Creative Buffet Table Display Ideas

You know what they say: “you eat with your eyes first!” I cosign that sentiment which is why setting up a stylish buffet table is a key part of my party decor.

From sleek chic to rustic vintage, I have a round up of beautiful buffets with ideas and tips you can incorporate for your own gatherings. These inspiring displays show you how to serve with style for backyard bbq’s, dinner parties, theme parties, showers, and more.

Where To Start

Styling a party or small event usually focuses on centerpieces and place settings for the dining table. But some gatherings such as cocktail and appetizer parties, or dinner buffets may not call for a grand table setting, but rather a creative buffet setting!

A buffet showcases the food in a very systematic way, but similar to designing dessert tables, you want your food presentation to be beautifully displayed. 

When you’re setting up the flow of the buffet table, here are the rules I try to follow:

1. Start with plates at the end of the table. If it’s a circular table the plates will signify the starting point.
2. Next, place salads and dressings.
3. Place main dishes and any sauces that go with it.
4. Set out side dishes; cold first, then hot ones.
5. At the end of the table have condiments, utensils and napkins (pre-rolled makes it easy to grab).
6. If it’s a small buffet you can have dessert or drinks at the end, but I prefer them in a different location for larger displays.

How To Raise Food On A Buffet 

Create height and dimension by stacking and staggering boxes, wood crates, acrylic risers, or glass blocks. Place food platters or bowls on top so they’re easy to reach.

Use wood crates in a variety of ways. Turn it upside down to place dishes on like I did with the DIY sandwich platter above.

Another way to use the crates is to place the open side up and fill it with objects like bread loaves, flip top bottles of water or punch, napkin-wrapped utensils, cups, etc.

You can even stand it on its side to be used like a shadow box to showcase bottles of wine, condiments, and more. They can even be stacked like I did on this soup buffet.

DIY Risers

You probably have everything you need to make your own table risers. If not, just grab some Glue Dots from the craft store, a base from the list below, and a platter.

You can use a variety of stable cylinders or cubes as the base for plates:

• Glass or ceramic vases 
• Thick, sturdy candle holders 
• Terra cotta pots turned upside down
• Wood blocks or planter boxes

Secure the plate or platter on top of the base using adhesive “dots” from the craft store. You can remove them once you’re done.

Creative Display Ideas

Search your home for things you can use. Think pretty gift boxes, hat boxes, wicker or rattan baskets, wire baskets, trays, jars, and wood crates are just the beginning.

Cake Pedestals

Cake pedestals aren’t just for cakes and pies. Use them to elevate a main dish like these donuts and toppings bowls. Stack two together for a tiered tray effect.

PARTY TIP: Pedestals add height and visual weight to a buffet table, making it more attractive and easier to reach.

Vintage-style Soda Crates

If you can find real vintage Coke or Pepsi crates in antique shops, grab them up to use at parties. The cool thing about vintage is that you can find them divided into 24-bottle compartments, four compartments, or in half.

This one has four compartments giving it a shelf when set on its side. The ledge can hold jars of pre-filled salads, fruit, cakes in a jar, or beans.

Spice Risers

I love these stair-step spice holders to display small jars or bottles of condiments. They fit so well and look so cute. 

Baskets

Use rustic wire baskets or wicker styles to display individual serving jars of food, pre-filled jars of lemonade, or condiments.

My favorite drink hack for a crowd is using wide-mouth 8-ounce jars to serve drinks in. They’re sturdy, inexpensive, and can be used over and over again. Pile them gently in a basket and let guests grab them to fill.

Buffet Table Decoration

Bring out the paint-chipped furniture and thrift store finds to create a vintage-inspired display. For an all-out rustic look present your bounty in galvanized or wire servers. 

A farm table, wooden boxes, and wild flowers in a pitcher or tinted jar create a farmhouse style buffet.

For a more modern look choose clean lines and fabric-covered folding tables. Clear or all-white serving dishes keep things looking fresh and timeless.

Table Covering

Add a touch of softness with a vintage-inspired calico print fabric or lace runner. 

Use interesting textures like burlap, turf grass from the home improvement store, chalk board runners, paper runners, large ceramic tiles, or a long mirror. The turf grass on this football themed party snack buffet is an instant vibe.

Wood accents can be incorporated to create a masculine design, or be paired with vintage silver (with a bit of patina) for a high-low effect.

Serve a delicious rustic Italian meal from an old farm table, with simple white dishes, cutting boards, and fresh herbs as the accents. Don’t forget the chalk board menu! (via Sunday Suppers)

You’ll need a cocktail to welcome guests. This modern layout of a make-your-own-martini bar, lets everyone please their own palette. (via Sunday Suppers)