It is such a cliché but I think it’s really true—the memories of sitting around a dinner table with family and friends are priceless. I treasure those rare moments in our busy lives when we can slow down and relax over a home-cooked meal and a bottle of wine (or three). Those five little words, “would you please pass the…” are music to my ears.

Borrowing from the Old World, Chinese and traditional styles of service, couples leaning toward more casual wedding celebrations are opting for seated dinners with family style service—creating a dinner party ambiance rather than a dining out atmosphere. Family-style service creates an intimate feel at each table and encourages guests who may not have met previously to make conversation with one another. Dinner becomes an interactive experience as guests serve themselves from large platters adorning the center of the tables, and can celebrate and appreciate a wedding’s centrality of family and friends and the importance that great food and conversation play at the dinner table. Family-style service is a great idea when serving ethnic foods or incorporating ethnic traditions at a reception. Not only does the sharing of these foods become a conversation starter, some guests may be able to help explain traditions and ingredients to others who may not be as familiar.

Other advantages of family-style service include the fact that all guests can enjoy their food at the same time rather than having to take turns waiting in a buffet line. The cost may be cheaper as less food is required than for a buffet, and your food becomes part of your centerpiece! If your families have a great collection of serving dishes and platters, show them off—this is a great time to put them to use. Family-style service is also great for kids who can pick and choose what they’d like to eat, rather than just being served a “kid’s meal” during a seated dinner. At tables with children, consider creating a special menu for them, with entrées and sides that most kids enjoy such as chicken fingers, mac & cheese and ants on a log. They will appreciate being able to choose their own dinner.

For the grown-ups, try a meal that varies from course to course. Have your chef stick to linear flavors that will compliment each other, but don’t be afraid to mix and match. Start with a shared antipasto platter, move on to Chicken Provençal and accompaniments brimming with fresh French and Italian herbs, then graduate to a French cheese platter. To add a touch of excitement to the meal, choose wines from around the world to pair with each course and have servers place decanters of each wine on the table as they serve the food. Guests will delight by keeping dinner all in the family!

Photo credit: Saso Novoselic