Casual Versus Formal Styles

The terms casual and formal are too often misunderstood. Casual doesn’t have to mean paper plates and napkins anymore than formal suggests a stiff demeanor and unwelcoming atmosphere. Rather, think of these serving styles in terms of making your meal easier to present, ensuring that your guests are comfortable, and generally offering the evening’s repast at its best.

A casual meal will allow your guests to serve themselves portions of their own choosing and at intervals that work best for each individual. If there are a lot of children in attendance, a less strict mealtime and informal place-setting gives them a chance to entertain themselves while the adults dine at their own enjoyable pace. Family-style meals are one casual option which requires only easily passed serving dishes so each guest can partake of anything they wish.