Ingredients

  • Table Tips shopping list
  • • Place a stack of plates at one end of the buffet table so that guests pick them up first. Choose plates with some heft (avoid flimsy paper ones) and a substantial lip: Food will be less likely to slide off. shopping list
  • • The food comes next. Arrange it at various heights so that guests can see and reach everything with ease. Shallow bowls and basic platters are the most user-friendly choices. shopping list
  • roll silverware inside napkins, secure them with a bit of twine, and pile them toward the end of the buffet, which cuts down on the balancing act. Use sleek flatware, as more decorative styles are often too bulky to roll up neatly. shopping list

How to make it

  • To create a standout buffet table, you need to adopt a three dimensional mindset. Don't just think about how things will fit and look sitting side-by-side on the table. This will limit the number of items you can fit on the table and will make for a very boring appearance. Instead, think about ways you can use the vertical space above the table.
  • There are numerous ways this can be accomplished. You can used tiered serving dishes or pedestals for cakes. You can take a sturdy box and cover it with an attractive cloth to create a pedestal.
  • The hostess of this party created a clever way of letting her guests know what each appetizer was. She took small x-mas tree ball ormanaments and just simply placed a placecard with the appetizers name on it between the two wires in ornament cap (one is shown in the photo).
  • Finally, use candles and flowers to balance the effect where necessary for an overall outstanding impression. Here we used small white votive candles and low, boxed, all white flower arrangments. My preference is too keep it simple and clean, using all white platters and a white tablecloth. Not only is this classic and elegant, it allows the FOOD be the star of the show while your table the perfect backdrop :-)

Reviews & Comments 15

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    " It was excellent "
    elgab89 ate it and said...

    ************************************************
    THIS RECIPE HAS WON THE FIRST PRIZE
    FOR BEST NON-FOOD RECIPE - DECEMBER 2008
    *************************************************
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  • lunasea 16 years ago
    I love it - great tips!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    elgab89 ate it and said...
    And this is why Luisa is running a catering company! Look what she can do! OMG!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    angelinaw ate it and said...
    Wow! What a stunning table! Thanks for the tips, saved them in case I ever do this.

    Have a Happy Holiday!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    wynnebaer ate it and said...
    Absolutely beautiful!!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
  • magali777 16 years ago
    thanks, great tips!
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  • conner909 16 years ago
    I double-clicked on your photo and made comments there.
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  • clbacon 16 years ago
    It's gorgeous!
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    " It was excellent "
    peetabear ate it and said...
    this is a very pretty table.. you paid a lot of attention to the small details... good food, nice color, good variety.. etc... a top five for you..
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    juels ate it and said...
    Boy, now I can see for sure that you are a real professional! Nice, very nice, and great tips!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    jimrug1 ate it and said...
    Way Cool Luisa!! The visual appeal is stunning. The different levels are the key. Everything looks so clean and appetizing. I printed out your tips. It's plain to see you have natural decorating skills along with your culinary expertise... Thanks for sharing .....;-)~
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    trigger ate it and said...
    These are fantastic tips Luisa flagged as beautiful of course!

    Best description I ever read pertaining to a formal buffet.
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    mjcmcook ate it and said...
    ~Hello~
    I am always on the 'Look-out" for unique ways of creating 'eye-appeal'
    for the 'Foods' presented at Any Occasion~
    Thank-you for sharing Your "5"FORK!!!!! ideas~
    ~~~~~~~ MERRY CHRISTMAS ~~~~~~~
    ~*~ mj ~*~
    I 'Flagged' Your Photo !~
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  • lilliancooks 16 years ago
    You get my vote!!! Love it!
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  • lacrenshaw 16 years ago
    Very instructive, luisa! Thanks!
    Lorraine
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