Buffet Table Decorating Ideas for a Casual Fall Party
If it’s fall, then entertaining season has begun. If you want to gather people in an easy, relaxed way, a buffet is one of the best ways to host, with the table itself being half the fun. When you’d rather your guests mingle than sit for a formal meal, or you’re feeding a crowd, a buffet is the way to go. Let me show you how to decorate a buffet table for a casual fall party, with simple ideas that are as pretty as they are practical.
No rule says every gathering has to be either a sit-down dinner or a cocktail party. Sometimes a buffet-style party just fits the occasion better, whether it’s the number of guests, a casual menu that skips the utensils, or simply wanting a looser, more social feel. Whatever the reason, your buffet table can be both beautiful and easy to serve from, and these tips will help you do just that.
If you have a casual fall party on your calendar in the coming months, these buffet table decorating ideas can inspire and guide you. You will be proud to show off a casual fall buffet that your guests will love.
Table of contents
- How to Decorate a Buffet Table for a Casual Fall Party
- Why You Should Use a Tablecloth
- Preparing the Food
- Platter 1 – Fall Cheese and Fruit Platter
- Platter 2 – Charcuterie Platter
- Platter 3 – Pumpkin Risotto Balls
- Platter 4 – Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting
- Questions for Setting a Fall Buffet Table
How to Decorate a Buffet Table for a Casual Fall Party
You know that I love setting tables for parties, and certain tablescapes hold fond memories for me. This fall party tablescape is one of my favorites, and knowing how to decorate a buffet table for a casual fall party will help you because these tips never go out of style.
Don’t let a lack of resources, ideas or time stop you from hosting a party. Since I’m showing you how to decorate a buffet table for a casual fall party, you’re already halfway there. If you don’t want to prepare the food, order out or make it a potluck. It’s all about gathering friends.
This little get-together was very casual, starting at 5:30 in the afternoon, so I used our breakfast room table as a buffet, pushing it up against one of our breakfast room windows that overlook the back garden.
NOTE: At the time of this party, we were still using our pub table in the breakfast room. Since then, we’ve converted the breakfast room into our sitting room. For dressier events, we use the dining room table for the buffet. Just as often, for more casual events, I set the buffet on our large kitchen island. Wherever you set your party buffet table, the steps are the same.
Why You Should Use a Tablecloth
A tablecloth for a buffet table is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also practical.
- The tablecloth should be a subtle foundation for your serving dishes and food. It shouldn’t overwhelm the table.
- The tablecloth lets you place risers under it to add height to your buffet items for a more pleasing look.
- It protects your table.
- It adds color, pattern, and texture.
For my tablecloth, I used one of my remnant fabric pieces that I keep on hand. I thought this soft blue-and-cream pattern would provide the perfect backdrop for a fall party.
TIP: Using large pieces of fabric as tablecloths gives you more options for pattern and texture and can cost less than a tablecloth. I buy at least 2 yards, but if the price is good, 2 1/2 yards will definitely give you plenty of fabric to work with on just about any table.
TIP: If the fabric has wrinkles, be sure to iron it first.
Adding Height
The quickest way to make a buffet look styled instead of flat is to build in height. Use cake stands, stacked books, or overturned bowls. Before spreading out the tablecloth, I set some boxes and a cake stand on the table to add height and interest. As long as they are sturdy, any box or container will work. Move and adjust until you get the look you like.
TIP: Platters, plates, and decorative items should not all be at the same height. Varying heights is much more interesting.
Place your tablecloth over the boxes, tucking in the edges to hide any raw edges and giving some slack between boxes. For safety, I prefer not to let the cloth drape over the table. I also like a bit of my table to show.
TIP: If you need to cover the entire table, lay a flat sheet or another tablecloth flat on the table first, then proceed with your boxes and overlay fabric or tablecloth.
This is also a good time to bring out the serving platters that you will use.
Since this was a casual event, I used one of my medium-sized cutting boards as an organic base for serving the charcuterie. The gold platter will serve as my fruit tray.
Simple Buffet Table Decorating Ideas
You do not need much to dress a buffet. A runner or a length of fabric down the center, a small cluster of seasonal stems or mini pumpkins, and a few candles or lanterns are plenty. Keep the decor low and toward the back or sides so it never crowds the food or blocks serving.
TIP: Try to vary the color and texture of your serving dishes, but remember that solid is always best for serving food. Light is better than dark. Think about the color and texture of the food you will be serving.
I also added the Remington Sure Shot box that I bought at an estate sale. It holds my flowers. White hydrangeas were still available at the grocery store, and I couldn’t resist. I filled it in with a little baby’s breath.
I moved things around and added three layers of cake stands for my cupcakes. As you can see, I also started adding some white pumpkins “randomly” on the table. I love the white pumpkins against the cream of the fabric.
After all your serving dishes are in place, you can add your plates and napkins. Since this fall party was very casual, I wanted food that didn’t require any silverware.
TIP: Always place plates at the beginning of the table and napkins and silverware at the end. It’s very awkward for guests to hold a plate, napkin and silverware while they are serving themselves from a buffet.
I added this small lantern with an orange candle for ambiance and a little pop of fall color.
I couldn’t resist using this little chalkboard with a fall message.
TIP: Don’t hesitate to use decorative items on the table that match your event’s theme.
The table was set and ready to go the day before the party.
TIP: I find that setting the table as early as possible helps you “see” the finished table. Then you can focus on food prep and other details.
Preparing the Food
Early in the day, I made the cupcakes, diced and sliced the fruit and cheese, and prepared the charcuterie platter. I put everything (except the cupcakes) in the refrigerator. Since everything could be served at room temperature, I began setting out the food about 30 minutes before the party started.
TIP: Stop whatever you are doing at least 1 1/2 hours before the party and get yourself ready. That way, even if everything isn’t 100% ready for your guests, you are. You can ask the first guests to help with any last-minute tasks. Here in Texas, guests always offer, and we accept!
Platter 1 – Fall Cheese and Fruit Platter
Fruit and cheese are always a welcome addition to any buffet – red seedless grapes, sliced figs, sliced apples (this variety is called Sweet Tango, and they are absolutely the sweetest apples you’ve ever had), served with slices of smoked Gouda, which is one of my favorites.
It’s nice to have at least three fruits and three cheeses for guests to choose from. Use color, shape, and taste for variety. Pick fruit that is seasonal. In spring and summer, green grapes are good, and in fall and winter, I like red and purple grapes.
TIP: Vary how you serve cheeses: slices, cubes, or a wedge. Serve cheese at room temperature to bring out the flavors.
Platter 2 – Charcuterie Platter
I love charcuterie. Combinations of meats and cheeses are not only delicious, but they also add protein to your menu. They also add a variety of color, shape, and texture to your table.
I love to use a large Boos cutting board for my offerings:
- thinly sliced Genoa salami
- cubed sharp cheddar
- thinly sliced Havarti cheese
- rolled and stacked prosciutto
- a wedge of Brie
- a small bowl of fig preserves.
(You can see that I added a few striped pumpkins to the table – that was Sweet Shark’s idea.)
I love stacking the rolls of prosciutto: again, more interest to contrast with the slices of salami.
Platter 3 – Pumpkin Risotto Balls
In the fall, this little bite of goodness has been one of my go-to appetizers for years. It was always a popular recipe for cooking classes and the occasional party that I catered. This was the only food item that actually required preparation and cooking. But the best thing? You can make them ahead!
You can make them ahead, freeze them, and pan-fry them a few hours before serving, since they can be served at room temperature. I can always count on them to wow guests.
Platter 4 – Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting
I found this cupcake recipe at Lolly Jane when she shared it at a link party. They are easy to make (the base is boxed Devil’s Food Cake), delicious, and very pretty. Here is the recipe when I made them and decorated them with Halloween cupcake toppers.
So now my fall buffet table was set and ready to go.
That’s how the table looked for our party. The food may be long gone now, but the buffet table decorations for a casual fall party stayed up for a while. I hope showing you how to decorate a buffet table for a casual fall party encourages you to have more parties!
Now, your fall buffet table is ready for your guests to enjoy!
Questions for Setting a Fall Buffet Table
Start by varying the height of your dishes, add a runner or fabric down the center, and finish with a few seasonal touches like stems, candles, or small pumpkins kept low so they don’t crowd the food.
Place plates and napkins at the beginning, arrange dishes in the order guests will serve themselves, and leave room beside each dish for a serving utensil.
A runner or fabric, varied levels using stands or books, candles or lanterns, and a small seasonal centerpiece kept toward the back.
Use cake stands, footed bowls, or stacks of books hidden under fabric to raise some dishes above others.
You can set the table, decor, plates, and serving pieces the night before, then add the food just before guests arrive.
Here are some more fall tablescape ideas:
- Casual Navy and Copper Fall Tablescape
- How to Style a Fall Patio Tablescape
- Autumn Tablescape for a Dinner Party
- New Fall Tablescape with Color and Texture
For more fall table setting ideas, check my Pinterest Board: Fall Tablescapes.
Can we have the pumpkin risotto ball recipe please?
Diane I shared the recipe for Pumpkin Risotto Bites on the blog. Here is the link. Enjoy! It’s one of ur favorites. https://blueskyathome.com/delicious-pumpkin-risotto-bites/
Yummy! Looking for my invitation. LOL. Your guests will enjoy this very much. I would! It’s perfectly styled!!!
Carol, do you have a recipe for a brunch casserole that is easy to put together the night before and baked off in the am before the brunch? Loved the table setting and food arrangement.
Love the idea of the risotto pumpkin balls.Yum
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing at the To Grandma’s House We Go DIY, Crafts, Recipes and More link party. I pinned this. Hope to see you again next week.
Sheri, happy to have found your party and good to see you.
Such a beautiful table and great food ideas. I like the idea of a relaxed “stand-up” party where food is not necessarily the main feature but is complimentary to the people assembled. I will keep this post for future reference for sure. Thank you.
Carol, it would be lovely to attend one of your parties! This buffet is set so beautifully with all the dishes and sparkle. I love using cake plates to display cupcakes… Reminds me of one of my daughter’s last birthday parties at home! We used a bunch of cake plates to display the cupcakes she decorated for her friends. <3 Happily pinning!
Thanks for the lovely tips,
Barb 🙂
I love this – great styling tips – perfect for fall!
Thanks Jen. Glad you liked the tips.
Carol, I’ve been out of town so I missed the party but reading your post today. Thanks for sharing your party food and tips to do the table. I like your menu and look forward to your recipes.
Love all your fall decorations. It was nice to come home to cooler weather that felt like fall.
Bonnie, thank you so much for your comments. Cooler weather is definitely a plus.
Beautiful! Everything looks so lovely and inviting — and tasty, too!
Thank you Julie, enjoyed being on the Blog Tour with you.
Carole, I love your Fall decor! But, I kinda love the food more! LOL! It all looks soooo good! Thank you for sharing your talent with us! Happy Fall Day to you! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Kathryn, I’m so happy you love the fall decor and the recipes!
Great styling Carol. The spread looks so lovely with great food, decor and fun. so happy to see this.
Linda, thank you for visiting and commenting. I really appreciate it!
Thank you for sharing all your tips on creating a buffet table, Carol. It was such fun to take a peek at all your pretty decor around your lovely home, decorated in Fall splendor!
Thank you, Kitty. I love to entertain and I’ve been fortunate to learn a few tricks of the trade.
Wow, loving your fall mantle! Those candlesticks are just beautiful. So glad you joined us at the DI & DI Link Party also, hope you found some new friends and had fun.
Christine, I found the candlesticks and a resale shop in Dallas. It was great to join the party!
Carol, what wonderful tips and a beautiful table with gorgeous food! Love how you showed the “how to’s! Fabulous presentation! Pam @ Everyday Living
Pam, you are the sweetest. I really appreciate you dropping by Bluesky Kitchen for the Texas Blog Tour.
Thank you for hopping and sharing your beautiful Fall ideas. Lovely table and delicious foods displayed so well. Falling into Autumn Bliss…
Sherry, Thanks for visiting Bluesky Kitchen and I’m glad enjoyed the post.
Carol- you are a kitchen and entertaining master and I love seeing your suggestions. This should be in a magazine!
Laura, you are so sweet. You made my day and I’m very flattered. Keep it up!
Carol, The food on your table looks as great as your presentation. Can’t wait to get some of your recipes. I love your fall mantel, especially those candlesticks and the three galvanized buckets. You’ll have to tell me where they came from!
Carol, I’ll be sharing one recipe tomorrow. Please check back for the Pumpkin Risotto Bites.
Just WOW … table setting looks so inviting. Thanks for the tips. Love to see the use of lanterns.
Audrey, You are so welcome. I love those lanterns too.
Carol,
Everything looks delicious, and I’m looking forward to seeing your chocolate cupcake with Nutella icing recipe. Your tips for setting up the buffet are excellent. I’ve never place boxes and cake plates UNDER a tablecloth, but I’ve seen this look at hotels for years and now seeing yours will remember this to try at my house.
Judith
Judith, I’ll be sharing the cupcakes on my weekly newsletter this Friday only for my subscribers. Hope to see you there.
Olivia, thank you for including me in the features at Reinvented Collection.
Your table is beautiful!! I just love how you’ve varied the heights of things! I’m going to have to remember your hints!
Lisa, I learned that trick when I worked with a catering company many years ago. It really does make a difference in how your table looks. Thanks for visiting Bluesky Kitchen.
It’s a pleasure to meet you! You laid out a gorgeous table. I sure appreciate all the tips!
Brenda
Brenda, I’m so glad that you liked them.
Carol, I love how you styled your table. And thank you for the tips! They will come in handy for my Halloween party! The food looks amazing and I can’t wait to try out the recipes…I’ll be watching for them! Your home looks very inviting! Yay for cooler temperatures too!
Cecilia, You are so welcome for the tips. I’d love to see your Halloween table.
I’ll be sure to share it when I set it for Halloween!
Your party table is lovely and the food looks delicious! Blessings, Cecilia
Cecilia, thank you for your comments. I really appreciate them.
Wonderful instructions in how you organized your party table! Thanks so much for sharing.
Lynn, I love sharing and hope the table tips are useful. Thank you for visiting Bluesky Kitchen.
Looks delicious! Happy Fall!! xo, Andrea
Thanks so much Andrea!
What a wonderful fall table spread with those tasty fall treats!
Thank you Linda. I appreciate you visiting Bluesky Kitchen.
Very lovely Carol, I can’t wait for the pumpkin bite recipe!
Your table and home looks so nice….
Hi Carol, Your table setting is beautiful and welcoming not to mention, looking delicious!!
Love your mantle styling too. Have fun on the tour!! Hugs
Thanks for the tip about using boxes on a table to stagger heights. I will put this to use. As always Carol, your food looks scrumptious and your home is lovely. Your mantel is a knock out!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Such a beautiful buffet. The setting is gorgeous and the food looks fantastic. Your mantel is so festive. Great ideas here. Happy Fall!
Thank you Leslie, With cooler weather, we are definitely having a happy fall.
Carol your table looks so appetizing and welcoming. I adore how your decorated your autumn mantel.
Laura, thanks for sharing on the Texas Blog Tour.
Carol, I know you are one heck of a party thrower and the food has to be great! Everything looks so pretty. The idea of varying the heights at the table is a great one. That makes everything more accessible and prettier. Sharing on Facebook today.
Looking forward to the next cooking class. 😉
Stacy, thanks for the vote of confidence. And thanks for sharing on FB. I love your pumpkin photo on IG.