10 Tips for Setting Up an Easy + Elegant Thanksgiving Buffet

Setting up a buffet when hosting Thanksgiving dinner is a great way to make the most of the space you have in a small room or home. Use a buffet or sideboard to set up the meal and, if extra space is needed, set up beverages, plates, desserts, etc. on a nearby table.

There can be a lot of dishes to accommodate when setting up a buffet and that can be tricky when dealing with limited space. Set up the buffet the day before with the serving dishes that will be used and label each dish. This will ensure there's enough room for everything and a logical flow is planned.

Most serving dishes sit low to the table, creating a visually boring buffet spread. Add varying heights with cake stands, pedestals or even items found around the house like stacked books and wooden boxes. Even a mixing bowl can be turned upside down to act as a pedestal for a serving plate in a pinch.

In addition to adding visual interest through height, using tiered stands can provide additional serving surfaces. Tiered stands are ideal for appetizers, rolls and bite-sized desserts.