How to Display a Reception Food Table

The food display at a reception is critical to how the event is experienced and remembered. Many receptions use buffet-style tables to present food so that guests can serve themselves at their leisure. These tables must be well decorated and present the food in an appetizing way. Often they have elaborate centerpieces such as ice sculptures or flowers to add interest and drama. An attractive food reception table will delight your guests and make your event a memorable one. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Position the reception table so that it is in a location with good flow. Guests should be able to easily access the table without being crowded into a tight area. The table should be far enough from the entry door so that people entering the event are not encountering people at the reception table as they enter.

2

Position cans and boxes of different heights on the table. These are used underneath a tablecloth to lift food platters above the table surface for display and create easy access to foods. These cans and boxes are often called "lifts". Cans and boxes are used because they are inexpensive, sturdy and available in many sizes. The round shape of a can suits round platters and the square shape of a box suits square or rectangular platters.

3

Mirror your arrangement. If you place a tall can 6 inches in from the end of the table, then place a similar tall can 6 inches in from the other end of the table. Taller lifts should be near the center for tables accessed on all sides and near the back for tables accessed only on one side. Shorter lifts should be closer to the front edges of the table.

4

Drape your oversized tablecloth over the table, cans and boxes. Press the tablecloth down between the lifts (cans and boxes) to create valleys. These valleys are the areas between the lifts where the tablecloth is relaxed and drapes down to the table surface. Your tablecloth should be large enough to cover all of the objects on the table and drape over the edges of the table by at least 6 to 8 inches. Attach your table skirt to cover these edges.

5

Position your centerpiece. Your centerpiece should be in the center of the table for arrangements where the entire table is accessible and it should be a full-sided centerpiece that looks good from all angles. For one-sided arrangements where the table is against a wall, the centerpiece should be at the center and back of the table. It should be grand enough to make a statement without overpowering the table size.

6

Cut and place greenery and flowers between the lifts, the centerpiece and in areas where you will not be placing a food tray. For long events you may need to use stem watering vials to keep flowers looking fresh, and for a mass of greenery you may need to place a moist Oasis brick on a disposable dish and arrange your greenery and flowers by pressing their stems into the brick.

7

Position your food trays. Your food should include bright colors, garnishes, variety and easy-to-handle foods. Place serving tongs, spoons and forks with each platter. You can also use wide-mouth elevated stemware positioned among the greenery to hold smaller items like olives, cherry tomatoes or candies.

8

Decorate your finished table with ornaments, ribbons, candles or other elements to add that finishing touch.