How to create a modern-day buffet display

It’s a fantastic way to bring more of a relaxed and sociable feel to a dining experience. However, for many it does still have an old-fashioned perception of white plates or silver trays piled high with vol-au-vents and beige sandwiches. With some careful consideration you can make buffet food an actual work of art by mixing together your creativity, culinary expertise and cleverly designed tableware.

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Who doesn’t love a buffet?

A key feature of a buffet is that diners are instantly able to see the wide range of food that’s on offer in your restaurant or catering outlet. The more visual your display is, the more likely guests are to try a variety of your dishes. Buffet style dining provides you with an opportunity to put your food directly in front of your customers, rather than just one dish on the menu.

Five things to consider when setting up a buffet

1. Create a clear start and end point so that your customers aren’t bumping into each other as they work through the food choices. Put the most popular food items within easy reach so diners aren’t constantly leaning over your food or each other.

2. A 3D buffet display, where you use height, shape and layers, will enable guests to see more of your food choices as well as preventing a flat and dull feel.

3. Modern day buffets are so much more about colour. This should be not only in the food you create but also in the items you serve your dishes on. Set on a crisp white tablecloth, colour can add a fresh feel to any food display. As buffets are traditionally associated with white plates and trays, consider adding some variety with colourful bowls.

4. Use appropriate signage to make it clear what the food is and also any allergens which each dish includes. If a dish is gluten free consider what dishes you have nearby as you don’t want to risk cross-contamination.

5. To create a more memorable display, look for tableware that’s a little different from the norm. For example, wooden displays are on-trend and provide a rustic, traditional and warm feel.

We’re putting the spotlight on two stunning buffet ranges that have been designed to bring the wow-factor to your food displays.

A buffet solution that never has to look the same twice

Rafters is a stunning collection of tabletop products that combines wood with other materials to create an innovative and flexible range of presentation solutions.

This collection showcases wood in a beautifully organic way to bring texture and warmth to a whole host of dining experiences. To cope with the demands of busy commercial environments, products need to be practical and durable and these boards, bases, risers and blocks are perfect for truly showcasing your creativity.

By using the modular Build range, you can create an incredible mix of different layouts that can easily be adapted. So, whether you are serving breakfast in it every day or looking for something special for an evening event, this literally works on many levels.

Here’s a little more insight into the options you can choose from:

Grip - This contemporary range of acacia platters is ideal for any serving environment. The contrast of copper and wood adds a touch of elegance to food presentation. Designed in a stunning selection of sizes and shapes, Grip boards add a captivating new dimension to your displays.

Edge - This range of serving platters and boards offer a distinctive twist on tradition. The unique oval shape of the platters will enhance your food presentation with contrasting black and white colours. Whether you write ‘may contain nuts’ or ‘help yourself’ in chalk, the blackboard selection of Edge allows you to add a personal touch to your service.

Float - These rustic crates and trays are ideal for holding loose foods whilst the platters provide a stylish serving solution, with the added practicality of raising the food several inches from the table-top.

Elevate – When you want to create multi-level displays and add some height and differentiation to your food presentation, you’ve got several options including the XYZ Block Risers, the Mesh Collapsible Risers, Nesting Blocks and the multi-purpose Buffet Bowl/Riser and Buffet Platter Lid.

Fusion – These are footed boards that combine copper and wood to create striking displays. Made in convenient gastronorm sizes, you can use them as individual display items or as part of a larger presentation. Stylish copper borders are very much on trend and add a unique touch to your buffet.

Three tips for using your Rafters products

• Always store products at room temperature in a dry place.

• Products are food-safe but always follow the cleaning guide.

• These are all suitable for hot food displays straight from the oven as the product is heat resistant and treated.

For more advice on using these products download the Rafters Care Guide.

Mix and match with new melamine bowls

Another buffet option is the Mirage range which is made from 100% melamine. This is the only grade of melamine recommended for use in the catering and hospitality industries as it is dimensionally stable and can withstand heat up to 140°c, as well as being completely food safe.

Launched at The Restaurant Show 2019, the Mirage Savanna bowls were a big hit. You can add colour and style to your food displays with this new collection of large melamine buffet bowls. Mix and match as they are available in three different sizes and three stunning colours. Chefs love the glossy interior mixed with the textured matt finish on the outside as it brings something unique to any buffet display.

Discover how to look after your Mirage products by downloading the care guide.

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