Tips For Setting the Perfect Buffet Table

Setting up for a nice buffet might sound simple enough, though your efforts could very easily result in a cluttered display that looks more chaotic than clever. Avoid confusion and traffic jams in your buffet line by planning ahead. Ideally, your brunch buffet line should flow smoothly and constantly. Although free flowing is the goal, this typically does not happen, especially with large groups. However, by planning, your buffet set up in advance, you can eliminate the common sight of guests reaching for plates and back-tracking for utensils that they missed along the way.

Before your guests can begin to dish up their meal, they will need a plate. Stack plates at one end of the table so that guests have access to these first. Also, keep in mind if you are using disposable plates to choose heavier ones so that food actually stays on the plate and guests can easily carry them. Next on your table should be your main event; the food. Serve dishes that your guests understand and can recognize. If you do decide to serve a dish that your guests may not be familiar with, create a placard to identify the dish telling guests what is being offered. Also, make sure each dish has a coordinating serving utensil so guests can easily (and quickly) dish up their food.

At the other end of your buffet table (opposite the plates), place the silverware. Only provide utensils that your guests will need to use. If a knife is not needed, don't offer one. This will avoid confusion and lighten the carrying load for guests. To make the grab-and-go of the silverware a breeze, wrap each set up in one napkin and then secure with a piece of ribbon or twine. Condensing the utensils and napkin will make it easier for guests to carry their plates to their seats.

Place drinks last on the table (after the silverware), so that they are the last item guests will have to grab before they head towards their seat. The easiest option is to offer pre-poured drinks ready for guests to grab. If guests will be pouring their own drinks, you may want to consider having a separate table for this or at least offer enough room so that guest will be able to set their plate down in order to get their beverage.

Buffets are a great way to serve food for any size gathering as long as they are set up in a functional way. With a table progression that makes sense; plates, food, silverware,then beverages. Remember that the key is to make it easy and understandable for your guests as they serve themselves. The next time you set your buffet, take a moment to plan your spread and the result will be a more flowing (and happy) buffet line.



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