6 Easy Tips to Setting a Fabulous Buffet

Is it a challenge to get all your favorite dishes on the dining table for a family celebration?

Here are 6 easy tips on how to set a fabulous buffet for nearly any occasion.

1)  WHITE DISHES AND CLEAR GLASS

If you have read my blog before you will know I like to use white dishes.  I think they are versatile, they provide the opportunity for fun and festive or elegant with a touch of sparkle.  I also use clear glass for the same reason.   They can be paired with table linens to set the mood of your gathering.

2) THINK LAYERS

To do this I am going to layer the buffet table.  I do this with objects from around the house, starting with, yes, the kid’s step stool placed in the center of the table to create a focal point (I know this may sound odd, but bear with me!)  Then I added stacks of books in varying heights on either side.   Next, I cover these mechanics with a pretty table cloth.  Often time I will use a twin bed sheet, and if necessary I knot the corners or tie corners with ribbon so the excess does not puddle on the floor.  For this table I repurposed a lace curtain panel as a runner.  

 

3) THEME YOUR TABLE

I added extra touches to the white and glass to pull the table together.  For this Easter Brunch theme I used Easter eggs, chicks, spring flowers and jelly bean print napkins.  Use seasonal decorations, fabric, toys, really just about anything you have around the house to pull together your theme.  For a beach party use a beach towel and sand toys.  For a baby shower, receiving blankets and baby items pull your table together.  Shop around your house.

4) FRAMED MENU

More and more people are on specific diets and providing a menu on your table can ease some of the inconvenience that goes with that.  Mark items Gluten Free or Nut Free for guests with food allergies.  They will very much appreciate you thinking of them.  For this gathering the plates are stacked next to a framed menu and the flatware is gathered into jellybean print napkins tied with green raffia.  These are held in a juice glass that was placed in the center of a colored egg wreath.  If you find you need more space on the buffet table, set the plates and flatware on the dining table.

5) REPURPOSE DISHES

When thinking about setting a buffet, try thinking outside the box.  For this buffet I used a water goblet on a dinner plate for a fruit and yogurt. (I have also used a wine glass for veggie and dip.) 

Once again I am moving beyond the original purpose of the dishes and using a footed trifle bowl for greens, apothecary jars for topping ( cucumber, feta cheese and crotons) and a gravy boat for the dressing.  Adding silk spring flowers and colored eggs really gives the table a feel for the season. 

 

6) ADD WHIMSY

The baby chick figurine added to the middle of the deviled eggs plate gives a touch of whimsy.  For other themes it might be hanging a beach ball from the ceiling or using a toy dump truck to serve salad.  For New Year’s I used calendar pages and clocks.  Again, I encourage you to think outside the box.

Hopefully these easy tips will help you plan your next gathering and you too can be the hostess with the mostest!

Happy Spring Entertaining!!!