Eat Your Heart Out: Go Family-Style at Your Next Event

                                                                                                                                     Photo & Recipe: Buttermilk Mac 'N Cheese, Six-Course Dinner

                                                                                              Photo & Recipe: Rosemary Lamb Chop Popsicles & Mint Gremolata, KissMySpatula.com

                                                                                                                                                                          Photo: GreenWeddingShoes.com

                                                                                               Photo & Recipe: Homemade Blueberry Tart With Lemon Zest, CreatureComfortsBlog.com

Good food brings people together.

One of my favorite ways to break the ice at a party (for myself or a client) is to give guests the experience of "breaking bread" at the table--together. I find that infusing this more casual service (even at the most formal event) often erupts into full-fledged feasting and toasting at the tables.

Whether you choose to go full-on "family style" (at your next affair, or holiday meal)--or, you opt to combine traditional service with "family style" elements, give your nearest and dearest a chance to "pass the potatoes"--trust me, it's always an instant-conversation starter.

Prior to your guests' arrival, create a warm welcome by setting tables with bread baskets, multiple salads, charcuterie and artisanal cheese boards, and creme-topped shots of soup. Follow with either family-style proteins (loving these Rosemary Lamb Chop Popsicles with Mint Gremolata served on wood carving boards) or go with traditional entree service where guests order their protein, and then, when the plates arrive, have the servers place sides-to-share (think: Steakhouse). Bubbling cauldrens of Buttermilk Mac 'n Cheese, roasted root vegetables and steamed haricots verts, roasted brussel sprouts and chive-and-garlic smashed potatoes all scream "pass me"--don't they?!

If you're afraid to stray too far from the traditional, you can add the family-style touch with desserts: cookies, tarts, cakes, pies, pots du creme--and pots of coffee, to boot.

Ready for that midnight snack?