Decorate a Steel-Top Buffet Table
Whether it is simply for decorative use or serving small plates buffet-style, a buffet table can be a great addition to any home or apartment space. According to the eBuffet website, buffet tables are great accent pieces and can be used to serve small plates of food (such as desserts or appetizers) or drinks (see Reference 1). They are generally long, sturdy, and about half the width of a regular table. Steel-top buffet tables work well to keep the surface protected and also give the table a more modern and sometimes elegant look.
Instructions
1. Choose simple decorations. Since a steel-top table presents a certain level of modernity, simple, chic decorations will work well to accentuate the style of the table. Choose one or two vibrant colors such as deep red, bright yellow or a rich purple to incorporate into the design to keep it exciting, and then stick to neutral colors to fill out the rest of the space. Also, the small width of the table can be deceiving when deciding what can fit on the top; be careful not to crowd the tabletop with too many smaller items or bowls.
2. Decorate for everyday use. Since you will not always be using the buffet table to serve food, you should have a few items to fill the space on the tabletop that are elegant, but easily removable. For example, put out a nice candle set on either side of a large fruit bowl. Keep a lighter in one of the small drawers for easy access for when you have simple dinners at home that do not require you to use the buffet table for serving food. Some other simple items you may consider arranging on the tabletop include fresh flowers in a modern-style vase, standing decorative china, wine or champagne glasses, an elegant drink mixer set or a wine rack.
3. Accentuate and protect the steel top. When using the table to serve food, avoid using a tablecloth if possible. The steel top is to be shown off, not hidden. One of the greatest benefits of the steel top is that the surface cannot be stained the way wood can be; any moisture can be wiped away easily as it will not be absorbed by the steel material. However, you may consider applying felt pads to the bottom of some dishes since the steel is susceptible to scratches (you could also use cloth pot holders).
4. Contrast the steel top. Avoiding placing items made of steel on the tabletop. If serving food on the table, use dishes and bowls that are glass, neutral colors (or wood in the same shade as the base of the table) or in the accent colors you have chosen. When decorating the table for everyday use, avoid steel-colored frames, trays, candlesticks, mixer sets and vases. Taking your color ideas from the base of the table rather than the steel top will ensure that the items stand out.
Tags: buffet table, base table, buffet tables, neutral colors, serve food