Buffet host displays characteristic spirit (5)
I believe the answer is:
ethos
'characteristic spirit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'buffet host displays' is the wordplay.
'displays' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ETHOS' is hidden within 'buffet host'.
(Other definitions for ethos that I've seen before include "Moral character" , "Pervading spirit" , "Distinctive spirit - character" , "Group's distinctive character" , "Typical culture or attitudes" .)