A 40th Birthday buffet should reflect that the mature guests have traveled and experienced life to the fullest. A buffet with international flare may be a perfect way to please those tastes acquired along the road of life. Another more subtle menu idea is to serve a variety of regional foods from one country or region. Perhaps a selection of Asian foods; Chinese regional cooking sampler in honor of the Chinese New Year if your guest of honor was born around then, or French haute cuisine contrasted with nouvelle cuisine; or American regional favorites could be represented.
The trick here is to point out that the menu chosen is meant as this kind of themed Smorgasbord rather than just a hodge-podge of menu items. Do this with themed decorations and place cards which denote the region represented or cooking techniques demonstrated. Group these in distinct areas on the buffet table or serving carts. A desert cart with only one item from each region is also a good idea to be used with the buffet table.
Whichever direction is taken for the buffet it's always a good idea to veer toward easily prepared or frozen items. Perhaps one or two homemade dishes should be prepared ahead of time but the bulk of the menu should be easy and quick. Maybe a good option for the international Smorgasbord is the German chocolate cake rather than a more traditional birthday cake.
This cake is a favorite of many because of it's milder chocolate flavor combined with pecans and coconut. Rely on a purchased German Chocolate cake mix prepared to manufacturer's directions. Bake in layers and after cooling stack with plain chocolate icing between the layers. Again a canned German chocolate icing will be the perfect shortcut to top this birthday cake. The remainder of the plain chocolate icing can be used to decorate. Buy paper plates and cups for serving. By just adding even one simple food item to the menu will help create
a complete 40th Birthday theme party feeling. |
