A finger food buffet consists of a variety of edible choices laid out on a table, where guests can choose to fill their plate with whatever they like. A buffet is a traditional way to feed a large number of people where sitting at a table or serving individual dishes is not feasible. In a situation where a lot of people are standing to eat, such as a cocktail party, finger foods make it easier for guests to eat. Some finger foods do not require people to use utensils to cut or eat the food, so guests can easily eat from a plate with their hands while standing or sitting.

Finger buffet food can be purchased from a grocer's freezer or made from scratch. It can be cold, warm, or any temperature in between. Incorporating a theme into a finger food buffet may be suitable for the right event. Vegetarian, seafood, or Mexican themed buffets may provide many options for finger type items which compliment an occasion. Simple options may require dips while more complex foods may stand alone. Some food, like sandwiches, may be prepared then cut into smaller pieces in order to emulate finger food.http://www.allegriafinefoods.com.au/buffet.htm

A finger food buffet has a wide variety of foods to please many palates. Some ideas for finger buffet food include a variety of hard and soft cheeses which can be paired with crackers, fruit, or breads, hot and cold meats consisting of pepperoni, meatballs (served on toothpicks), cocktail wieners, salami, or ham, and vegetables on their own or with a dip. Vegetables that may work well are carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, or cauliflower. Seafood options such as shrimp with cocktail sauce or scallops (plain or wrapped in bacon) are easy to prepare and spreads can be added to crackers or slices of bread to make simple finger foods. Spreads include hummus, tapenade, chutney, or salsa.http://www.divinedinnerparty.com/buffet-party-food-ideas.html

In addition to regular food selections, Martha Stewart notes that the hostess should not forget about dessert. A selection of bite-sized desserts allow guests to try out several different treats without requiring utensils.http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/dessert-buffets-2