Whether you’re planning a festive Christmas gathering or simply bringing friends and family together for a winter celebration, a buffet is one of the easiest — and most beautiful — ways to serve food. It keeps things relaxed, lets guests help themselves, and looks absolutely stunning when styled well.
As a tableware and furniture hire company, we’ve seen a lot of buffets (the good, the great, and the ones that needed a little extra love!). So today we’re sharing our best tips for laying out a buffet that’s not just practical, but genuinely eye-catching.
Start With the Right Table and Layout
Before you think about food, think flow.
✔ Choose a table that suits the space
Long trestle tables work brilliantly for spreads with lots of platters, while round tables can create more of a grazing-station feel. If space is tight, a narrower table keeps people moving without blocking the room.
✔ Make sure guests know where the buffet “starts”
A simple sign, a decorative centrepiece at the beginning, or placing plates at one end instantly gives guests direction.
✔ Allow room for movement
Keep the table far enough from walls or furniture so guests can queue comfortably. If you’re expecting a larger crowd, consider two access points — one at each end.
Dress the Table: Linen and Layers
Your buffet table deserves to look as good as the food on it.
✔ Choose a crisp tablecloth
White or ivory always feels elegant, but in December it’s hard to beat forest Green, Burgundy, or a subtle winter Grey. Linen hire is a simple way to ensure everything looks fresh, clean, and coordinated.
✔ Add height for visual interest
Buffets look more beautiful when they aren’t completely flat. Use:
- Upside-down crates
- Wooden blocks
- Cake stands
- Tiered serving trays
- Wine boxes
This creates natural “levels” and makes the spread easier to navigate.
✔ Consider a runner or greenery
A table runner, winter foliage, or a few sprigs of eucalyptus can bring everything together — especially for Christmas parties.
Set the Scene With the Right Tableware
Beautiful tableware elevates even the simplest buffet.
✔ Plates at the start
Stack them neatly so guests can take one easily. If you expect a busy service, try placing plates in two or three small stacks rather than one tall tower.
✔ Cutlery after the food
This avoids guests juggling knives and forks while trying to serve themselves. A stylish cutlery holder or basket keeps everything tidy.
✔ Glassware separately
Set up a drink station away from the buffet to prevent bottlenecks. You can include:
- Wine glasses
- Highballs
- Tumblers
- Champagne flutes (it is Christmas after all!)
Polished tongs, ladles, serving spoons and elegant platters instantly give your buffet a professional finish.
Arrange the Food in a Logical Order
Think like a guest moving along the table.
- Plates
- Cold items & salads
- Main dishes
- Sides
- Sauces & condiments
- Cutlery & napkins
If you’re serving dessert buffet-style, it’s usually best to place it on a separate table. It keeps crowds moving and prevents any stray gravy from finding its way into the trifle!
Label Everything (Your Guests Will Thank You)
Pretty food labels make a buffet look intentional — but more importantly, they avoid guests asking “What’s this?” while blocking the queue.
Include notes for:
- Vegetarian / vegan dishes
- Allergens
- Spice levels
- Festive flavours (e.g. “Honey-roast carrots with rosemary”)
A little twine and Kraft card looks charmingly rustic, while printed tent cards create a more polished look.
Keep It Tidy and Topped Up
A beautiful buffet shouldn’t look abandoned after 20 minutes.
- Wipe spills quickly
- Replace empty dishes promptly
- Rotate platters to keep everything looking fresh
- Keep backup serving utensils on hand
A tidy spread looks inviting — especially for latecomers or guests going in for round two (or three… no judgement!).
Add Festive Finishing Touches
Since your buffet is going out in December, a few Christmas touches will make the whole setup feel magical.
Try adding:
- A small tabletop Christmas tree
- Warm fairy lights woven through greenery
- Pine cones or cinnamon sticks for decoration
- Festive napkins
- Gold or brass serving utensils
- A winter-themed centrepiece (think candles, holly, eucalyptus, or baubles)
Just avoid overcrowding the table — decorations should frame the food, not compete with it.
Think About Comfort: Seating & Flow
A buffet works best when guests know where to sit and relax afterwards.
- Provide enough chairs, stools, or benches
- Use a couple of small poseur tables for guests who want to stand
- Add a drinks station away from the food
- Place bins discreetly nearby for easy tidying
If you’re hiring tables and chairs, match the style: rustic wooden furniture for cosy winter charm, sleek white pieces for a more elegant look.
And Finally… Don’t Stress!
A buffet is meant to be a relaxed way of hosting. With a well-laid-out table, coordinated tableware, a few festive touches, and a little planning, your guests will feel welcomed, comfortable, and very well fed.
If you’re planning a Christmas party and need crockery, cutlery, glassware, linen, tables, chairs, kitchen equipment, or serving gear, we’re always here to help — and happy to offer advice for creating a buffet that looks every bit as good as it tastes.
