How to Set a Buffet Table Outdoors

Buffets are one of the easiest ways to serve a large number of guests. Outdoor buffets are possible, but you need to take some precautions to ensure the food doesn't spoil. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions that both hot and cold foods should never be left outdoors for more than two hours, or more than one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees. Help protect your food from spoiling early by setting up the buffet in a shaded area. Check on the buffet periodically to ensure that nothing is blowing away or spoiling too quickly. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set up a sturdy table in a shaded part of the yard, preferably in shadows cast by buildings instead of trees, which can drop fruit or leaves on the buffet. Use paving stones or sink the table legs into the ground to ensure the table sits flat. Cover the table with a tablecloth.

2

Set up the napkins, flatware, plates and cups at one end of the table. Put the silverware in a holder and weigh down the napkins and plates to keep the items from blowing away in the wind.

3

Fill large bowls or containers with ice and rest chilled dishes in the bowls to keep the food cold. Replenish the ice throughout the event as it melts to keep the food fresh.

4

Avoid open flames, such as Sterno cans, to keep hot food warm. Use insulated pans or use an electric warmer or crock pot instead. Check if the manufacturer cautions against using the electric items outdoors before doing so. Set up close to an electricity source if you use electric warming means, and never allow the wire to rest on a wet ground.

5

Group foods together by dish type. Place the entrees next to each other and the salads together, for example. This lets your guests see the variety of options for each course. Put foods that go together next to each other. Place, for instance, sliced meats next to the rolls for sandwiches.

6

Use domed food covers made of mesh over the dishes. This keeps insects off of the food and also provides extra shade from the sun.

7

Place saucers in front of each dish and rest the serving utensils on the saucers. This should encourage guests to replace the food covers rather than leave the serving utensils in the dishes.

8

Place condiments and spices at the end of the buffet.

9

Set up a separate table for drinks, ice and cups, or set up the beverages at the opposite end of the table from the cutlery and dishes.

10

Walk down the buffet once before your guests arrive, mimicking filling your plate. Ensure that the configuration of food makes sense and provides easy service. If not, rearrange and test the buffet once more.