How to Decorate a Buffet Table for a Party

Buffets are extremely versatile pieces of dining room furniture. A buffet can be used as a sideboard for the dining room or as a serving table for a party. A buffet-style meal is an efficient way to serve a large group. Often used at anniversary parties, graduation dinners and holiday gatherings, buffets are an extension of the overall theme of the gathering. The decorations on the buffet table can enhance the mood and add color to monochromatic meeting rooms. From floral arrangements to edible food sculptures, decorations are not limited to decorative warming trays or beautiful crystal serving dishes.

Buffet Table Decorations:

1. Anniversary party: Plan a photo theme to decorate for an anniversary party buffet table. Frame photos of the anniversary couple. Scatter the frames among the serving dishes on the buffet table to create a conversation piece among guests waiting to move through the buffet line. Place small silk floral arrangements at each end of the buffet table to give it an elegant appeal.

2. Graduation dinner: Use school colors for a buffet-style graduation celebration dinner. Layer tablecloths in school colors over the buffet table. Sprinkle the table with confetti in the shape of graduation caps and the graduation year.

3. Holiday party: Add seasonal elements to a buffet table at the holidays. Pine cones covered in gold glitter, sprigs of holly and pillar candles under hurricane glass shades will add a seasonal flair. For cold buffets, add decorative bowls of cinnamon sticks to the buffet for a comforting aroma.

4. Baby shower: Decorate the buffet table with food and flowers. Prepare an edible centerpiece, like a watermelon boat full of fruit punch. Topiaries of fresh fruit and chocolates or vegetable trays carved to resemble budding flowers are beautiful as well as functional.