DOs

• If possible, hire or enlist the help of someone to serve from one side of the table. They can also keep an eye on the food and re-stock as needed. This will make your job as host easier, and allow the guests two free hands and an abundance of food to work with.
• If hiring someone is not an option, set the buffet table to make it as easy as possible for your guests to serve themselves.
• Wrap utensils in dinner napkins and place in a basket at one end of the table and make enough so guests may go back for seconds and have fresh flatware. Stack extra plates too.
• Carve meats and other foods, like lasagna, into individual servings.
• Stick to finger foods if the above mentioned tables are not available.
• Invite the guest of honor to start the buffet line, the rest of the guests will happily follow. If you don't have an honored guest, then appoint someone start the line.
• If people will be eating in different rooms, supply each room with extra napkins and salt and pepper to save them an extra trip to the buffet table.

DON'Ts

• Do not place food on the table that requires two hands to serve. If you feel compelled to serve a salad or something else where you'll need two hands, place it at the beginning of the table and leave room for the guests to put their plates down.
• Do not expect your guest to be expert jugglers. Have easy access to tray, coffee, card and end tables. It's much easier to enjoy a meal if you don't have to balance it on your lap. (Have you ever tried to cut food while balancing plate and drink on your lap?)
• Do not forget to serve yourself. Don't be so busy playing party host that you forget to sit down and enjoy the meal with your guests.