to be. Though this type of event is more informal and casual by nature, formal buffets with all silver service, Mikasa china, and imported French stemware are not unheard of.

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At a standard buffet dinner guests are seated at tables outfitted with tablecloths, napkins, silverware, and glasses. Condiments are at each table and peripherals such as hot rolls & butter and such are served to each table as guests are seated. Guests form a line (or lines) at the buffet table when the food is put out, pick up a plate, and either serve themselves, or are helped by servers standing on the other side of the table. When all guests are served there is usually plenty of food for second helpings. This is a good way to get to try a variety of foods at one time. Instead of just being served one item, as on a plated dinner, many different foods are available for you to try.



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Buffets offer not only affordability, because they are by their nature less labor intensive than other types of parties, but they are also a practical way to serve many people quickly, and efficiently. They can be held at your home, church, school, lodge, or office. They can be indoors or outdoors, and they can be breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They can be based on a particular theme (Italian night, Mexican fiesta, southwestern square dance night, etc.), or holiday (thanksgiving dinner, 4th of July barbecue, etc.), or a celebration (wedding, graduation, bar mitzvah, etc.). Flexibility is the main attraction of the buffet!

Note:

Prices listed above only include food preparation, delivery, and set up. This is to give you a bottom price to start from. These prices assume you have tables set and ready for the party, and that no servers are needed. A lot of times large groups such as church's, lodges, etc. assign serving, decorating, and clean up help to volunteers within their organization. This will save a good deal of money!

Past Examples

Click our examples below for more info.

Buffet Example 1

Custom Cuisine

Invoice

Client:

Event: Lunch for 50 people to take place on 1-4-25 at the Church of the Holy Apostles. Start time is?

Items Ordered:

  • Sweet & Tangy Meatballs (100)
  • Shrimp Cocktail/Sauce (120 ea.)
  • Country Ham (if available) & Swiss on Mini Rolls (48 ea.)
  • Turkey/Provolone/Lettuce on Mini Rolls (36 ea.)
  • Vegetable Tray/Ranch Dip
  • Fruit/Cheese Tray
  • Chicken Tenders/Various Sauces (80 ea.)
  • Gourmet Cookie Tray (70 ea.)
  • Sweet Tea/Lemonade/Water/Ice

All plates, napkins, silverware, serving ware, cups provided as well as chafing stands, serving platters as well…

Subtotal: 50 X $16.75 = $837.50

State/Local Tax of 11.5%: N/A if paid directly to me!

On Site Labor: 3 of us = $230.00

Total: $1067.50

Buffet Example 2

Custom Cuisine

Contract

Client:

Event: Church dinner to be held for 125 people. Start time is approximately 6:30p.m.

Desired Menu:

  • Lasagnas w/ Meat Sauce (12 total; approx 120 servings)
  • Stuffed Shells (meatless) w/ Marinara Sauce (250 total)
  • Breadsticks (210)
  • Mixed Green Salad w/ mandarin oranges/feta cheese/walnuts (all on the side) and an orange-poppyseed vinaigrette

All items served in/on nice stainless steel chafing dishes as well as other nice serving dishes. All serving utensils provided. There will be 2 of us to help serve and keep foods replenished. Client will provide plates, napkins, and forks (no knives needed!), as well as beverages, desserts and tablecloths.

Subtotal: $1400.00

State/Local Tax of 11.5%: $161.00

Labor On Site (2 of us): $200.00

Total: $1761.00

This contract states that I, Leon M. Eggers, representing Custom Cuisine Catering promise in good faith that on receipt of monetary deposit by you that your date will be reserved for your above named event. If for any reason I cannot execute the above job due to illness, death, etc. the entire amount of any deposits will be returned to you. If for any reason beyond our mutual control (flood, fire, or any other natural or man made catastrophe occurs) we will mutually agree on a course of action and go from there (in other words we agree on a date and/or venue change or whatever else the situation dictates). If we need to make any changes to this contract that is Ok! There are always a few (at least!) things that have to be tweaked…

Client Signature __________________________________

My Signature ___________________________________

Thank you for choosing Custom Cuisine!

Custom Cuisine
666 Masefield Circle
Va. Beach, Va. 23452

Buffet Example 3

Custom Cuisine

Invoice

Client:

Event: Lunch for 50 people to be held on 11-23-24 at the Great Neck Pavillion 2513 Shorehaven Dr. Va. Beach, Va. Lunch is between 11:30-1:00. We will arrive about 10:30 for set up.

Items Ordered:

Hors D’Oeuvres: (nice disposable plates, napkins and frilled party toothpicks provided by us.)

  • Fruit/Cheese/Meat Tray
  • Swedish Meatballs
  • Roasted Red Pepper & Onion Dip

Dinner: (client to provide plates, napkins, silverware)

  • Roasted Pork Tenderloin w/ Raspberry Sauce
  • Chicken Grilled w/ Herbs
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Herbed Green Beans
  • Dinner Rolls/Butter
  • Garden Salad
  • Pasta Salad

Desserts: (I will provide disposable plates, forks)

  • Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
  • Carrot Cake
  • Mini Cheesecakes

We will supply all chafing stands, sterno and any necessary serving platters/bowls as well as serving utensils.

Subtotal: 50 X $16.50 = $825.00

State/Local Tax of 11.5%: N/A if check/cash payable to me!

On Site Labor: $150.00

Total: $975.00

Custom Cuisine
Leon M. Eggers, Proprietor 757-340-6401
666 Masefield Circle
Va. Beach, Va. 23452
www.leonscustomcuisine.com

Buffet Example 4

Custom Cuisine

Invoice

Client:

Event: Party for 100 people to be held on 2-25-23 at St. Matthews Church @3314 Sandra Lane Va. Beach, Va. Food service is from approximately 1-4 p.m.

Items Ordered:

  • Lasagna’s w/ Meat Sauce
  • Chicken Parmesan
  • Stuffed Shells (meatless)
  • Garlic Knots
  • Caesar Salad

Disposable plates, napkins and utensils provided. All chafing dishes, platters, serving utensils provided as well.

Subtotal: 100 X $15.50 = $1550.00

State/Local Tax of 11.5%: N/A if client makes check out to me

Labor On-Site: 2 of us based on 5 hrs. ea. = $235.00

Total: $1785.00

Custom Cuisine
Leon M. Eggers, Proprietor 757-340-6401
666 Masefield Circle
Va. Beach, Va. 23452

Buffet Example 5

Custom Cuisine

Invoice

Client:

Event: Party for 55 guests to be held on 7-20-24 at St Jerome Catholic Church - Faith & Life Center
116 Denbigh Blvd, Newport News, VA 23608

Items Ordered: Start time is 12:30

  • Fruit & Cheese Tray
  • Baked Ziti
  • Fettuccine Alfredo
  • Breaded Chicken Strips
  • Garlic Knots
  • Caesar Salad

Items to be brought hot and ready to eat at appointed time. I will provide chafing stands and serving utensils and approximately 2 hrs. to serve guests. Disposable Plates/Napkins/Silverware provided by us.

Subtotal: 55 X $16 = $880.00

State/Local Tax of 11.5%: N/A if paid cash or to check to me

On Site Labor: $55.00

Total: $935.00

Custom Cuisine
Leon M. Eggers, Proprietor 757-340-6401
666 Masefield Circle
Va. Beach, Va. 23452
www.leonscustomcuisine.com

Buffet Example 6

Custom Cuisine

Contract

Client:

Event: Reception for 100 guests to take place on 9-29-25 at the Riverview Center @ 103 Watson Rd. Chesapeake, Va.

Menu

Hors D’Oeuvres: To start at 6 p.m. (includes nice disposable plates, cocktail napkins and Frilled party toothpicks)

  • Fruit & Cheese Tray
  • Sweet & Tangy Meatballs
  • Ham Biscuits

Dinner: (Buffet Style)

  • Honey/Lemon/Rosemary Chicken
  • Roast Beef/Gravy
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Steamed Vegetable Medley
  • Dinner Rolls/Butter
  • Garden Salad

Desserts: Brownies/Chocolate Glazed Cream Puffs/Mini Cheesecakes (plates/napkins included)

We supply all platters, chafing stands and serving utensils. Client (or I) to provide plates, napkins and silverware for dinner.

Subtotal: 100 X $19.50 = $1950.00

State/Local Tax of 11.5%: $224.25

Labor On-Site: (4 of us) $474.00

Total: $2648.25

Deposit of $250 received on 6-9-25

New Balance: $2398.25

Custom Cuisine
Leon M. Eggers, Proprietor 757-340-6401
666 Masefield Circle
Va. Beach, Va. 23452
www.leonscustomcuisine.com

Gratuity is appreciated if you like our service!

This contract states that I, Leon M. Eggers, representing Custom Cuisine Catering promise in good faith that on receipt of monetary deposit by you in the amount of $250 that your date of 9-29-25 will be reserved for your above named event. The balance must be paid 9-10 days prior to event. Monthly or other installment payments can be made as well. If for any reason I cannot execute the above job due to illness, death, etc. the entire amount of any deposits will be returned to you. If for any reason beyond our mutual control (flood, fire, hurricane or any other natural or man made catastrophe occurs) we will mutually agree on a course of action and go from there (in other words we agree on a date and/or venue change or whatever else the situation dictates). Please note that due to availability and volatility in food prices the price could change somewhat, though probably not drastically by the time of your event.

Client Signature: __________________________________

My Signature: ___________________________________

Buffet Example 7

Custom Cuisine

Invoice

Client:

Event: Party for approximately 80 guests to take place on 12/6/25 at Courthouse Horizons @ 961 S. Birdneck Rd. Va. Beach, Va.

Hors D’Oeuvres (to start at 6 p.m.)

I will supply nice disposable plates, cocktail napkins and frilled party toothpicks

  • Charcuterie Board
  • Fruit Tray
  • Crab Dip w/ Crackers & Bread Rounds
  • Sweet & Tangy Meatballs

Dinner (to start 6:45-7 p.m. approximately)

Client to provide dinner plates, salad bowls and napkins. I will supply real silverware.

  • Prime Rib Au Jus w/ Horseradish Sauce (50 pc)
  • Lemon-Rosemary Chicken (50 pc)
  • Teriyaki Salmon (50 pc)
  • Mashed Potato Bar (butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, chives, fried onions)
  • Steamed Vegetables
  • Dinner Rolls/Butter
  • Garden Salad (to be potentially set up as separate station)
  • Beverages: Sweet Tea/lemons, Water, Coffee, Hot Tea (includes nice disposable cups, sugar, milk) ice On-Site

Desserts

  • Brownies
  • Mini Cheesecakes
  • Chocolate Glazed Cream Puffs (includes nice disposable plates/napkins)

All chafing stands/sterno/plates/serving ware provided by us. We will assist with clearing tables and cleanup as well.

Subtotal: 80 X $31 = $2480.00

State/Local Tax of 11.5%: $285.20

Silverware: $32.00

Labor Onsite: 4 of us till about 10:30 = $513.50

Total: $3310.70

Deposit of $300 received on 6-7-25

New Balance: $3010.70

Buffet Example 8

Custom Cuisine

Invoice

Client:

Event: Wedding reception for 100 guests to take place at Maple Wood Gardens @ 6118 Seaside Rd. Nassawaddox, Va. on 10/18/25

Hors D’Oeuvres (to start approximately 3:45 p.m.)

  • Vegetable Tray w/ Ranch Dip
  • Fruit & Cheese/Cracker Tray

Main Course

  • Pulled Pork Barbeque
  • Pulled Chicken Barbecue
  • Beef Brisket
  • BBQ Sauce/Cider Vinegar/Hot Sauce
  • Rolls
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Cole Slaw
  • German Green Beans - fresh or canned beans, butter/onion/bacon no vinegar!
  • Roasted Potatoes

We will supply all chafing dishes, platters and serving utensils. Also supplying baskets for napkins/cutlery. Client to provide plates, napkins, eating utensils. We will assist in bussing/clearing tables. We should be leaving around 8 p.m. or so after dinner is served and mostly cleaned up…

Subtotal: 100 X $18 = $1800.00

State/Local Tax of 11.5%: N/A if cash/check directly to me!

Labor on-Site (4 of us based on 6 hrs ea.): $474.00

Xtra gas/3 vehicles: $43.00

Xtra Drive time: $40.00

Toll/ 3 vehicles based on $22 RT: $66.00

Total: $2423.00

Dinner Party Example

Custom Cuisine

Proposal

Client:

Event: Vow renewal for 35 guests to take place on 10-10-24 at the Bella Brezza event home @ 3606 Sandfiddler Rd. Va. Beach, Va.

Desired Menu:

Hors D’Oeuvres (nice disposable plates, cocktail napkins and frilled party toothpicks provided)

  • Fruit/Cheese/Meat Tray
  • Crab Dip w/ Crackers & Bread Rounds

Dinner (plated)

  • Mixed Green Salad w/ Mandarin Oranges, Feta Cheese, Chopped Walnuts and an Orange-Poppyseed Vinaigrette
  • Beef Tenderloin (20 servings) w/ Madiera Wine Sauce and Sauteed Mushrooms, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Peas w/ Pecans
  • Teriyaki Salmon (15 servings) w/ Saffron Yellow Rice, Peas w/ Pecans
  • Dinner Rolls/Butter (50 ea.)

Dessert Tray (includes nice disposable plates, cocktail napkins)

  • Chocolate Glazed Cream Puffs (25 ea.)
  • Key Lime Tartlets (30 ea.)
  • Mini Assorted Cheesecakes (20 ea.)

We will supply all materials to finish off and plates dinners, also platters, chafing dishes for appetizers and desserts. Baskets for rolls/butter as well. Client to provide (or maybe house already has!) 40 salad plates, 40 dinner plates and 40 sets of silverware (maybe steak knives as well!). I can provide stainless steel silverware if needed at .40/set.

Subtotal: 35 X $26.50 = $927.50

State/local Tax of 11.5%: $106.66

Labor On-Site (2 of us estimating 5 hrs. ea.): $225.00

Total: $1259.16

Contact Us

I can provide any additional servers, dishwashers, etc. that you may need. Prices are $25/hr. for the first person, and $15/hr. for each additional helper. One person can generally handle about 20 people at a buffet.