How to Decorate a Buffet Table With Chafing Dishes

Decorate a buffet table so it looks inviting to your guests.

Buffet tables are often present at large parties, such as weddings or holiday events. When you are planning a party with a buffet, consider decorating the table to fit the event's theme. Most buffet tables are filled with chafing dishes, which might not leave too much room for decorations. Even so, choose items that go with the other decor in the room so that the buffet table does not stand out.

Things You'll Need

• Boxes, books or plastic crates
• Tablecloth
• Craft paper
• Picture frames
• Vases
• Flowers

Instructions

1. Place boxes, stacks of books or plastic crates on your table top at varying heights. This way, you can place some of your chafing dishes or other platters at different heights. Otherwise, your buffet table can look flat and uninteresting.

2. Cover the buffet table, along with the items you used for height, with a tablecloth. Choose a tablecloth that coordinates with the event's theme, rather than a simple white tablecloth. A bright, colorful tablecloth will make the buffet table stand out.

3. Place your chafing dishes and platters onto your buffet table.

4. Cut craft paper to the size of the picture area in picture frames. Write the names of your dishes onto the craft paper, then place the paper inside the frames. Place a frame in front of each dish so your guests know what they are eating.

5. Fill tall vases with flowers. Place the vases on the buffet table behind the chafing dishes and to the sides of them. Don't choose flowers with strong scents as they can compete with the smell of your foods.

References

• Divine Dinner Party: Need a Creative Buffet Table Setting Idea or Two?
• eBuffet.com: How to Decorate Your Buffet Table for a Wedding