Buffet Centerpiece Ideas

On a buffet table, a centerpiece provides an opportunity to make a dramatic statement that complements the room decor and the dining table settings. Because of the larger table area, you can make oversized centerpieces that tower above the food without running the risk of getting in the way of guests' conversations.

Fruit Trees

For a buffet table that is positioned so guests will walk down either side, use fruit sculpture centerpieces that look festive from every angle. To create a varied look, use several shapes and heights. You might create a fruit bouquet by pushing a ball of floral foam into a low vase, pushing wooden skewers into fruit, and positioning the other end of the skewer in the foam. Make a fruit tree starting with a foam cone and use short sticks to attach fruit in layers. For a dramatic statement, make fruit topiaries by creating a sphere of fruit suspended on a stalk above a flowerpot. Use bright fruits that will withstand skewers, like lemons, limes, apples, and oranges, and alternate the sculptures down the center of table.

Birch Forest

When you are decorating a buffet table pushed against the wall or when you do not have much space for a centerpiece, make a miniature birch forest. Start with five or six thick birch sticks that are approximately 2-inches in diameter, making sure that the bark is intact. Look for sections that have interesting details or knots and cut two-foot lengths. Attach the pieces to a board plank using nails or screws, leaving about 4 inches between each branch. Place the board on a wider serving platter and cover the entire base with dark green moss. Nestle small white tea light candles in the moss so that they are mostly buried; when lit, the light will appear to come from the moss itself and cast warm shadows on the birch. This centerpiece is particularly effective for a winter buffet or for a natural-themed wedding.

Wish Tree

For a dramatic, oversized centerpiece for a wedding reception, create a wish tree. Using a tall, platform planter as the base, collect a thick bunch of bare branches and fan them out to make a tree shape. Look for branches that are about 5 to 6 feet tall for a large-scale display. At the base of the tree, pile the vase with fresh fruit that coordinates with the colors of the event: cherries, limes, lemons and apples add a touch of color. On the tree, hang small crystals, candles in clear hanging votive jars or small Christmas bulbs. Next to the centerpiece, place a jar of plain white note cards with scalloped edges and a ribbon loop; guests can write their well-wishes for the bride and groom and hang them on the tree branches.