Top 5 Ways to Style a Buffet That Doubles as Decor

Buffets do more than feed your guests—they set the visual tone for your event. In fact, when styled intentionally, a buffet can double as the centrepiece of your space: drawing people in, anchoring the mood, and adding to your event’s atmosphere.

At Lavish, we treat every buffet as an opportunity to combine flavour, function, and flair. Here are our top five tips for styling a buffet that doesn’t just serve food—it elevates your entire event design.

1. Match Your Colour Palette

Nothing makes a buffet look more cohesive than a colour theme. Lavish offers styling enhancements to align with your:

• Brand colours

• Wedding theme

• Festive palette (pastel, gold, neutral, tropical)

We incorporate matching trays, linens, florals, and printed labels that pull the buffet into the larger aesthetic of your event.

Bonus: We can design your dessert table with the same palette, creating a stylish, multi-station experience.

2. Vary Height and Texture

A flat table is forgettable. A layered table invites attention. Lavish uses:

• Riser stands and tiered displays

• Bamboo, wood, glass, and ceramic textures

• Natural greenery or structured centrepieces

These elements break the line of sight and create dimension, making your buffet look more like a curated showcase than a lineup of trays.

3. Use Garnishes as Visual Anchors

“The food itself can become part of the décor.”
By incorporating:

• Edible flowers

• Fresh herbs

• Citrus peels and colourful sauces

• Carved fruits or vegetables

We turn dishes into artwork. These garnishes not only add vibrancy, but also signal freshness and flavour.

4. Personalise Your Signage

Buffet labels are functional—but they can also be beautiful. Lavish provides:

• Printed menu cards with elegant fonts

• Branded signage for corporate events

• Fun tags for kids’ parties or thematic celebrations

• Dietary markers that match the look of the setup

We recommend using these not just for clarity, but as part of your overall presentation style.

5. Style Beyond the Table

Want the buffet to feel like part of the room? Extend the styling into:

• Backdrops (curtains, printed boards, fairy lights)

• Side tables with drinks or florals

• Coordinated live stations with matching trays or uniforms

• Party boxes styled with the same design cues for guests to take home

This adds depth and cohesion to the entire event—and turns a food station into a full visual experience.

Styled by Lavish, Remembered by All

Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday, or family gathering, Lavish ensures that your buffet doesn’t just feed the room—it transforms it.

Explore our full buffet catering, dessert styling, and event services, or contact us to design a buffet setup that looks as good as it tastes.