Get ready for the rush. With Christmas just around the corner, ‘tis the season for office outings and festive functions, while summer in general always brings its own cluster of events on a larger scale than usual. And while that means an increased demand for drink, considering your food offerings is, of course, equally important.

For years, the best solution to the problem of catering for big numbers was always the buffet. That still holds true today – only now the equipment and serving options have improved drastically. And with crowds more diverse than ever in their tastes and dietary requirements, the buffet renaissance is good news for all.

So how has it changed? For one, stainlesssteel chafing dishes and burner fuel are no longer all that are available, as induction units and compatible casseroles, combined with electrical griddles and pans, offer energy savings while keeping food warm and smartly presented.

Secondly, there is an emphasis on reducing waste through the use of smaller bowls, pans and platters, rather than simply the excess of ‘all you can eat’. These smaller dishes also lend themselves to a more refined, sophisticated look. While wood is an ideal material for aesthetic buffet presentation, hot buffets benefit from a combination of metal, glass and ceramic serving equipment, which provide a modern look that in turn elevates the food on offer.

So, whether you’re holding regular wedding parties throughout the summer or simply a festive Christmas bash, there’s only one direction to follow: straight for the buffet.