How to Arrange Fruit Platters & Banquet Displays

The decor might be gorgeous and the bride's dress beautiful, but it's usually the banquet table that is the center of attention at a wedding reception or similar event. Guests typically arrive at a reception ready to eat, especially if the banquet table looks attractive. Arrange the banquet table so that it is user-friendly and visually stunning. Because fruit comes in so many different colors, shapes and sizes, the fruit platter usually is the most creatively displayed item on the table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Pick linens that match the event for the banquet table. If the event is a wedding, it likely has a specific color theme. Stick with the same color scheme so that the buffet is not out of place. If the event has a cultural theme, use the country colors or representative items to dress the table. For a Hawaiian-themed event, for example, line the tables with a grass skirt.

2

Arrange the fruit platter so that it is the center of the banquet table. There are virtually endless ways to display the fruit. One idea is to place a large chocolate fountain on the table and place fruit on several three-tiered catering platters surrounding the chocolate fountain. Cut fruit such as strawberries, apples and bananas into bite-sized chunks for easy dipping, and place toothpicks in the fruit for quick and easy dipping. Another way to display the fruit is to create a spilled-picnic-basket look. Elevate a large wicker basket on a covered platform, such as a sturdy box, and lay it on its side. Arrange the fruit so that it is cascading out of the basket. Place fruits of contrasting colors next to each other for a more dramatic look. Grapes in bunches work well with the cascading look. Also use orange slices, banana slices and whole strawberries. For smaller berries, such as blueberries, place them in tiny, wooden baskets so that it looks like they've just been picked off the farm. Use mini-spades in the baskets as spoons. Have a tiny, wooden basket filled with toothpicks to pick up the fruit as well. This display would best complement a garden or outdoor wedding in the country.

3

Place lighter fare such as breads, cheeses and antipasto platters at the beginning of the buffet line, then the grand fruit display in the center and the hot food and entrees at the end. The fruit acts like a divider between the cold food and the hot food.

4

Use covered boxes of different heights and sizes throughout the banquet table to display food at various height levels. This gives the display depth and also gives you more space for other food.Use a wide variety of serving platters for food so that everything is not uniform. Don't worry about following exact rules on what platter to serve specific foods on. Serve cold meats and cheeses on a cake stand if you want. Present breads on a tiered cupcake platter. Place vegetable dips in martini glasses. Serve the food in unusual ways to garner the most attention.

5

Skip the large chafing dishes. Chafing dishes tend to take up a lot of space and don't allow for much creativity. Instead, serve hot food on hot platters that retain heat and replenish with more hot food frequently.

6

Arrange the tables so that food is accessible on both side of the banquet table, unless you are having the wait-staff dish out the food. This will help avoid long lines and annoyed, hungry party guests. Plates should be at the start of the banquet table and utensils and napkins on the other end, so that guests don't have to juggle their utensils with their plates when trying to pick up food.