Using A Buffet Table for High Class Home Entertaining

A buffet table is a great piece of furniture to have in any home. It’s a good storage place and also adds to the interior decor of your home. However, the most popular and exciting role of a buffet table is the job played in hosting parties. Setting up and planning these parties may turn out to be an ordeal if not properly managed.

The secret of hosting a successful buffet party or indeed any function or public gathering lies in planning ahead. Setting up your table for a buffet is not different. Once you know a party is coming up, begin to plan at least two weeks in advance. This will ensure that every conceivable aspect is handled and prevent last minute rushes that may mar your buffet table setting. Part of the planning includes: knowing the number of guests you can accommodate, what meals to prepare, what decorations or party theme and a host of others.

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Where you set your buffet table will be determined by the number of guests you are expecting, and also the available space. The first thought might be to set it up with the long side against the wall. While this may conserve space, it has the disadvantage of causing a jam as your guests try to serve themselves. It should be best if you set up your buffet table in a position where it can be accessed from both sides. This will enhance free movement of your guests and also makes it easy for them to intermingle as they are serving themselves.

Decorate your buffet table with an appropriate table cloth. Drape your table so that it is fully covered with the cloth almost touching the ground. Adding flowers to your table also makes it look great. Once this has been done, you can start arranging your dishes on the table. The arrangement should take into consideration, how you would like your guests to move round the table. Also, ensure that the foods are set on the table in a logical manner, which facilitates easy serving.
When setting up your buffet table keep in mind the plates are placed on one end of the table, followed by the main course, salads and vegetables. The cutlery should be wrapped in the napkins and placed at the last end of the buffet table or in the dining area, so that your guests can easily pick and choose them up. Another important tip is to locate your drinks table on the other end of the room far from your buffet table to avoid spillage.

As to what kind of buffet table to use at your gathering, party or function, that is entirely dependent upon the nature of the function and the environment in which it is to stand. If you are at an elegant dinner party you might consider a traditional buffet table, even an antique buffet table if you are feeling adventurous; however, if your event is a chic, modern fashion show then perhaps a more contemporary buffet table is in order. The key to your decision isn’t some fancy secret that the interior designers keep well hidden: No, it is simply common sense. Use it and your buffet table will be perfect, just like your party!

Timothy James is an engineer. His hobbies include climbing, writing, furniture and spending time with his family. He has recently finished his first website dedicated to information on buffet tables and buffet table furniture .

By: Timothy James

Watch this video for more ideas about Buffet Table decorating: