Entertaining Family-Style

Family-style service offers a unique alternative to traditional buffets and plated dinners, giving guests the best of both worlds by pairing the social, casual self-service of a buffet with the elegance and comfort of plated service.

Browse our collections of bowls, platters, plates, baskets, and serving pieces that are perfect for passing.

The White Collection

Get This Look: Marchesi White Bowl 11.75” x 9.75”, Stainless Hammered Serving Spoon 10.25”, White Square Rim Dinner 10.25”, Stainless Hammered Serving Tong 6”, Trillian White Dinner Plate 12”, Ceramic Elite White Rectangle Tray, Stainless Hammered Serving Fork, Tasting Ceramic Cube 1.5″, Mini Ceramic Rectangular Sauce Bowl 5 oz., Wrought Iron Basket, Antique Copper Moroccan Bowl 6″, White Rim Dinner Plate 10.5″, White Rim Lunch Plate 9.25″, Berlin Goblet 15 oz., Sedona Wood Dinner Fork, Sedona Wood Salad/Cake Fork, Sedona Wood Dinner Knife, Flaxen Irish Linen Dinner Napkin, Brushed Copper Napkin Ring

Evoking the feel of a large family gathering, family-style dining is perfect for encouraging smaller groups of guests to mingle and connect as they pass delicious dishes around the table in large bowls and platters.

Marchesi White Bowl, Stainless Hammered Serving Spoon

This intimate, interactive style of service is more popular than ever for its unique ability to bring guests together, encourage camaraderie, and set the scene for long-lasting holiday memories. It’s also a great opportunity for guests to try as much or as little of the menu as they’d like.

Get This Look: Ceramic Freeform Oval Tray, Village Carafe , Ceramic Coupe Bowl 11”, Silver Serving Spoon, Mini Ceramic Rectangular Sauce Bowl 3.75” x 4.75”, Cypress Green Goblet 15.5 oz., Grass Shantung Table Runner, White Coupe Platinum Border Dinner Plate 10.75″, White Coupe Platinum Border Lunch Plate 9.25″, Cirque Grass Print Napkin, Lexington Flatware Collection

Because of this casual elegance, family-style can work well for a variety of events, from the backyard to the ballroom and everything in between. The style especially lends itself to ultra-popular Farm-to-Table menus, really enhancing the authentic dining experience.

Bold & Versatile Collection

Get This Look: Ceramic Java Black Rectangle Platter 16.5” x 8”, Ceramic Java Black Rectangle Platter 18.25” x 10”, Ceramic Java Black Square Bowl 11.75”, Ceramic Java Black Square Bowl 13.25”, Ceramic Java Black Round Bowl 12”, Ceramic Java Black Round Bowl 14.5”, Vanderbilt Gold Flatware Collection, Black Goblet 16 oz., Berlin White Wine Glass 12 oz., Noma Green and Ivory Ombre Glass Charger 13″, Halo Dinner Plate, Rust Nu Weave Napkin, Gold Band Teak Wood Napkin Ring

To help the family-style meal run smoothly, try using bowls, platters, and baskets that are large enough to hold the right amount of food but light enough that guests can pass them with ease. Our Melamine and Tin collections are especially great for this.

Charming & Modern Collection

Get This Look: Faux Oak Wood Melamine Bowl 12”, Faux Oak Wood Melamine Bowl 10”, Faux Oak Wood Melamine Bowl 8″, Aster Matte Grey Dinner Plate 10.75″, Aster Matte Grey Lunch Plate 8″, Black Goblet 16 oz., Berlin White Wine Glass 12 oz., Lexington Flatware Collection, Bistro Napkin White /w Black Stripe Print

Since the platters and bowls will be on the table throughout the course or meal, you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for all of the serving pieces on the table in addition to the place settings and any decor. Many will often use larger-width tables for this, but you could also opt for smaller pieces of decor or incorporate some food items right into the design.