Serving buffet style frees up the host for mingling while letting guests help themselves to their favorite foods with a well thought-out display and curated selection of sweet and savory menu items.

One of the main reasons that professional caterers using folding banquet tables for their buffets is the ability to use the space under the table to house necessary party supplies. Just cover the table with a tablecloth or roll of fabric that's long enough to touch the floor, then fill the hidden space with backup menu items, glasses and serveware.  

The key to an efficient buffet is serving foods at a variety of heights. To avoid all items sitting on the same plane and knocking into one another, risers are needed to elevate platters or serving essentials. Instead of spending money on actual risers, use books that have been stacked to the necessary height, then covered by the tablecloth.

Add a bit of personality to your buffet by serving menu items in colorful or interestingly shaped containers. For instance, a colander is a creative way to serve solid foods, like popcorn, potato chips or even fresh fruit, like grapes.