How to Set Up a Buffet

Tables & Linens

Start with the foundation of your buffet - the table! You can cover any unsightly tabletops or ugly legs using banquet linens, so don't worry if your table has seen better days. We recommend using skirting to entirely cover the buffet table, especially if you’re in a professional environment. The end result will look amazing, so don't let the thought of using the skirting intimidate you. In just a few simple steps, you can easily replicate the look!

1. Start with a folding table	2. Cover table with linen toppers	3. Line with hook & loop clips
4. Wrap the table with skirting	5. End with a "fluffed" linen top

"Fluffed" linen top

How to 'Fluff':

Fluffing in step 5 above means taking a few linen toppers (around 90" x 90") and scrunching or wrinkling them up on the top of the buffet table. When you add food displays or plates to the buffet, they won’t appear to be floating aimlessly in space - they’ll sit cradled in their own little linen nest! In all my years working at country clubs, this was by far my favorite look for a buffet table. It doesn’t mean you can’t add other decorations or design elements to the buffet, but fluffing is a great way to start adding dimension to your catering presentation.

Buffet Risers

Adding varying heights to a full buffet will make it feel less crowded and overwhelming to event guests when stocked with food. The varying heights also make the display more aesthetically interesting. There’s a lot out there in the way of buffet risers, so you'll have plenty of choices!

• Boxes & crates
• Overturned bowls & dishes
• Iron racks
• Cake pedestals
• Tiered acrylic risers
• Acrylic boxes

Wrought iron racks designed specifically for holding dishes and platters are always a convenient option. There are also metal food risers with nice flat tops for holding dishes of many sizes. These nice looking risers that are actually designed for buffets are great, but if you don’t have access to these kinds of catering displays, don’t worry. We have some hacks for you.

Food platters raised with
nontraditional objects, like dishes

Remember the fluffed tablecloth technique I recommended? It turns out this layer is also perfect for hiding not-so-conventional buffet risers. Just grab an old crate or box from your basement and stick it right under the fluffed tablecloth as a quick riser. Then, smooth the cloth out over the top of the crate, and it will instantly look really polished and professional. No one will know what's really hiding under there!

After you’ve chosen your risers, conventional or not so conventional, just add platters and dishes on top and you’re well on your way to an awesome-looking custom display!

Buffet Flow

Position plates, cutlery, dishes, and chafers in an order that makes sense for guests as they move through the buffet line. For example, grouping similar foods together can be helpful as the diners choose what to serve themselves. It’s also a good idea to place silverware at the end of the table, instead of at the beginning near the plates, so guests won’t have to juggle it as they attempt to serve themselves. Order your buffet like this for optimal flow:

Roll up silverware
& place in a basket!

• Plates
• Rolls/Bread
• Salads
• Other Cold Dishes
• Warm Dishes
• Desserts (if you don’t have a separate dessert buffet!)
• Cutlery & Napkins

When you begin to assemble your own catering display, just remember these 3 essential aspects: table decoration, presentation height, and serving flow! If you concentrate on these tried and true buffet decoration ideas, the end result is sure to look great!