DIY Buffet Tables

When you're entertaining a large group of guests, setting up a buffet allows you to keep everyone fed and happy, while affording you the freedom to set up well in advance. To set up an effective and visually appealing buffet table, you need to consider both the aesthetics of the presentation and the functionality -- your guests must be able to easily access the food without running into each other or causing a traffic jam. Consider the cardinal rules of buffet tables before you attempt to set up your own. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set up the table away from the wall, so people can approach it from either side. This is especially important if you are serving 20 or more guests, as this many can easily lead to congestion at the buffet table.

2

Cover the table with a tablecloth. Until everything else is in place, this is the only decoration you need to worry about.

3

Arrange the food on the buffet table using settings of various heights. Raised cake pedestals and tiered displays allow you to conserve table space, create a visually appealing design, and make everything accessible.

4

Place plates at one end of the table and flatware at the other end. This way, guests don't have to hold onto their napkins and cutlery while navigating the buffet.

5

Decorate the table with what space you have left. Make it fit the theme of the event -- something simple like flowers and candles is generally enough decor, as the focus is on the food, not the decorations.