A buffet is the easiest of party meals. It can also be the prettiest. "When I entertain at home, I keep it as easy as possible," says Annie Wayte, and a buffet is as easy to serve as you can get. The dishes are finished well before anyone arrives and set out at room temperature or chilled, meaning that there's no last-minute pressure in the kitchen. Even the setting can stay simple. The table itself can offer the season's gorgeous colors, doubling as the room's only decoration.

Annie shares her secrets for a beautiful table setting!