Setting a Buffet Table

Entertaining a large group of people can be intimidating. It's wonderful to fill your home with guests, but you may wonder how you can efficiently feed them all. You don't need a lot of room to serve buffet style, but you do need to take time to plan your menu and ensure you have enough serving dishes and place settings for all.

Instructions

1

Plan your menu. Choose foods that aren't too messy and that can be eaten easily. When planning your menu, you don't want to have too many food items to prepare and serve. A good buffet menu provides 1 protein dish, 2 to 3 side dishes, bread and dessert.

2

Look for serving dishes and items to hold silverware and napkins. Baskets are great for bread and rolls, as well as napkins. Use short vases or jars with wide mouths to hold silverware.

3

Place the plates at one end of the table. Don't stack the plates too high. It's better to have two or three stacks of plates rather than one towering stack. If possible, allow guests to move down both sides of the table.

4

Place the food in the middle of the table. Usually the meat/main dish is at one end, side dishes in the middle and bread at the other end. Desserts are often placed at another table, if one is available.

5

Set the silverware and napkins at the very end of the table. These items should be the last things a guest will pick up before they find a place to enjoy the meal.

6

Place glasses and drinks at a separate table or on a counter so that it doesn't interfere with the food service. People will generally refill their drinks before and during their meal. Include an ice bucket with tongs for chilled drinks.