A buffet is an easy alternative when you don’t have a large enough table for all of your guests and need to come up with a flexible seating arrangement. Find a centrally located flat surface (countertop, table, console table) and cover it with a beautiful tablecloth or fabric. Decorate the surface with holiday greenery (or check out our bird centerpiece) and reserve spaces for whatever serving pieces you have - cake stands, footed bowls, cutting boards, or trays. It’s helpful to set up placecards to tell your guests what each dish is.
If you’re short on seating, arrange stools and chairs from around the house and cluster some floor pillows away from foot traffic. TV trays and lap boards will come in handy for people to carry their plates and balance them on their laps.
When it comes to setting up your buffet, first consider the flow of traffic. Start with plates, flatware, and napkins on the end that can accommodate a line-up and then organize food from main courses to sides to desserts (dessert can be put out later if you’re short on space) in the direction of your seating areas. We’ve found some great products to make your set-up fun:
Give your party personal flair with monogrammed napkins made of thick, absorbent 3-ply paper.
Don’t have enough glasses and want to avoid plastic cups? Ikea is a favorite source for inexpensive glassware in bulk.
Using a large glass dispenser with a spigot for iced beverages is a beautiful and practical way to serve with less spillage and mess.
As with glasses, it can’t hurt to have an extra set of classic white plates and simple flatware to have on hand for big events. Easy-to-carry, durable boxes make them easy to store and pull out year after year.
A buffet always calls for extra serving pieces, so you can either borrow them from friends or neighbors, or invest in a set of casually elegant pieces in smooth stainless that will go with everything.
Congratulations to our newsletter giveaway winner, Joanna Smith! Enjoy a three month gift of wine compliments of the California Wine Club.
