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What to put on buffet table


DECORATING SIDEBOARDS AND BUFFETS - StoneGable

Decorating sideboards and buffets in our dining rooms and other rooms in our home is so important! These are prime pieces of decor real estate that can show off our personality! Today I’m sharing easy ways to decorate a sideboard or buffet and useful, fabulous, and doable styling tips too!

It does not take a lot of time or things to decorate a buffet. With my tips, you can style a buffet beautifully in minutes.

I’ve decorating my white sideboard three different ways to show you how easy it can be!

My white buffet is one of my favorite surfaces to decorate. I love the height and length of it! Most buffets and sideboards are wonderful areas to add pretty decor to your home!

The buffet was once in our dining room at our StoneGable house but now it is in the great room of our Tanglewood house. Buffets are not just for dining rooms!

I thought it might be helpful to show you three different ways to style a buffet. And I’ll share a couple tips that will help you use your buffet to add YOUR personality to your dining room.

Actually, any long flat surface can benefit from these easy tips!

SOME BUFFET GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER

Basic buffet decorating things to know…

A LOOK AT THE BUFFET IN A DINING ROOM

When we remodeled our StoneGable dining room (feels like a hundred years ago) I found this pretty white buffet and knew it would work in the room.

One thing I did to keep it updated and fresh was to keep my china and dishes off the top! This is very important!

Lots of dishes on the top of a buffet even in a dining room looks cluttered and dated.

Try stying it without dishes! Keep the dishes in the buffet and not on it.

The buffet decor is classic, adding a juxtaposition of bling and burlap! I love those two words together! BLING AND BURLAP!!!!

I like this decor because it looks sharp and clean and pretty!

A DINING ROOM BUFFET IS A SUPPORTING ACTOR

Your dining room table, in most cases, is the star of your dining room. And the centerpiece on it should be its Diva! Nothing in the room should show up the Diva! So the things on your buffet or sideboard should not fight for attention.

But that does not mean your buffet should not be decorated too.

Here is a decorating recipe for styling a fabulous sideboard every time.

USE SOMETHING ORGANIC ON A SIDEBOARD

Whether your buffet is in the kitchen or in your living room like mine is now all sideboards can use a bit of pretty organics.

Buffets and sideboards are the perfect place to add an element of organic design.

Here are a few ideas…

You might like to see how to make these moss balls. TEXTURED MOSS BALL DIY. They are so super easy!

If you are thinking about going the faux route you might like to read CREATIVE WAYS TO USE FAUX FLOWERS

USE TALL ITEMS ON EITHER END OF SIDEBOARDS AND BUFFETS

Have you heard of buffet lamps or candlesticks? You know, the tall, skinny, candle-type lamp duo that go on either side of a buffet? They were so popular years ago because they added ambient light to either side of a sideboard and added a great bit of symmetry to a buffet.

We can bring a fresher, updated look to sideboards and buffets by using the buffet lamp principle but giving it a more modern feel!

Do add something tall to either side of your buffet. A lamp with a little more heft and a tall item to the other.

The mesh lamp works on the left side of the buffet. It’s just the right size and scale for the buffet. It’s a nice tall element at one end of the buffet. And it offers another layer of lighting too!

Use something tall on the buffet opposite a lamp.

A tall vignette would also work on one side of the buffet.

I often find myself creating a simple vignette using three items. And no wonder! Our eyes and mind LOVE anything grouped in threes. To see how to use this magical number when decorating, see THE MAGIC RULE OF THREE.

ADD “BRIDGE” DECOR

It’s a good idea to add a little something to bridge a lamp and tall item at the other end of a buffet.

Three things that are alike make a beautiful “bridge” between the lamp and the other tall element on the buffet.

Instead of the three faux ferns in the same pots, I popped the middle fern in a slightly different container and put it on a couple burlap-covered books. I think just that little difference adds a lot of interest and a bit of texture to the decor on the buffet.

TIGHT COLOR PALETTE

One easy way to create a buffet that has a cohesive look is to use the colors in the room on the buffet. For the image above I used the browns in the lamp the sand and white colors of the baskets and the greens and browns of the faux plants.

And even if your room is colorful still use a tight color palette on a buffet.

Now it’s your turn! Take a look at the buffet in your dining room. Could it use a bit of a makeover? Why not put these tips and ideas into practice during a few commercials? I know you can do it!!!!!

Here’s a great little book filled with easy-to-do home decor ideas! And it’s FREE!

10 buffet styling tips |

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(Image credit: Future)

Sideboard decor ideas can really elevate your entertaining space. As well as offering useful storage space, the sideboard is the perfect spot to display treasures and trinkets, and creates a focal point for artwork and lighting.

If you are gathering dining room ideas, don't just focus on the table – the sideboard really does have a role in your rooms scheme, too.

'Think about how you're going to bring your unique personality into the dining room to help decide how to style a sideboard,' says Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-CEO at home décor brand Dowsing & Reynolds .

'Books, art, photos, vases, trinkets, colors and details all provide an opportunity to say something about yourself, and make great talking points at dinner parties.'

Sideboard decor ideas

You can have a lot of fun dressing up your sideboard, and interior experts always relish the job. 

'Sideboards are some of our favorite moments to style,' says Studio Ashby . 'Art, lighting, ceramics, beautiful books and trinkets are all chic choices.'

Below, we show you the experts' top sideboard decor ideas to set your dining room apart.

1. Make it pretty yet practical

(Image credit: Neptune)

Your sideboard is the perfect spot for styling decorative objects, but don't forget it can also be used for extra storage. Glazed-fronted sideboards can make for great small dining room ideas – the space will feel less crowded than with solid furniture, plus glass allows you to show off what you're storing – albeit in a chic way.

Louise Wicksteed, Design Director at Sims Hilditch , says: 'We love to use sideboards in dining rooms as this is a great way to use the space. They are perfect for storing crockery, napkins, and cutlery to be used for more formal occasions.'

2. Highlight sideboard decor ideas with lighting

(Image credit: Arteriors)

If you are working on lighting a dining room, make space on a sideboard for lamps. This will not only allow you to create soft pools of low light – so welcome in a dining room – but will also illuminate your sideboard decor ideas. 

Helen Pett, Design Ambassador at Arteriors London , adds: 'Of course, when entertaining, the additional table space can be used for floral arrangements, beautiful china and glassware and serving platters while still sitting prettily as key part of your décor.'

3. Maximize sideboard decor ideas with a mirror

(Image credit: 'Michelle Nussbaumer and Stephen Karlisch)

If you are considering dining room wall ideas that create drama, then an antiqued glass, elaborately framed-mirror is the best find for traditional dining spaces. Plus, decorating with mirrors will double the impact of any sideboard decor ideas you're displaying – especially in smaller or dark spaces. It's a win win.

4. Display art to focus attention on sideboard decor ideas

(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)

Art, hung centrally above a sideboard, placed centrally behind a dining table, can create a focal point that frames the entire space. 

Whether it's wall-hung or propped on your sideboard, a good general rule of thumb to follow when styling your sideboard is to make the artwork around two-thirds of its width. This gives a visually pleasing proportion while also working to invigorate the space.

5. Employ the overlapping technique

(Image credit: Neptune)

To make your sideboard decor ideas feel curated, don't be afraid for your objects and anchoring pieces to 'overlap'. 

Place a lamp slightly in front of your artwork, or let foliage, twigs or flowers spread across the central piece; this will allow the finished look to feel cohesive and interactive, rather than static and flat.

6. Play with height

(Image credit: Kristin Karch Photography/The Misfit House)

One of the most important elements of styling sideboard decor is to ensure your display includes objects of varying heights to add interest to the look.

'Playing with heights and layers is essential,' states Jane Rockett of Rockett St George . 'However, this doesn’t necessarily mean putting the tallest items in the center of the sideboard. An asymmetrical display looks particularly great when styling a sideboard and allows you to build height and a focal point at just one end.'

Ally at Dowsing Reynolds adds: 'Style an uneven assortment of smaller items alongside tall or oversized items to create height and layers. Piles of books that reflect your interests alongside meaningful sculptures make great focal points.'

If you choose sideboard decor ideas that chime with your dining table decor ideas you will create a neat, coordinated look, too.

7. Group objects in threes

(Image credit: Murphy Deesign)

To make sure your sideboard decor ideas don't look higgledy-piggledy, try grouping your objects into threes for a curated finish that's easy on the eye. 

The rule of three is a great interior design tip that you can apply to many aspects of your decor scheme, and is certainly the magic number when it comes to styling for a fresh appeal.

'Much like your coffee table or shelves, styling your sideboard decor ideas is an opportunity to be playful and reveal more of your personality within your interior,' says Jane Rockett.

8. Create a tableau

(Image credit: Arteriors)

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of styling your sideboard decor ideas, why not create a tableau – which is simply a group of objects that, together, look like they're made for each other?

Just as with coffee table styling, Jane Rockett suggests that 'you shouldn't worry about filling the entire space', while Arteriors' Helen Pett comments: 'We like starting with a nice low-rise sculpted centerpiece and a coffee table book stack for an everyday look.'

You could even simply add a group of candles at varying heights for a stylish and simple look.

9. Add a sculptural piece to anchor your display

(Image credit: Tiffany Leigh Design/Lauren Miller)

Sculptural vases, objets and lamps are a stylish way to make a statement and turn your sideboard decor ideas into an arty showcase that blends form and function – coordinate them to the rest of your scheme and you can pull a larger space together – useful if you are looking for uniting kitchen diner ideas.  

'Add ambience and pockets of light with table lamps, and repeat textures, shapes and colors around the room,' suggests Ally Dowsing-Reynolds.

Don't neglect candles as part of your sideboard decor display. Jane Rockett adds: 'For a sideboard in the dining room, candles, candlesticks and vases always look beautiful.'

Louise Wicksteed says: 'When it comes to styling a dining room sideboard, we suggest placing a large candle at either end. Not only does this offer subtle background lighting around the table but also nods to the elegance of the room by providing well thought-out symmetry.'

10. Display your glassware

(Image credit: Arteriors)

A sideboard can double up as a drinks cabinet in a dining room, and is ideal for displaying your pretty glassware for after-dinner drinks.

Jane Rockett says: 'A sideboard is the perfect place to curate a mini cocktail bar with a few of your favurite tipples and glassware on display.'

Mix your drinks' display with other pretty artefacts, candles and vases, or an oversized plant for extra wow factor.

How can I decorate my sideboard?

To decorate a sideboard well, there are a few rules to follow that are really useful:

What do you put in a sideboard?

Sideboards are really useful for storing everything you might need for dining – from cutlery and china to linen and flatware. You can also usefully store candles, matches, placemats and glassware in a sideboard. When shopping for a sideboard, consider what you will need to store in it – drawers will be more useful for storing candles, cutlery and placemats; cupboards for glassware and china. A combination of both is the most versatile choice.

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.

TOP 10 Buffet Dishes - Jack's Company

Buffet is the most common way of catering for guests at events in the office, parties, holidays and feasts at home or in nature. The buffet table is usually served with a wide variety of mouth-watering snacks in the style of “finger food” - such treats are served in small portions and it is convenient for guests to take them without using cutlery, without being distracted from communication.

You can easily choose and order delicious buffet snacks that will be prepared by professional chefs, festively decorated and delivered ready-made at the agreed time directly to the address of the event. What treats are most often included in the buffet menu? Let's take a look at ten of the most popular types of dishes that are commonly used for serving holiday tables:

Canape

Canape is a light snack similar to a miniature "sandwich" consisting of different ingredients, which in most cases can be put in the mouth as a whole. Usually, elegant small skewers are used to fix the “layers”. Canapes are most often based on slices of fresh or toasted bread on which other products are located in various variations: ham, smoked chicken, vegetables, cheese and much more. Canapes without bread are also widespread, and various modern variations of this popular snack are gaining more and more popularity: canapé burgers, canapé pancakes, canapé pizza, canapé sandwiches, Asian canapes, etc.

Tartlets

A universal and favorite buffet dish for many people are tartlets, traditional for a festive feast - baskets made of dough with various fillings. There are countless filling options for tartlets, it can be various salads, vegetable purees, pates, julienne, creams, fruits, etc. Many types of tartlets can be consumed both warm and cold. This popular snack also has "exotic" varieties. For example, the so-called "kartallets" are oversized baskets of potatoes with various hearty fillings. Asian types of tartlets are also gaining popularity and are increasingly on the festive tables both in offices and at home.

Rolls

Appetizing rolls with various fillings often serve as starters for the buffet table. There are a lot of recipes for making rolls. The basis of the treat can be a thin flatbread, sliced ​​ham, fish, or even fried zucchini and eggplant. The variety of fillings for rolls can amaze the imagination of even the most sophisticated gourmet - these are favorite ingredients familiar in Russia, and exotic Italian, Caucasian, Mexican, etc. A pleasant price, combined with the excellent taste of these hearty dishes and their "buffet" format, contribute to the fact that Almost no celebration can do without such an appetizer. And the most convenient and frequently ordered version of the dish is assorted rolls. Having ordered one tray, you can try several types of snacks at once, and such an attractive dish looks just great on the table!

Pirozhki

We live in Russia and, of course, almost no festive feast in our life is complete without pirozhki, adored by both adults and children. Ruddy, beautiful, tasty and satisfying, they will certainly please you and all guests not only during a home feast, but also at a buffet table in the office. Once upon a time, beloved grandmothers and mothers were “responsible” for baking pies in our families, and it seemed that we had never tasted anything tastier in our lives. But some companies still preserve the best traditions and technologies of "home" cooking and can please their customers with the very taste of Russian pies from childhood. Although there are a lot of classic options for hearty and sweet fillings, even with this type of treat, you can experiment and diversify the menu with the help of additional types of this convenient buffet and delicious pastries. Try rye pies or Mexican Empanadas, amazing Russian-Italian pies that combine the taste of a traditional Italian filling with the usual dish format, a new alternative to the common type of pies - Ossetian pies, as well as Indian Samosa. Are you afraid of your figure? Order pastries in the size of "mini" and do not limit yourself - there are never too many pies!

Sandwiches, bagels and sandwiches

Great sandwiches, stuffed croissants, classic sandwiches or American-style round bagels are almost indispensable items when preparing a menu for a buffet table. Treats are prepared on the basis of a variety of fresh pastries. The main part of this kind of snacks is the filling, which can be used as sausage, ham, tuna, salmon, cheeses, tomatoes, bell peppers and many other products. Recently, such Italian types of “sandwiches” as bruschetta and crostini have become increasingly popular with customers.

Cheese, fruits and berries

Assorted fruits and dried fruits, berries in cups, gourmet cheese plates are excellent options for light snacks that can also play the role of a dessert on the buffet table. Elegant, beautiful and incredibly tasty, they are able to give joy and pleasure to guests during any festive event.

Fresh vegetables

No buffet is complete without a set of fresh vegetables. Finely chopped and beautifully served tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, green beans, celery and other vegetables are not only delicious, but also very healthy. Assorted vegetables will cheer you up and keep your figure! Usually such dishes are served with salad dressings or a variety of sauces. Vegetable sticks and skewers are the favorite and most convenient format for serving fresh vegetables for the festive table.

Desserts

Attractive and bright buffet desserts are appropriate for any holiday celebration, whether it be any formal event, a less formal office party or even a children's party. Exquisite eclairs and profiteroles, assorted cakes, favorite Macaroons and Shu, delicate fruit tartlets, jellies and other types of treats in convenient cups - one or more of these dishes will be a spectacular end to the festive event.

Salads in cups

Festive feast almost never can do without such a favorite dish as salad. Almost everyone loves this treat, but for a buffet table, the format of serving salads is slightly different from serving at other events. For the convenience of guests, in this case, salads are usually served in small portioned "glasses" - shots or verrins. Can be used as glass cups, and safer for mass events - from food plastic. Salads in cups can be taken from the buffet table and eaten even while standing, using the included fork or spoon.

Mini kebabs

Even at the buffet, guests often want to taste something meaty and satisfying. You can really impress those present during the event in the office or at home with original mini-kebabs. From the dish that we ourselves usually cook in nature, mini-kebabs differ not only in a more convenient size, but also in variety. Not only can you order several types of kebabs on one large tray without hassle, but you can also form an assortment to your own taste and taking into account the preferences of guests. For ease of use, the appetizer is prepared from small pieces of beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish or vegetables, which are strung on small skewers. Traditionally, mini-kebabs are served on the table with various sauces.

Snacks for a buffet table at work

As they say, work is the second home, therefore, as a rule, not only at home, but also at work, many people celebrate important events and holidays. New Year, the eighth of March or the birthday of the boss, well, how not to celebrate with colleagues? At work, the feast is held in the format of a buffet table, snacks and drinks are served on the table. Hot meals are served very rarely, because for this you need a stove or at least a microwave. Snacks are a favorite of the buffet table at work, we’ll tell you how to make them and how to serve them so that it’s simple, fast, beautiful and tasty today.

Content

Suitable snacks for such an event: sandwiches, cuts, canapes, tartlets, rolls and sushi puffs and pies. If you decide to serve salads, then use tartlets, not common plates. Tartlets themselves can be bought in advance, the choice is large. At work, you only have to lay out a pre-prepared salad in baskets.

Don't forget to stock up on napkins, you'll need them.

Trays and large flat dishes or bookcases are great for serving snacks. You can buy tongs, they are convenient to take snacks and put on plates. And of course you will need a large number of skewers.

Meat plates

Meat plates for a buffet table at work

Assorted cuts of different types of sausages and meat will look beautiful. Decorate meat plates with herbs, olives, fresh vegetables. You can put meat products on fresh lettuce leaves.

You can cut sausage and meat at home, pack it in cling film so that it does not wind up, and at work all that remains is to beautifully arrange it on plates.

Cold cuts for a buffet at work

Place several types of meat, lard, sausages or ham on one dish. You can cut the boiled tongue, boiled pork, carbonade. It is important that there is a choice of meat products on the plate.

Cheese plates

Cheese plates for buffet table

Don't forget the cheese plate. Cheese is taken of different varieties, cut into pieces, cubes and slices. You can buy ready-made cheese slices from cheese of different colors and varieties and collect cheese platter. Cheese is combined with nuts and grapes, radishes and olives, so they can be added to cheese slices. Use hard cheeses, mozzarella, blue cheese, cheese. The more choice, the better.

Vegetable slices

Vegetable plates

Fresh vegetables are obligatory on the buffet table. Appetizing vegetable plates with vegetables and herbs will fit perfectly on the festive table. Any seasonal vegetables are cut into slices or pieces. From greens for decoration, dill, parsley, fragrant basil, curly parsley, microgreens, lettuce are suitable.

Cut just before serving to prevent the vegetables from drying out and running.

Sandwiches for a buffet table at work

Sandwiches for a buffet table at work

No festive table is complete without sandwiches. If you decide to arrange a buffet at work, it is better to prepare mini-sandwiches. They are convenient to take, they do not take up much space, they look beautiful. As a basis for a sandwich, you can use a baguette, crackers, mugs and squares of black bread. You can make from the simplest sandwiches with sausage and cheese, to complex ones in the form of rolls or with beet salad or curd cheese. Serve sandwiches on trays or large flat dishes. You can use shelves to save space.

Fish plate

Beautiful cut fish

Serve a fish starter in a beautiful way. A plate of sliced ​​​​red fish will look very appetizing. Herring and mackerel can be served together on the same plate. Garnish with lemon slices, olives and herbs.

What kind of fish can be served:

Fish should be served with skewers so that you do not pick up greasy pieces with your hands.

Canapes on skewers

Click on the photo to find out more ideas for making canapes for a buffet table or a festive table.

One of the most popular buffet dishes is canape on skewers. There are many options for preparing such mini-sandwiches. The most important thing when assembling canapés is to observe the combination of products. Of course, you can make strawberry and herring canapes for yourself if you like it, but only matching products are served on the common table at work. For example, cheese goes well with olives, grapes, nuts, sausage. Shrimps are combined with lemon, cheese, avocado. Herring is combined with beets, pickled or pickled cucumbers. Canapes can be made with meat, sausage and cheese, seafood, vegetables, fruits, sweets. Your imagination plays a big role in the assembly and design.

Sushi and rolls

If your team loves Japanese dishes, you can order sushi and rolls. Very convenient, beautiful and tasty. All you need to do is unpack and lay out the appetizer beautifully. No hassle. Discuss the preferences of colleagues in advance and order the appropriate sets.

Pickles and marinades on the buffet table

Plates with marinades and pickles

Pickles and pickles are very popular on the buffet table organized at work. Often, they are brought by colleagues themselves. You can collect beautiful and mouth-watering assorted plates with different pickles. What can be put: pickled and salted mushrooms, pickled and pickled cucumbers and tomatoes, pickled apples, olives, pickled onions and garlic. Pickled cobs of mini corn, asparagus, gherkins and squash look beautiful. You can put Korean pickles on the buffet table, they are often popular. If all this is done with your own hands, it will be especially tasty, and there will be an occasion to share the recipes of your favorite dishes with colleagues.

What else can be served on the buffet table at work

Buns, puffs or oven pies with fillings. They fly fast and are loved by guests.

Learn more