Buffet Party Table Decorating

Buffet tables don't have to be boring with just white tablecloths and silver platters. Liven up your buffet table and get your guests talking. Get creative and match your buffet decorations to the theme of your party or the particular occasion. Pull everything together by having matching decorations on your guests' tables that go with the buffet table decorations. Make the atmosphere fun and inviting for guests. Make sure the food and drinks look appealing to guests, and preparing a nice buffet table is the first step toward that. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pick a color scheme for your theme. Buy a brightly colored tablecloth in that scheme and cover your buffet table with it. Lots of color will make your table much more interesting. Use different colored napkins or several colors together.

2

Put plates at the beginning of the buffet, and flatware and napkins at the end for a natural flow. Consider using funky mismatched plates for something different.

3

Trade boring platters for interesting baskets and preportioned food ideas. For serving bread, use a basket instead of a platter. Skewer foods, such as fruits or vegetables, to make the line go faster. Preportion pieces of meat or precut vegetables in small dishes so guests can grab a dish and go. For sauces, provide extra bowls so guests can ladle sauce into those instead of directly onto their plates, where the sauce could run into their other foods.

4

Decorate the table boldly. Since it's the buffet table and you don't have to worry about people sitting down to eat at it, go tall with decorations. Big floral arrangements, long tapered candles or even balloon arrangements can add interest to your table.

5

Jazz up your dessert table (separate from the main course table) by using cake and cupcake stands. Serve cookies in baskets or on small napkins. Elevate beautiful cakes on cake stands to engage the eye.