Setting a buffet table up requires some careful planning. There are a few things you need to think about, such as traffic flow, food, tableware, ease of access to the food, etc. before you get started. Everything needs to be set so that guests can easily get around the table and access the food they want.

The occasion and size of the buffet table will most likely determine the choice of a centerpiece or focal point. A centerpiece will always be your focal point; however, a focal point does not have to be a centerpiece. Using the tea party as an example we would choose a centerpiece. An idea would be to have a four tier stand with scones and other goodies sitting in the center of your buffet table. On one side, set your plates, napkins and silverware. On the opposite site, a teapot with your tea cups alongside.

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.

While the success of any meal depends largely on the quality and taste of the food, a presentation of dazzling décor will bring life to the table and reflect the expertise and imagination of the culinary team. A table laden with a magnificent spread of festive foods and lavish, over-the-top displays will heighten the guest's experience by creating a mood and evoking emotion.

Your buffet table decoration should be done with an appropriate table cloth. Drape your table so that it is fully covered with the cloth almost touching the ground. Adding flowers to your table also makes it look great. Once this has been done, you can start arranging your dishes on the table. The arrangement should take into consideration, how you would like your guests to move round the table.

Depending on the size of the arrangement as well as on the amount of food that is to be served the table or tables is to be set up. Whether or not to arrange all food items on a single table is a decision that is to be taken before starting up with any kinds of arrangement. The arrangement is to be made in such a way so that the traffic of the guests can easily move around the entire area even when there are multiple tables.

There are plenty of other decorative accents that you can place on your party themed buffet table. Take the silverware and wrap up sets in colored napkins then tie them together with something that matches your party theme. Buy a bunch of cheap stretchy seashell bracelets and wrap those around the napkins at a Beach Party. That way guests also get a small favor they can take home in the form of the bracelet.