How did the buffet, a style of serving that originated in 17th century France, become such a toss-up between a luxurious experience and hosting faux pas? And how can you pull off one successfully?

With a buffet party, all the work is done beforehand and you are mostly free to enjoy the party. But with drinks comes the need for strategic planning.

Visiting a buffet when you're hungry will naturally give you the biggest bang for your buck. Typically, this is the best time of day to visit one.