When most people entertain guests, they want everything to be perfect. While perfection is generally out of reach, you can certainly host lovely, impressive gatherings, which will leave your guests looking forward to your next event.
Buffet style meals are simpler and less formal than typical dinner party meals. They allow guests to relax and eat at their own pace, instead of strictly adhering to courses.
Serving pieces are only one element. They need to be attractive, and while they don’t have to match precisely, they should coordinate with other pieces and utensils. They should also complement the other treatments.
When placing the food into bowls or onto platters, arrange it carefully and wipe away any drips. Garnish food with parsley or other greenery and delicate pieces of fruit or vegetables cut into pretty shapes. Fanned strawberries, radish roses, and paper thin slices of twisted lemon or orange are some favorites. You may also want to sprinkle some dishes with finely chopped parsley or a little paprika to add color.
While simply covering a sideboard or serving table with a tablecloth is sufficient, there are better ways to dress up the presentation. One method is called “merchandising.” It basically means that you arrange your buffet like a store manager would set up a window display.
One simple way to do this is to arrange sturdy boxes on top of the table, and then gently drape fabric over them, somewhat obscuring the hard lines. Then, simply place serving bowls, platters, or trays atop the boxes to create a staggered effect. The boxes should not stand up too far above other items but enough to create interest. You can also tuck a few flowers into the folds of fabric between the boxes.
Any chef will tell you that the way food is presented is as important as the way it is prepared.