Ideas for Buffet Tables | Setting a Buffet Table

Today, most caterers, chefs and event hosts put more thought and creativity into creating memorable buffets or food stations at their events. So much so that these buffetscapes or setting a buffet table actually become part of your event décor -- they help further the ambience and atmosphere of the theme you have chosen for your event.

Whether it is buffet decorating ideas for a wedding, fundraising event, Prom, rehearsal dinner or a get together of friends and family at your home, buffet decorating has come a long way. Below are buffet ideas for servingware, tiered displays, florals, chafers and photos, tutorials and links to more resources for self catering.

Setting a buffet table made easy!

A buffetscape is the presentation of your food (and drink if you wish) in a manner that is visually attractive and ties in with the theme of your event. Some refer to it as a buffet display or buffet design. There are many ways to accomplish this but you need some basics that you will use with every buffetscape created.
On to the basics...
Set up by McDaniels Catered Elegance

Buffet table decorating ideas are not that hard to come by. Applying interior design tips can assist you with decor ideas for buffet food tables -- or creating a buffetscape (or centerpieces for your tables). There are 4 basic tips to apply:

• Use varying heights to create visual interest.
  
• Layer items (one item slightly in front of another) for added interest. It encourages the eye to roam.
  
• Use accenting colors and textures in fabrics and décor items.
  
• When grouping items together, use an odd number - This technique has been proven eye pleasing.
  

The above ideas are basic tips all designers learn in school. If you apply them to your buffetscape, you will be on your way to creating an interesting and memorable buffet.

Items you already own that fit the theme of your event is the cheapest way to go. Walk around your house with a basket and shop!

If you don't own anything that will go along with the theme, you could try...

• a local or online party supply store
  
• a local or online department store (Like Amazon!)
  
• dollar store (Dollar General, Dollar Tree, etc)
  
• discount superstore (Wal-Mart, Target, Meirs, etc)
  
• overstock inventory store (T.J. Maxx, Ross, Marshall's, etc)
  
• home décor store (Home Goods, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc)
  
• Craig's List
  
• Ebay
  
• thrift Stores
  
• Garage/Tag Sales...
  

to find décor for your buffetscape. Remember, someone else's discarded item could be just what you need for setting your buffet table, so definitely check Ebay, Craig's List, Garage/Tag Sales and local Thrift Stores. You never know where you will find the perfect idea for buffet tables. They can all be a treasure trove of decor -- and inexpensive too!

This is dependent on your theme. I like to use free association when coming up with buffet ideas for items to fit my theme. Some will be literal; others will create more of a feeling or mood.

Below are examples for a few different themes and corresponding keywords to give you the idea:

Western
Cowboy boots, rope, bandanas, cowboy hats, spurs, branding iron, covered wagons, saddles, horses, cactus, mountains, chuck wagon, saloons, ghost towns, corrals, fire pit, granite speckled coffee pot and/or dishes, gold mining

Paris/French
Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, red geraniums, cheese, bitros, sidewalk cafes, museums, Moulin Rouge, parks, chefs, food aromas, perfume, patisseries, twinkle lights for the city of lights, fleur-de- lis, street vendors, artists, berets, toile

Country Garden
Watering cans, white picket fence, lattice, statuary, pots, urns, fountains, flowers, topiaries, wrought iron, greenery, ivy, potters bench, mailbox, wheel barrow, wooden flower carts

Romance/Elegance
Candles, soft light, wisteria, whites & pinks, lace, sheer/gauzy fabrics, candelabras, hearts, red roses, white roses, glassware, white dishes, floral patterned dishes, white twinkle lights, ivy, sheer ribbon

Each theme and corresponding keywords can give you ideas for buffet tables and items you can use.
You will be accenting your food selection with these items so be careful not to overdo. And, some items are not made to be used in conjunction with food. These items carry a notice of this usually on the bottom. It states something like this: "Not intended for use with food". Please pay attention to these warnings.

This is a fun way to make your buffetscape really pop. It has become quite popular in the last few years, though some industries have been doing it for years (like the cruise lines).
Basically, you create fun and interesting centerpieces with your food offerings. Strawberry trees, molded cheeseballs, pineapple palm trees, shrimp trees or waterfalls are just a few of the ideas chefs and party/event hosts have come up with.
The bottom line is coming up with unconventional ways to serve conventional foods.

Another way to use food is making a non-edible centerpice. On the right is a craft using Hershey's Kisses on a topiary form. It's a Spring or Easter Topiary Centerpiece. I made this a few years ago and used it on an Easter Dessert Table.

You can do more than just lay your vegetables on a platter. Make a Vegetable basket. It will keep your veggies crisp, and cool and is a much more visually interesting display than a platter.
Are you having fresh shrimp for your event? Build a Shrimp Waterfall or a Shrimp Tree. If you don't want to create yourself, order an edible arrangement from Edible Arrangements. Just strp outside the box and do something different.




Look around your house, office, basement, mom's house and garage. Remember that box of decorations you put up in the attic? Remember grandma's pink Depression glass collection? You know that figurine collection you have added to over the years? Use them!

Build your own theme around them or just make an elegant buffet table with candles, fabric and serving pieces without a set theme.

This is much easier than you think; just let your creative side take over! The pictures throughout this lens are to inspire you. Change, add too, take away from these buffet ideas -- let loose and just create!

Free guide to building your own buffetscape. Use it for your next party or event!
How to Build a Simple Buffetscape


Article about Self Catering and keeping foods at the proper serving temperatures.
Self Catering Tips and Tricks

Signature Housewares Set of 2 Sorrento Serving Bowls in Caddy, Green/Ivory



Signature Housewares 4-pc. Sorrento Tiered Server in Caddy



Rosanna 12-in. Rococo Noir Pedestal Cake Stand



American Metalcraft Full Size Black Wrought Iron Chafer Frame, Each, Black

I sincerely hope you take away some information and suggestions that will help you with ideas for buffet tables in the future. Thanks for stopping by!

Note: All buffetscape photos are from my own personal collection.