(ARA) – Hospitality, aloha (love or the spirit of giving) and ohana (family) are some of the key values in Hawaiian culture. These values also play an important role in the celebration of holidays as they are a special time of gift-giving, visiting with loved ones and feasting. A perfect way to incorporate these elements into your next holiday gathering is to create a lunch or dinner buffet. Using buffet service allows guests to relax, reflect and celebrate the seasons, much like the Hawaiian culture does with a luau.

The following are some hiwahiwa (festive) and ono (delicious) recipes and tips provided by King’s Hawaiian for adding a touch of paradise to your holiday buffet.

Buffets allow for an impressive and festive setting in a limited dining space and can accommodate service for large groups of people. Remember that because the food is all presented at the same time, your table should be arranged with artistry and care.

Tips for hosting a holiday buffet:

* Position plates at the beginning of the buffet table and napkins/silverware at the end for convenience.

* Placemats, table runners and lace can take the place of time-honored heavy linen tablecloths.

* Arrange food logically in the order that guests would serve themselves, place appropriate condiments next to that menu item.

* Bring interest to a specific dish or add dimension to your table by placing foods at different heights, using inverted bowls or boxes covered with linens/tablecloths, etc.

* Use candles in various shapes and sizes to add ambiance to the table.

* Silverware can be wrapped in paper or cloth napkins and placed in a basket for easy access. In place of napkin rings, silk flower leis can be cut and tied to napkins to hold them together.

* Flowers play an integral role on the buffet table, whether used as the centerpiece or as additional décor. Arrangements made of traditional holiday flowers and plants such as poinsettias, holly, ivy and berries will enhance the decor.

* Pineapples are the universal symbol for hospitality and what better way to welcome guests into your home than with pineapple decorations on the table!

* Bamboo placemats can be placed under hot dishes to serve as hot pads.

Food: Bread plays a major role in most holiday meals, and King’s Hawaiian has prepared a menu guaranteed to sweep your family and guests away to the islands for the La nui (holidays).

King’s Hawaiian Islander Artichoke & Spinach Dip

2 loaves (16 ounces) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1 package (1 ounce) Ranch-style dip mix

1 can (13 to15 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained

1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped

Carefully hollow one loaf, leaving 1 inch on sides and bottom. Cube removed bread and additional loaf. Place bowl and cubes on baking sheets and bake in pre-heated 350-degree oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Blend mayo, sour cream and dip; mix together in a large bowl. Add artichoke hearts, spinach and water chestnuts; mix well. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled. Transfer to bread bowl and serve with toasted bread cubes.

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