Buffet table – all the subtleties of planning, arrangement and design

Celebrations of solemn events with many hours of gatherings at the table are gradually being replaced by dynamic, mobile celebrations with buffet tables. Such celebrations have many advantages – guests can freely communicate with each other (not only with neighbors at the table), the hosts do not have to worry about how to seat guests so that they are not bored. Also with the right placement buffet table there is more space for games, dancing, karaoke.

However, during registration buffet table certain rules should be followed. So, …

How to arrange a buffet table

For a buffet table, you should choose high tables (from 90 cm). Tables can be placed in the shape of the letters T, P, S. We plan the arrangement of the tables in such a way that the guests have free access to the dishes on the table. You also need to think about the arrangement of dishes on the table.

One or two-sided serving can be used for a buffet. If one side of the table is facing the wall, then you should use one-sided serving. Plates with dishes are placed in one row, if there is free access to the table from all sides, it is worth using two-sided serving – in two rows – the same number of dishes on each side of the table.

For a buffet, you should use white and transparent dishes, because the decorations on the buffet are the dishes themselves and their arrangement, and not the dishes at all. From the edge of the table (or in a specially designated area), place the plates (in stacks of 6-8 pieces) and place the utensils. We display 2-3 times more utensils and plates than there are guests.

Let’s not forget about drinks and glasses for them (based on one guest – 3 glasses of different types and one wine glass).

The table is decorated mainly with fresh flowers, flower arrangements, balls.

Symmetrically from the middle of the table, we arrange snacks, salads, hot dishes, fruit slices, desserts and other dishes.

Each dish with dishes should have a suitable device with which guests can put portions on their plates.

How to properly serve a buffet table

Cold snacks, as a rule, are served on a common dish, while you can lay out several types of different snacks – canapés on skewers, salads in tartlets, pita rolls with various fillings, etc. Ideas for preparing and placing snacks.

Meat products, sausages, cheeses, vegetables and fruits are served in the form of cuts, laid out in the form of a fan or a path. Decorative cuts in the form of hearts, stars, butterflies, etc., look original.

The original placement of fruit can also become part of the table decor. Fruit can be served cut to the table in different sizes and shapes. Get acquainted with the interesting design of fruit plates in the article Fruit plates – ideas. You can also put fruits on the buffet table in multi-tiered dishes, which will significantly save space on the table.

Preparation for the buffet

Menu planning is the main task of preparation for the upcoming holiday. A buffet menu usually consists of 2-3 types of appetizers, 2-3 salads, 1 hot (special) dish), 2-3 types of desserts and drinks. Do not be afraid to use your favorite dishes, adapting them a little to the buffet table.

If you have already decided to arrange a buffet at home, remember some of its features. The main goal of a buffet party is pleasant, dynamic communication, and not “fattening” the guests, so the food should be light (it should not be too much). It is worth remembering that during the buffet, the guests serve themselves, so it is worth developing the menu so that it is convenient to put the food on the plate with hands or special tongs.

At a buffet reception, guests spend most of their time standing, so you need to free up as much space as possible for free movement and communication. But at the same time, it is worth thinking about places where guests, if they wish, will be able to sit down and rest.