Which Catering Style Is Right for Your Corporate Event: Flat Grazing Tables, Sharing Platters, Buffets or Canapés?
Choosing a catering style isn’t particularly difficult. But choosing one that actually works for your event takes a little more thought. A grazing table can look lovely, but what happens if everyone needs to eat quickly? Canapés might suit the atmosphere, but will they be enough if guests are expecting dinner?
As the host, you are the one sorting it out when the food doesn’t quite fit. I’ve written this guide to help you spot those mismatches before ordering, rather than once everyone has arrived.
Start with what matters most
Look at your main constraints first: how much time people have, whether they need a full meal and the space available.
| Decision factor | Your situation | Go for |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | You want a centrepiece guests gather around | Flat grazing table |
| Guest movement | People should keep networking while eating | Canapés |
| Shared dining | Guests have time to sit together and share | Sharing platters |
| Full meal | Everyone is stopping for a substantial meal | Buffet |
| Table space | Food needs to fit across existing dining tables | Sharing platters |
| Short break | There’s little time to queue and serve food | Platters already on tables, where space allows |
| Meal plus reception | Guests mingle first, then stop for dinner | Canapés followed by a buffet |
These are starting points, not fixed rules. If two rows point you in different directions, that’s useful. A centrepiece might be your preference, but limited space or a short break could make another option more practical.
Flat grazing tables: when you want people gathering around the food
Consider a flat grazing table when the food is part of the occasion. It creates somewhere for guests to gather, help themselves and chat, which suits a relaxed launch, reception or office celebration. The important check is whether your room and schedule actually allow that.
This could suit you if:
- You have a suitable table and space around it.
- Guests have time to browse and help themselves.
- You can allow access before the event for setup.
If everyone has one short break, I would be cautious. A beautiful display still needs to work as a serving area.
Sharing platters: when you want variety without a large display
Sharing platters give you more flexibility over where the food goes. You can place them on dining tables rather than asking everyone to visit one central display.
That can work particularly well for a team lunch where people are sitting together and have time to share. You still get a generous spread without making the whole room about the catering.
This could suit you if:
- Guests will eat together.
- There is room on the tables for food and plates.
- You want variety without a full styled setup.
If the tables are already busy, or everyone eats at different times, discuss another arrangement. Platters need enough space for people to help themselves comfortably. This guide will help you make the right choice: Lunch Boxes vs Sharing Platters vs Hot Food
Browse our Sharing Platters.
Buffets: when people are stopping for a meal
For a longer event with a proper meal break, I would recommend a buffet. Guests can choose from the dishes and sides, and hot food can be served using suitable equipment. But a buffet isn’t automatically the quickest option just because you are feeding a larger group. The serving space matters.
This could suit you if:
- The food needs to provide a full meal.
- Guests have time and somewhere comfortable to eat.
- There is room to serve, with replenishment planned.
Check where people will queue and who will look after the dishes. Otherwise, part of the lunch break can disappear before everyone has a plate.
Canapés: when you want conversation to carry on
Canapés suit a reception where people are standing, talking and moving around. They can enjoy bite-sized food without stopping for a formal meal. The decision is whether small bites are enough for this particular event.
This could suit you if:
- Guests will be networking rather than sitting down.
- Small bites suit the occasion, or a meal follows.
- You have agreed how the food will reach guests.
If the event falls over lunch or dinner, discuss whether something more substantial is needed. Canapés can be a lovely welcome without having to do the job of an entire meal.
A few things to settle before booking
Service is a separate decision. Choosing a buffet or grazing table doesn’t tell you who is setting up, replenishing or clearing. Confirm what is included and what would otherwise fall to you.
Drop-Off vs Full-Service Catering in London
Share dietary requirements before choosing the final menu. At Eat Up, all meat used in our dishes is halal and sourced from a trusted local butcher I’ve known for more than 20 years. Tell me about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy requirements too, so we can discuss suitable dishes and how they should be served.
Dietary Requirements for Office Catering
Still deciding? Send me the event details
You do not need to have chosen a format before getting in touch. Send me the date, venue, guest count, serving time, dietary requirements and whether people will be seated or standing. From there, I can help you choose what fits and work out whether you need one format or a combination. Make an Enquiry.
