Creating a Modern Buffet with Vintage Platters

Decorate

Sep 27

Black and white gingham tablecloth covered in elevated dishes

I am so seriously excited about spring coming. Being able to go outside without heavy coats! Flowers! And being able to open up the house and do some entertaining!

Today I wanted to share my favorite tips for creating a super easy modern buffet table using beautiful vintage platters. Entertaining with vintage platters is my happy place. Mixing and matching and showing off beautiful old items in a modern setting is exactly what I love to do.

For me, it is all about layers and height. It adds such a level of visual interest and helps everyone see the food better (or what I really care about...it shows off the vintage serving pieces better). Here is a step by step guide to building this buffet.

1) Clean off the table

Trust me, the table is never ever this clean. (Also, those chairs will one day be recovered. But currently, they get a healthy dose of daily yogurt spilled on them by my kids... so I am in no real hurry).

2) Grab a big stack of books

I am laughing at the random collection of books I grabbed off our shelves. Can you tell the Sherlock Holmes books belongs to my husband???

I would make as many stacks as you have platters of food. Make sure each stack is slightly differing in height. Small stack, medium stack and large stack. Put the large stack in the middle and flank with with the other ones.

3) Find a tablecloth to drape over the table

Don't fuss too much over how it ends up laying over the books. Do your best to cover as much of the table as possible but don't stress if it doesn't cover the ground. I rarely leave a thrift store without taking a whirl around the tablecloth and bedding section. You would be shocked how many sheets are thick enough to be tablecloths.

This table cloth is from Target and is sadly no longer available! However they do have a similar one here!

4) Add the "others"

Decide what "other" items you want to add to your buffet. I always make sure to include one very tall flower feature. I also make sure to include plates, napkins and utensils. Cups and other drink items are not always a given if I am going to set up a bar station on my kitchen counter.

Gingham Tablecloth with Floral Arrangement

5) Add food

So, here is another place where height really separates the men from the boys. Want to take your cheese plates to the next level? Add a compote. I know, are you tired of me talking about them? I can't help myself. I think it just looks a step above average when you elevate!