Setting Up a Buffet Table
As a buffet, the table filled with flavorful food is the main focus. An easy way to make the table especially attractive is to create risers in varying heights. You don't need special equipment to achieve this look…everyday items in your home work just fine.
Position the table in the room where you'll be serving the food. Place selected risers on the table to create different heights. We used sturdy boxes, a phone book and a coffee can. Other ideas include hardcover books, inverted cake pans, clay pots and metal buckets. Make sure the risers are big enough so serving platters sit steadily.
You may want a layer of plastic wrap over any risers that you want to protect. Then drape a tablecloth over the top and form around the risers so that the cloth won't pull when platters of food are set on top.
Festive Ways to Serve Butter
Instead of having a stick of butter in a dish, impress guests with fun and festive shapes.
- To create butter cutouts, cut a chilled stick of butter into 1/4-inch slices. Cut out shapes with small cookie cutters. Simple shapes like bells, Christmas trees and circles work best.
- To make balls of butter, dip a melon baler in hot water and cut balls from a chilled 1-pound block of butter.
- Butter cutouts and balls can be made early and the day and refrigerated in an airtight container. Just before serving, arrange the cutouts or balls on a small lettuce-lined serving plate or on individual bread and butter plates.
To find ideas for butter recipes, try using the Taste of Home Recipe Finder.