Buff Up Your Buffet
Dress your buffet table to impress at your next dinner party. From serving platters to temperature to silverware to fresh décor - it's not just about the food
Buffet 101: Here's how to present a buffet for all occasions. Image courtesy iStockphoto
It’s the brave host or hostess (and the one with lots of time) who turns out a seated, plated dinner for 12. Buffets, complete with a lavish spread of delicious-tasting and delicious-looking food, feed parties of any number easily, and allow for more mingling among guests.
Here are some tips and ideas from Susan Jaffe, a Chicago-area caterer, for whipping up a stunning, easy-to-manage buffet:
Eye Candy
“Food is more visually interesting and you can fit more on the table if it’s elevated,” Jaffe says. For instance, assemble hors d’oeuvres on a footed cake plate, or stand celery and carrot sticks upright in a clear glass or vase.Pantry Raid!
Comb your pantry for interesting serving dishes and platters. “People have stuff in their house, it’s just a question of thinking out of the box,” Jaffe says.Wax On
Candles are great on a buffet, but use unscented candles that won’t clash with the food’s aromas.‘Spicy’ Décor
An assortment of brightly colored peppers or leaves of purple kale fill in the blank spots between trays, and gives your buffet a “fresh” message.Think Outside The Circle
Square and rectangular plates are easily rent-able (and buyable) these days, and again add visual interest to your buffet. “We no longer just use seven-and-a-half-inch round glass plates,” Jaffe says.A Glass Menagerie
Try colored glasses. They’re more fun, Jaffe says, especially with those square or rectangular plates.72° In The Shade
Stick with room temperature foods, “unless you want to run back and forth from the oven to the buffet.” Small quiches, stuffed mushrooms and gourmet pizzas taste great at room temperature, and won’t burn a guest’s mouths or fingers.Knives Out!
If you have limited seating, offer fork or finger foods. It’s tough for guests to cut items on a plate that’s balancing in their laps.
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