How do you log complex meals (buffets, parties, bbq)?

There's a Chinese all you can eat near me that I go to reasonably frequently, I usually guess what I have but bear in mind that that day is probably going to be over calories. One day off every once in a while isn't going to hurt. I log it in case I suddenly want to know what I had that day for any reason, but other than that I don't think there's all that much point in logging it if you know it's going to be particularly inaccurate. If you're worried about extra calories go to the gym earlier in the day.

I typically do a rough estimate. I know it won't dead on but I like to have an idea. I have also gone the route of just having a free day to enjoy what I want, but then I usually end up feeling pretty guilty.

I always have my phone with me so I pull it out and best guestimate how much of each item I have on my plate and log it. I like to track everything to refer back to later and to remind me why the scale isn't moving or I feel blah, etc. I know that I will go over and I know my guesses won't be 100% correct but I try to keep track for accountabilities sake. I certainly don't stress over it but I may throw in an extra workout just to make myself feel better about the over indulging

Enjoy your parties!!!

Estimate. Use a restaurant menu calorie count like this one:

http://www.cheesecakefactorynutrition.com/restaurant-nutrition-chart.php?

and find entries that are similar. I like that one because they have a huge variety and most of it is made without much regard to healthy eating, so yo aren't likely to underestimate.

Wow! The calories in the appetizers alone scares me!!! lol

I try to find something similar. I log in portion size by eye-balling it. It's not terribly accurate, but better than not logging. After months of measuring food, you'll find that you can come pretty close by just guessing when you look. Sometimes I break it all down (if I have time). For instance a burger I would log each thing individually, including any sauce. If you have ribs and notice it has tons of bbq sauce (slathered), log the ribs and maybe some extra sauce on the side.

Even if it's not accurate, I like having a record of what I ate, even on cheat days. It's nice to go back and look if you need to. I.E. I can look back and see what did and did not work for me if I have to re-analyze my caloric intake in the future. I try to be as honest as possible. I was over all week, but it's all there

I take photos of my plates with my phone to check later, if that isn't possible, there is a "potluck plate" listed in the foods. I use that and over estimate to get the calories into the tracker.

I take photos of my plates with my phone to check later, if that isn't possible, there is a "potluck plate" listed in the foods. I use that and over estimate to get the calories into the tracker.

This is a great idea to help remember what you ate without having to write each item.

I have often wondered about this as well! I just had a potluck at my house last night and trying to break it all down was veeerrry difficult. But yes, I'll just assume that it was an over day, logged what I could, I'm sure that I forgot a few things but it does help to have some idea of what I ate.

It's so much easier when you cook it or it's a restaurant that is included in MFP!

If its a well know buffet MFP has some calories already inputted, otherwise I try to find something close. It's not the most accurate and of course I already know that I'm going to be way over my goal for the day. I have to log it though because when I look at a report of the last week, month, etc. I want to know I was over that day not have it look like I was under.

Whenever I'm at a buffet or potluck dinner, I try to keep my portions in terms of 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, etc.
That way when I log it, they are already in measurement units and if I'm lucky, the entry in MFP is already in cup units. Else I then have to convert grams or ml to cups.

you mean you eat those????
ha ha ha ha