Your Versatile Table as a First Impression

A simulation of party food preparation reveals gaps in cool colors
and a preference for alternating carbohydrates, stacked.
One tries to choose unpredictable platter shapes,
to arrange things intuitively toward their necessary serving devices.
An all finger food spread suggests insubstantiality, regardless
of actual caloric value, portends a main dish.
Too many utensil-necessary dishes detract from socializing.
One hovers on these nodes of buffet construction, mindful of fruit,
which, though finger-accessible, requires at least a napkin. Also,
remembering names of others' significant others. The social elements
come on suddenly, are best unrehearsed. There is a margin of error
and one can rest easy in foretold reciprocal graciousness,
allowing others to blunder without consequence, save an offer
of a refreshed drink, alternative condiments.