How to Display Utensils for a Party

Plastic utensils are ideal for large gatherings.

One of the aspects of entertaining is the presentation. This is often a common dilemma for the food, but it also pertains to eating utensils. While it is easy to throw a box of silverware on a table, the look is less than stellar. Dress the utensils up in a proper utensil holder for party guests to grab and go. Additionally, the area where you place the utensil holder is just as important as where you place the food. Once the utensils are in place and the food is on the table, the party is ready to begin.

Things You'll Need

• Tables
• Crate utensil holder
• Flat tray utensil holder
• Napkins
• Ribbon
• Basket
• Plates

Instructions

1. Create a layout of the food area. This will give an idea of where there is available space for the utensils. Set up the tables to hold the food.

2. Section off an area near the first food table for the utensils, plates and napkins. These items will group together for people to grab before they begin choosing food. Some food items may need to be arranged to accommodate space at the end of one table. Refer to the layout design for help rearranging food.

3. Set up a small serving table if there is no room for the plates, napkins and utensils on the food table.

4. Divide the utensils into piles -- spoons, forks and knives. Always display all three types of utensils regardless of what food is served.

5. Place the individual piles in a sectioned tray to hold the utensils. There are two trendy types of trays available for displaying utensils -- a crate tray and a flat tray. The crate tray is similar to an old-fashion milk tray. The utensils will sit upright in the crate tray with the handles facing downward. The flat tray is a decorative drawer holder for utensils. Both trays are found at home décor retailers.

6. Wrap utensils in napkins and secure with a ribbon for a more formal approach to entertaining. Place a knife, spoon and fork in a small napkin and roll up. Tie a ribbon around the center and place into a basket to hold.

7. Arrange the plates near the edge of the first table, or on the small serving table. Display the utensils next to the plates and the napkins behind the plates.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid mixing the utensils to prevent guests from digging through to find what they want.

• Place a hand sanitizer pump near the utensils in case guests want to sanitize their hands prior to serving the food.

References

• Epicurious: Summer Entertaining
• Good Housekeeping: Easy Organizing - Backyard Party

Resources

• North Dakota State University; It's Party Season; December 2010