How to Set a Buffet Table

Whether it’s summer barbeques, family reunions, or a pot luck dinner among friends, there are times when it is simply not possible to set the table for a meal. Using a buffet can be an easy way to serve a meal, but what is the best way to set it up? Do you place food before the utensils and napkins? Should you have a separate table for drinks and desserts? While there isn’t one right or wrong answer, with a little organization, using a buffet can allow you to serve a large number of people easily.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tables or counter tops
• Tablecloths (optional)
• Decorations (optional)
• Citronella candles (optional)
• Plates, utensils and glasses
• Containers to hold utensils and napkins
• Salt and pepper
• Condiments
• Ice Chests
• Trash receptacles

How to Set up a Buffet Table

1. Set up the area to serve the food. If it is outside, this will include tables for the food as well as a table for drinks. The arrangement of the tables will depend upon what is being served. If it is a pot luck meal, then place the tables however you want. If the meat is to be grilled, then place the table for the food near the grill. If the buffet is to be served inside, clear the kitchen counters for food and drinks or set up the food on the dining table with drinks in the kitchen. If the tables are in good shape, then tablecloths are optional.

2. Arrange for seating of the guests while they are eating. If food is set up on the dining room table indoors, move the dining room chairs to the room where your guests will sit. For outdoors, set up folding chairs or lawn chairs. For a true picnic feel, ask your guests to BYOB--Bring Your Own Blanket--and let them sit on the ground to eat.

3. Decorate--if you want--according to the theme. It doesn’t have to be much; white balloons and paper bells for a picnic rehearsal dinner, or family pictures for a family reunion make the occasion festive. Place citronella candles around--if you’re serving outside. Whatever you do, remember, it’s not about the decorations; it’s about the fun and fellowship.

4. Arrange the order for what goes on the buffet tables. Plates should be placed at the end of the table followed by the foods. If it is a pot luck, organize it by main dishes, vegetables, salads and bread. If you are serving specific foods, then arrange it in the order needed: buns for the hamburgers placed on the table nearest the grill, with the condiments, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions down the table. Put the salt and pepper last on the buffet line. Depending upon the size of the tables, you might even set it up so that food is served on both sides, making it faster for everyone to get their food. Place napkins and utensils at the end of the buffet line or with the drinks and desserts.

5. Set a separate place for the drinks and desserts. This organization might force people to go and set their plate of food down and then come back to get their drink and dessert, but it will keep down the spillage from people trying to carry too much at once.

6. Place trash receptacles nearby but not next to the serving tables. If you are serving soft drinks in cans, designate which receptacle is for recycling the cans.

Tips & Warnings

• If setting up the buffet outside, use clothes pins to secure the table cloths.
• Consider getting a netting gazebo to place the outside buffet in; this will help deter flying insects from getting to the food.