How to Do a Banquet Appetizers Table

If you are planning a banquet or large function, you will likely want to have one table specifically for appetizers. Appetizers placate your more puckish guests and gives the crowd something to do while mingling. There are no set rules for setting up an appetizer table, but there are some useful guidelines to follow that will ensure your guests have easy access to the food. Does this Spark an idea?

Print this article

Trays
Chafing dishes
Dish lights

Instructions

- 1
  
  Select a location for the appetizer banquet table. The appetizer table should be in a central location so that everyone can have quick access to the food. You'll want to make sure the table is clearly visible as well, so people know exactly where to go when they're hungry.
- 2
  
  Place a black or white tablecloth over the banquet table.
- 3
  
  Place decorations, such as floral arrangements, on the sides of the table and in between the areas you intend to serve food. Place the dishes, napkins and silverware at the edge of the table.
- 4
  
  Place the appetizers on their serving platforms. Metal trays are ideal for cold appetizers, such as bread and shrimp.
- 5
  
  Set up chafing dishes on the table for your hot appetizers. Chafing dishes are metal dishes with a lid that can be closed. Fill the inside of the chaffing dish with about an inch of water.
- 6
  
  Place hot appetizers, such as spring rolls or chicken skewers, in the trays that come with the chafing dishes. Place the trays of food in the chafing dishes.
- 7
  
  Place the flame heaters in the compartments on the bottom of the chafing dishes. These heaters can be found at most restaurant supply stores.