THP Tid Bits: Styling For A Buffet
Photo by Heidi Ryder
One of my best friends recently got engaged and I’m over the moon for her. I’m also over the moon that this will officially be our first Happy Place wedding! As you can imagine, I’m brimming with inspiration for all the celebrations leading up to the wedding and I planned a little breakfast for our first official meeting!
I kept it simple by bringing croissants and donuts and Greek yogurt parfaits. But I had a little fun with the presentation. I get asked a lot about my tricks for styling a buffet and I have a few secrets. But at it’s core, it’s all about the layers!
Depending on where I’m setting up my buffet, I use a few different tricks for achieving a multi-layered look that is functional AND aesthetically pleasing.
If I’m setting up outside of my dining room, I will usually use anything I can get my hands on to create levels like the way HGTV suggests in these photos. It’s a no brainer way to really customize the size and placement of each tier and it’s completely concealed with a linen of your choice.
BUT, if I’m setting up a buffet in my dining room and don’t want to cover my furniture, I use a few different methods. A great example of this is what my friends at Olive & Thyme used for the Gratitude Dinner I hosted at my house in November.
Photo by Heidi Ryder
They are known for their epic cheese and appetizer presentations and they always come prepared with beautiful vintage crates and cheese boards.
Photo by Heidi Ryder
I really believe in collecting a few nice basic work horses that can fold easily into different events. It’s a great investment and I promise they will come in handy during holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious display! I suggest inexpensive crates that you can pick up at your local flea market, hardware store, or even amazon. I also love cake plates and use them for so much more than just desserts. And in my arsenal, I keep some high quality gift boxes in different sizes that I often will wrap with pretty paper that ties in whatever theme or vibe I’m trying to achieve.
Photo by Heidi Ryder
For this breakfast, I brought some wrapping paper that would give off wedding vibes. I also always keep brown paper bags or rolls of the similar material because I find it usually works with everything!
Photo by Heidi Ryder
I ultimately used one tiny box wrapped in x’s and o’s and layered two cake plates (another great way to bring a little height to the presentation) and kept things simple. I also used a couple of teapots from my friends beloved collection as flower vessels!
When it comes time for your next party, try playing with the levels and use your creativity! I find new and interesting ways to make pieces I have had for years work for each occasion!!!
Xx,
Jo