How to Use Height on a Buffet Table
Height contrast on buffet tables creates a dramatic flair and helps save space. You can include decorative items alongside and between platters and chafing dishes of food. Fabulous party decor can transform a plain hotel ballroom into an elegant and festive setting thanks to balloons, flowers, lighting and a knock-out buffet table. Once you've established your menu and theme, sketch out what you want your table to look like; where the dishes and centerpieces will go. This will help you when buying the materials you need for your buffet table and make your set-up go smoothly.
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Things You'll Need
- Small cardboard boxes
- Styrofoam or wooden blocks
- Table
- Two to three table cloths
- Table skirt
- Food platters
- Centerpieces
- Small decorations
Instructions
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1
Add your table skirt and base table cloth. Follow the provided instructions for adding the table skirt. If there is a seam on your base table cloth, make sure it runs along the width of the table and that it is straight.
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2
Place your risers in the appropriate places. Your risers include cardboard boxes, polystyrene foam or wooden blocks, or any other surface that will be sturdy enough to hold heavy dishes and platters. These risers are what will create the height on your table. The diagram you prepared will show where the dishes and centerpieces that rest on risers will go.
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3
Cover the risers with a second table cloth. This cloth can be a different color than your base cloth for color contrast. Make sure the cloth lays flat on the surface of the risers, especially if you're placing chafers that hold hot food on top of them. Drape the second cloth around the bottom of the blocks or boxes. Your table is now ready for placement of the dishes, centerpiece and decor.
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Place your centerpiece on the middle riser, then add your hot dishes on the other blocks. Add the platters in between the blocks, You can also place decorative items between the blocks.
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Tips & Warnings
For your centerpiece, use sturdy blocks that come in multiple layers to hold an elegant floral-and-fruit or ice-sculpture centerpiece. As for placement, be sure your hot foods are elevated higher than the cold-cut and side dishes. Place tall candle holders and statues around your table to add more height, depth and flair.
Be sure your catering staff, who will consistently tidy up the buffet table, stays aware of any heat sources touching the table cloth. They can also make sure the risers continue to remain steady while holding the various items.
