How to Lay a Buffet Table

Laying a buffet table takes advanced planning. Not only do you have to prepare enough food for your guests, you have to know how to arrange the food on the table. The plates, food and cutlery should be placed in strategic locations on the buffet table. Taking the time to plan your layout will be rewarded by your guests' compliments and watching them go back to the buffet table for a second helping. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Position your table away from walls in order to give your guests room to serve themselves from both sides of the table.

2

Stack the plates at the front of the table. Having only one plate in hand makes it easier for guests to handle the food.

3

Place meats and hot foods next to the plates. When establishing the order of food, the main dishes should come first, followed by vegetables, salads, breads and butter packages.

4

Place flatware and napkins at the end of the table. To make it easier for guests to carry the flatware, fold knives, forks and spoons into a napkin and tie with ribbon. Also, consider placing the flatware bundle into a basket.

5

Place desserts and beverages on a separate table near the buffet line. The most troublesome part of buffets is juggling the main dish, dessert and beverages all at the same time. Spilling beverages is a common mishap at buffets. A separate table for beverages cuts down the chances of spills from occurring. If the event is at your house, you may want to set out dessert after the main meal is cleared away.