Buffet Ideas for Entertaining

We can all use beautiful and low-cost buffet ideas from one of Southern California's premier event planners and author of "Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget", Andrea Wyn Schall.

Festive Buffet Decor

Here are some decor ideas that I love.  Andrea uses interactive, fun buffets for entertaining.  You can save money by using the platters, bowls and serving pieces you already own.  So be sure to check your cupboards before running out to the mall.

Fondue Buffet Ideas

Create an action dessert station by elevating one of your pots such as a 2-quart saucepan or double boiler with red or glass bricks you pick up from the hardware store.

Fondue Buffet Idea

Place a Sterno (or votive candles in glass votive holders) beneath the pot, ensuring the flame is far enough away from it so the pot doesn't burn.

 Make sure the pot handle is heat resistant or is covered with a heat-resistant handle cover. You can also use a heat-resistant bowl, just make sure it is far from the flame as well so that it doesn't overheat and break on the buffet.

Add your favorite topping (already heated and melted) such as hot fudge or caramel sauce.

Place on the buffet dry bamboo skewers that have been pre-soaked in water.

Check your cupboard for bowls and platters to display the items for dipping.

Let your guests skewer and dip such favorites as sliced bananas, strawberries, marshmallows, large pretzels, Oreos and Graham Crackers or apple slices to name a few.

Simple ideas for decorating a buffet 

Holiday Buffet Idea

• Use your platters and elevate them with cardboard boxes, large hardcover books or milk crates covered with fabric
  

• Pull a water pitcher from the cupboard and fill it with flowers
  

• Place loose petals and flowers on the buffet and inter-mix them with natural herb stems such as rosemary, sage or mint
  

• Use the brick-a-brack from your curio cabinets for buffet décor instead of, or in addition to flowers
  

• If it is the holiday season, place some loose holiday greens, tree ornaments or ribbon on the buffet for decoration.

To find more cost-saving and helpful party planning tips, menus and recipes, advice, pictures,etc. please visit "Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget".