Decorating Ideas for a Buffet Table

When you decorate a dinner table, you have to keep the centerpieces low so they won't block the view of the guests. But you don't have that problem on a buffet table---in fact, you can achieve a more interesting effect if you vary the height of the decorations. Mix things up with tall vases and flowers, cake stands, bowls of various sizes and things like blocks of wood to raise up serving dishes. Add decorative elements that reflect your party theme, and you have a stunning look for your buffet. Does this Spark an idea?

International Appeal

Throwing a party with an international theme? It's easy to decorate a buffet table to highlight the country or area of your choice. For a Mexican look, use bright-colored blankets to cover the table. On top, put terra-cotta pottery and tin candle holders.

For an Italian theme, use beautiful pieces such as Tuscan ceramics, hammered copper vases and iron candle holders. After your party, these items look lovely for daily use in the dining or living room. If you're throwing an Italian party on a budget, go the fun but traditional route with red-checked tablecloths and candles in Chianti bottles.

Personal Interests

If your party has a guest of honor (think birthdays and graduations), decorate the buffet table to reflect that person's primary interest or hobby. For instance, if the graduate is a surfer, use clear vases filled with shells, plus tropical fruit arrangements (whole pineapples, coconuts and bunches of bananas). Use a beach- or surf-theme fabric for the tablecloths.

Celebrate the Season

If you're hosting a buffet but don't really have a theme in mind, celebrate whatever season it is. For summer, use brightly colored beach towels instead of tablecloths, and decorate with beach balls and sand pails filled with flowering plants. In the fall, stack up gorgeous seasonal produce as your focal point (think gourds, mini-pumpkins, apples and pears).

White and green are natural colors for a winter buffet table. Alternate evergreen displays with white pillar candles or votives. And finally there's spring. Welcome the warm weather with all kinds of flowers---fresh ones in bottles and vases, or live plants in brightly painted pots.