How to Style a Food Table

Breakfast Nook with Dark Hardwood Floors Ikea Ritva Curtains and World Market Paige Round Back Chairs

Over Fourth of July weekend, we held an impromptu get-together with two other couples. Because I knew we would be busy with fireworks and games, I decided against a sit-down meal and instead opted for festive hors d’oeuvres where our guests could graze at their leisure. I designated our breakfast room table, convenient to the patio, as the home base for food setup. Creating food tables is right up there with creating tablescapes for me. Even though this was a casual gathering with casual food, I still use some of the same tricks as I would if I were hosting a shower or setting a dessert table. Read on as I share how to break out of the practice of lining your counter with foil containers and how to style a food table with minimal effort.

*Can you spot the pup? She desperately wanted to be a part of the shoot and I just noticed she managed to make her way in – that sly little fox 😉 

Fourth of July Food Table

Breakfast Nook with Food Table Setup and World Market Round Back Paige Chairs

If we had had more guests or it was a more formal gathering, I would have removed the chairs. In this case, they didn’t obstruct table access and it was still easy to navigate through the nook, so they stayed. As I mentioned, this was casual and not planned far in advance so I kept the menu simple.

The Menu:

  • Quartered chicken salad croissants
  • Corn dip and tortilla scoops (recipe HERE)
  • Stuffed jalepenos
  • Pineapple
  • Asian slaw
  • Watermelon
  • Cheese board with crackers
  • Cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream

Food Table Setup with three tier tray

The first step I take in creating a food table presentation is to pull out boxes, books, and anything that is stable which will provide height and arrange them on the table. Desserts, towers, food displays, or flowers can sit atop in a place of prominence.

Table Tip 1

Next, take out your linens. I like to use a tablecloth as a base to cover the entire table (and the stack(s) of books/boxes), but I also like to incorporate a secondary layer of material. You can use a separate tablecloth, napkins, table runners, sheet, or scarves… it doesn’t have to look pressed, and in fact, can look better when you scrunch up a bit of the fabric. Sometimes I use a lot of fabric layers, but for this table, I used a few simple patriotic napkins.

Fourth of July Layered Food Table

I like to use coordinating dishes and platters for a cohesive look. You can use different materials (wood, galvanized metal, etc.) but I don’t mix a lot of different colored/printed serving pieces. If you have an arsenal of tiered trays, cake stands, and serving boards, this is a time when you can actually put them all to use. I don’t often get to use my galvanized three tier server, but I loved being able to use it for the occasion.

Watermelon Pineapple food display with plates on three tier tray

Your table doesn’t have to remain exclusive to the food you are serving. I typically incorporate flower arrangements in my food table displays, but since I used a couple American flags and the blue and white ginger jar, I only snipped a few roses from the flowers my sweet friend, Rebecca, brought me to scatter in bud vases across the table. You can use photos in frames for a family event or shower; signs; whole, uncut fruit and veggies; candles… you can decorate your table as though you were decorating any other space in your home.

Food Display with Pottery Barn Wooden Paddle Cheese Board

Another trick I use is to layer, layer, LAYER. Cake stands on cake stands and platters on boards – I always try to think about building the table up, not just out. Staggering the height of your dishes can not only “excite” your display with variety, but can also help make your dishes more visible.

Food Table Setup with Cheese Board

Table Tip 2

Chicken Salad Sandwich Quarters on Cake Plates

This was a simple and quick display to create but I was able to avoid the all too common look of the “fellowship hall potluck”. If you typically serve appetizers in a buffet-style line, spread across your kitchen counter, try a food display for your next party to mix things up a bit.

Jalepeno Poppers with Recipe and Pottery Barn Cheese Board

Summer Food Table Display

 

Style a Food Table Tips

GET THE LOOK

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For full breakfast room details and sources, visit the breakfast nook tour HERE.

*Note: contains affiliate links and sources throughout the post. Where product is no longer available, a similar substitute has been listed.

How to style a food table at your next bbq, get-together, or cookout. Use the same practices to create a more formal table!
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15 Comments

  1. 7.13.16

    Your dining space is beautifully organized. Candle stands, chandelier, mirrior frame and wreath are totally redefining the dining space incredibly. It is looking awesome.

    • 7.13.16

      Thank you!

      • 7.13.16

        Got to ask. What is that delicious looking something in what seems to be a green “boat”?

        • 7.13.16

          Stuffed jalepenos! One of my go-to’s 😉 Super easy and one of our favs. I will have to post a recipe soon!

  2. 7.13.16
    Jennifer said:

    Those stuffed jalepenos look amazing!!!! Great display! You are such a perfect hostess! xoxo

    • 7.14.16

      Jen, thank you! The japs are pretty awesome haha

  3. 7.14.16

    Any thank you and thank you for your feedback! I will have to do that!

  4. 7.15.16
    Joni King said:

    It’s official, I’m moving to Cumming GA to be your neighbor! You are amazing Kelley Nan and I would love to spend every holiday with you & David to enjoy your wonderful decorating and great food. I’ll even do the dishes ha ha ha

    Hugs!

    • 7.15.16

      Joni, my incredible friend- do you know how much I would love that?! You can bring Amy, Danny, and the girls too! haha

  5. 7.19.16

    Love this!

  6. 7.19.16
    Tamara said:

    Kel, I absolutely love this post – I love to entertain and love to create tablescapes as you know and these tricks are amazing – I can’t wait for our next party so I can incorporate some of your fab ideas! xoxo

    • 7.19.16

      Tam, I wish I could be your guest! I just know you are an incredible host! xoxo