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How to: Properly Set a Buffet Table
We always have a buffet for our events! It clears up the table so I can put more flowers and candles on it, and allows guests to serve themselves and it’s easier for a large group – and yes, there is a proper way to set up a buffet, and where to place the items in a specific order.
There are two ways I set up my buffet which is our kitchen island you can also use a sideboard buffet which is what it’s used for (but mine is behind the dining room table and not conveniently accessible). I will discuss both ways, more traditional and a modified buffet because I still like to set the table and have plates out.
I honestly never knew there was a correct way to set a buffet because I never paid much attention (but I did wonder at one point) and I didn’t work in the food industry. So if you are learning for the first time, you’re not alone! I’ve only recently learned how to properly set a buffet.
After I read Williams-Sonoma’s website on how to set a buffet, a lightbulb went off and I thought ah-ha! Yes that is how I’ve seen it set at most places when done professionally! These are images from the buffet I set up for my Italia Amalfi Coast themed dinner party you can see here.
Note, if you are hosting a large banquet buffet say similar to a wedding or celebration of life where there are a lot of guests, you would have two lines on each side of the buffet table and two of each item that would mirror each other. The end of the table would have the utensils and napkins. Ideally you would have a separate table for the desserts.
How to properly SET A BUFFET
This is the order to remember:
Plates, go clockwise.
Cold food
Hot foods
Main course
Bread + butter
Flatware + napkins last
Decide where you want to start with your plates then it will go clockwise from there.
Start with the plates
If you have any silver trays, place them on a silver tray! It looks so elegant, I find trays like these at the thrift store all the time. These English floral plates are from Williams-Sonoma.
From here, you head clockwise, so going around to the right of the buffet after grabbing a plate.
Next, salad
I place post-it notes on platters so friends who bring food know where to put their food, or when the food is delivered, I know where to place it so I’m not scrambling and I know there is enough room on the table!
Remember to already set the serveware close by for each item so people can reach for the fork, spoon, tongs, etc.
This Alton serving set is from William-Sonoma (c/o) and it is timeless! Crafted in Brescia, a town in northern Italy celebrated for its artisanal metalwork, these utensils are reminiscent of antique flatware.
The glass utensil holder is vintage and from Princess House. You can find them at thrift stores around $3-$8 each. I paid $3 each and bought all 3 I could find and then found a few more a week later at another thrift for $5 each and bought them as well. You can never have enough when you set up a buffet on the regular!
Cold Food first
These Apilco lion’s head porcelain soup bowls are so elegant and you can buy with or without the lid.
I know you’re seeing soup, but this was to be a cold soup. So after your salad, add any cold foods after it.
Then, hot foods and the main course
So here goes the foods that are hot, rice, pasta, and then the main course which in this case would be the chicken pasta.
End with bread and butter
So here’s where the bread basket would go, filled with rolls or sliced bread.
Then the butter or any other condiments – in my case since it was Italian dinner night, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I love using my plated silver trays.
Utensils and napkins last
Now that the plate has been filled, everyone grabs their utensils and napkins and finds a seat. This utensil caddy is gorgeous and if it’s heavy make sure you hold the bottom when you carry it to give it support.
*However I set the table with flatware and napkins so in this area I would put desserts or drinks at the end after bread and butter if they fit, or find a separate table for desserts and drinks (more ideal if you have the space). This is what I mean that I modify it a little. I get the order done right but if there’s room I throw all the food on the same table if space allows!
Middle of the buffet
In the middle of the buffet would be candles or lighting, or a beautiful centerpiece to be enjoyed all around. I like having a basil pant or herbs I pick up from Trader Joe’s, it’s so much cheaper than a nursery and cleaner too (so it seems) drop it in a pot and set it by the food so your guests can pick right off it!
To break the rules I would even put deserts in the middle as a centerpiece if it’s decorative!
Shop below, buffet items from Amazon –
Additional pretty items to set the table and buffet –
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