There's just a ton of buffet table setting advice on the web. All you have to do is a quick search-- soon you'll be overrun with advice on how to add height to your tables. Or how to arrange the dishes you'll be serving "just so." Or how to decorate the buffet table like this, or provide these plates, or arrange utensils so they're easy for your buffet guests to take with them.

Table With Shelf

And all of this is good advice. But before you can follow any of it, you first have to know one very basic thing: how to set up a room for a buffet reception or dinner party.

Table With Shelf

But that's easy, you might say. Just chuck a table against the wall for the food, set some plates up on the end, and set up another little table for desserts and drinks. Done. After all, how much could go into simply arranging a room for a buffet dinner?

Actually, more than you might think. The arrangement of the space in which the buffet is held affects the entire buffet-- a well-arranged room reduces spills, looks nice, and makes things easier on your guests. Want to get it right? Read on for three easy-to-follow tips on preparing a space for a buffet dinner.

1. Buffet Table Placement The first instinct of many hosts and hostesses of a buffet dinner party or reception is to place the buffet table against the wall. This keeps it out of the way and allows more room for seating. But if you have enough space, the middle of the room is the best place for the buffet table. Why? Well, if you only have one buffet table setting, it allows equal access from both sides of the room. It also makes it easier to serve from both sides of the table, and allows mingling, snacking dinner guests to chat together in closer proximity to the table. This works especially well for finger food buffets.

2. Distance the Drinks Table. Sure, occasionally a plate is dumped over during a buffet dinner, but it's drinks you really have to worry about. The best way to prevent nasty spills? Set the drinks table up across the room from the food buffet. This will keep traffic to a minimum, minimizing the chances of guest collisions and nasty drinks spills. As a bonus, it may also prevent guests from trying to juggle loaded dinner plates in one hand and drinks in the other. They'll generally visit their table to drop off a plate of food before getting drinks, minimizing the chance of spillage. Even better, provide water and wine on the tables themselves, and make getting up to get a drink completely optional.

3. Know the Seating Arrangements. Unfortunately, most of us weren't blessed with tons and tons of space in which to set up a buffet table. And when space runs short, one of the first things to go is seating. If you don't have room for designated tables for your guests, chances are they'll have to perch on chairs, sofa-arms, or whatever piece of furniture they have handy. If this is the case, think of rearranging the dining area temporarily for your guests. Add extra end tables or TV trays to the space, and move chairs and other seating closer to tables, shelves and other places for guests to rest cups, plates, elbows, whatever. There's nothing worse than being perched on the end of a chair with nowhere to place your drink so you can eat your dinner. Think of your guests. Even if that TV tray looks silly in the middle of the room, put it there anyway.

Buffet Table Setting Tips - Setting up the Room

Table With Shelf

Black Friday Winsome Wood End Table/Night Stand with Door and Shelf, Natural 2011 Deals

Nov 27, 2011 14:52:32

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Black Friday Winsome Wood End Table/Night Stand with Door and Shelf, Natural Feature

Shaker-style end table/night stand offers simple, sturdy elegance
Crafted of solid beechwood with brushed metal door pull; wood nailhead accents
Oversized top perched on open shelf and roomy storage cabinet; delicately tapered legs
Some assembly required; measures 19 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 25 inches high
Available in Black or Natural finish

Black Friday Winsome Wood End Table/Night Stand with Door and Shelf, Natural Overview

This solid wood shaker style nightstand with drawer is perfect for any room's decor.Constructed of solid hardwoods, this natural nightstand adds a warm touch to any room.Natural finish goes great with any decor.Easy Assembly.

Black Friday Winsome Wood End Table/Night Stand with Door and Shelf, Natural Specifications

Drawing on the simple elegance of Shaker furniture, this versatile end table/night stand combines economy and grace. The solid beechwood unit features an oversized top surface, an open shelf, and a roomy storage cabinet. Proving that less is sometimes more, the single door hosts a plain inset panel and a brushed metal pull as its only decorations, while the tapered legs add a delicate counterpoint. Wood nailhead accents finish the piece with a handmade look and feel. Winsome Wood offers this stand in a Black or Natural finish. It measures 19 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 25 inches high; some assembly is required. --Kara Karll

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