family style

American  

adverb

1. (of a meal) with the serving platters on the table so that all present can serve themselves.

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Etymology

Origin of family style

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

Whether rich or poor, casual or fancy, Chinese meals are designed to enjoy either family style or banquet style.

From Salon

In a family style setting, all the food is in the middle of the table and everyone shares all the dishes, promoting a balanced meal and a little bit of everything.

From Salon

If we're eating at a coffee table, I used to always keep the food in the kitchen and you would make yourself a plate and then bring it to the table, because family style on a coffee table is not feasible.

From Salon

Sprinkle with the potato chips and garnish with the reserved dill fronds before serving, family style.

From Washington Post

I expected bigger-than-life recipes from NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal’s cookbook “Shaq’s Family Style” — and I got them.

From Washington Post