Countertop Buffet Dinner Parties
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
If you live in a small home or have limited dining room space, a kitchen countertop buffet is one way you can serve guests at your next dinner party. It takes some added planning and preparation, but then again, every dinner party does in one way or another. Here are some countertop buffet inspiration photos and tips:
- If counter space is limited, increase the serving area with large cutting boards over the sink and stovetop. Or, serve some dishes straight from the stovetop. You can also extend your countertop by placing a cart at one end for holding a ready supply of dishes and silverware.
- Prep dishes with time to spare to get the kitchen cleaned up. If everyone’s invited to file through the room to fill their plates, you want your prep mess gone beforehand. It will also free up more serving space. Out of time for washing up those measuring cups and mixing bowls? Don’t tell anyone, but that’s another reason the large cutting board over the sink comes in handy!
- Drape the countertop with a tablecloth or fabric to change the look from “everyday” to impressive “buffet”. Place platforms under the cloth to display dishes at varied heights and scatter with small bud arrangements or candles if you want to get really fancy.
- Extra small apartment with lots of dinner guests? If your dinner party is standing room only, encourage milling about the buffet and serve an easy-to-handle menu.
Related: Something for Everyone! Ideas for Dinner Buffet Bars
(Images: At First Bite, Youmetogether, Ellen McDermott/Country Living, Goodspace)
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