the table was laden from end to end with what appeared to be the first course-hot hors d'oeuvres of countless kinds , hot chafing dishes of meatballs in sauce , fondue , plates of crudites , nuts , wheels of french cheese , sugared dates , and a huge china tureen of pumpkin soup to be ladled into mugs for the asking by a stiff young attendant who waited with hands clasped behind his back .