Running a catering business relies on a good reputation based on supplying quality and delicious menu items coupled with professionalism of service. These factors alone cannot be relied upon to sustain your business. Another component that is important to pleasing clients and attracting new business is the aesthetics of your display. If you specialise in buffet style catering, the way in which you display your fare will have a major impact on how guests view your food and your business as a whole. Even if your buffet is meticulously prepared using only the finest and freshest ingredients with special attention to the details of texture and flavour, all of your hard work will be for nought if it is just thrown on to a table with no thought for final presentation. The guests will be put off by a disorganised hectic sprawl of food before them and the exquisite flavours will not make their full impact. Giving time, consideration and thought to your final display will prove the ‘cherry on the cake’ and will bring all of your hard work to a stylish and aesthetically pleasing conclusion.
Tips to consider;
Table linens
Selecting the perfect table cloths and skirts will be detrimental to the overall appearance of your buffet. Table cloths should be clean and freshly laundered and table skirts should hang down to the floor to reduce the risk of someone accidentally pulling the linens bringing the whole buffet crashing down. If catering a function al fresco, plastic table cloths are usually recommended as they are more hard wearing in the external conditions. Vinyl table covers also provide these features and the extra weight results in the cover being less likely to be blown in the wind. Unfortunately this weight also means that table skirts look a little rigid when they hang. Cotton table linens are the preferred choice for special, more high-end occasions due to the fluidity of the drop and the stylish appearance however cottons are more susceptible to staining and shrinking which can make maundering a tough task. If you wish to purchase a few sets of table linens for a variety of events, polyester is considered to be the most durable and versatile of all the fabrics. It can be used indoors and outdoors and will not look out of place in both casual and formal settings.
The colour that you choose for your linens will also have a dramatic impact on the overall appearance of your display. When taking on a catering contract find out if there are any colour schemes to the event that you can base your table linens and decorations on. The most common colours that will be used as a base for your display are white, black, red, pink and deep green. White will be a staple colour that can be combined with any other accent colour. Unfortunately white is the colour that will most show up any food stains, so pristine laundering is essential.
Food arrangement
The way in which you organise your buffet should lend itself to ease of navigation for the guests. Consider the order in which the buffet display will be visited. An example layout could be divided into five sections, such as;
Section 1 -> starters, soups, salads etc.
Section 2 -> breads, side dishes etc.
Section 3 -> main dishes
Section 4 -> desserts can be included on the main buffet
table or can be placed on a separate dessert
display
Section 5 -> beverages can either be placed on the end
of the buffet display or served from a
temporary bar
To keep your display looking organised you will need to consider which equipment is required to maintain the desired serving temperature of your foods and how these items can be placed together attractively. Depending on your menu items you may need to consider the following display equipment;
Catering trays;
Use – to effectively display desserts, hors d’oeuvres, deli items etc.
Material – can be disposable, mirrored or made of porcelain
Events – disposable trays for more casual events, mirrored trays for parties and porcelain trays for formal events, weddings etc.
Display stands;
Use – to create depth and height to your display. Can be tiered, raised or pedestal formed
Material – can be polished metal, ceramic etc.
Events – versatile for any type of event
Chafers and warmers;
Use – best way to keep sauces, soups, hot solid foods etc. at temperature in an attractive way
Material – available in more economic materials as well as brass and silver and gold accents
Events – casual events may require more budget chafers and maybe a few disposable food pans while formal events will require equipment a little more stylish and visually attractive
Sample dishes;
Use – doesn’t require all items to be displayed at once. Heated items can be kept in storage and sample trays are refilled once they are empty
Material – plastic, ceramic etc.
Events – are ideal for any type of event when the speed of the buffet line needs to be increased
Fruit displays;
Use – to bring colour and texture to the buffet display, offering whole or pre-cut fruit without using too much space
Material – usually plastic
Events – can be used at any type of event
Display baskets;
Use – to display bread rolls or other items that do not require to be kept at a certain temperature. Will usually be lined with plastic sheets or cloth
Materials – osier, wicker etc.
Events – can add a rural, rustic touch to an event when necessary. At more formal events will add a touch of class and style
Chocolate fountains;
Use – to add a fun yet luxurious element to your dessert display
Events – will compliment any form of event both casual and formal
Beverages
Food may not be the only aspect of your catering agreement. If the venue doesn’t have its own bar you may also be asked to supply beverages both alcoholic and soft. Obviously hot drinks must be kept hot and cold drinks must remain cold. Typical beverage equipment and accessories may include;
Coffee urns
There are many variations to the standard coffee urn all of which provide a stylish and elegant way to serve coffee at an event. The exterior is a polished metal and there are options for insulated units or non-insulated alternatives. Insulated models can retain an even heat for several hours whilst non-insulated models rely on chafing dish fuel to heat the beverage from the bottom.
Beverage dispensers
These items are more specific to formal occasions. These dispensers differ from coffee urns as they can pour hot or cold drinks directly into a guest’s glass. An interior ice chamber in a cold drink dispenser can keep the drink cold whilst hot drink dispensers are either electrically warmed or insulated. Hot beverage dispensers are not as aesthetically pleasing as a traditional coffee urn so are usually only used as a substitute when a coffee urn is unavailable.
Ice displays
Ice displays are generally elevated trays that contain ice which the customers can either be served or serve themselves. Some models will feature an LED light that will light the ice from underneath creating a magnificent light display.
Beverage tubs
When these tubs or bins are filled with ice they provide a perfect way to store bottles or cans that must be kept cold.
Punch bowls
An ideal addition to a birthday party, graduation or anniversary party is a punch bowl however these bowls will not keep your beverage cold so ice cubes will also need to be provided.
Champagne fountains
Champagne fountains will add a spectacle to any event and are extremely versatile. Champagne is not the only liquid that can be put into the fountain; punch or other cold drinks can also be used.
Decorations
Once your food and beverage displays have been finalised, and you are pleased with the results you must turn your attention to the decorative side of your display. Carefully selected decorations and adornments can create a display that is stylish and chic enough for any occasion. Some examples of decorations are;
Flowers and foliage
Origami, flowers and foliage etc. can add detail to your display with extra colour, shape and texture. Gauging the correct amount of decoration is vital as too much will overpower your food and too few will simply look out of place.
Candles and lighting
Candles, open flame and battery operated, can create a mood and tone for the evening. Flickering flames will also add an eye-catching element to your overall display. If using open flame be sure to always adhere to any fire safety regulations of the premises.
By practising your arrangement and display skills you will be able to create a piece of artwork from your buffet that will have the maximum effect on your customers and therefore your business. Setting the scene for your display will create an environment that will best show off your catering prowess. Once you have found a display layout and structure that is effective for your menu you can continue to use this format and adapt the design as and when it is necessary. The golden rules of effective catering displays are organisation, simplicity, uniqueness and professionalism. With your food laid out as recommended, your decorations delicate and not too overpowering, a unique viewpoint, creativity and a high level of professionalism in your menu and your service you will surely create one of the best buffet displays available.
