How to Set Up a Mediterranean Buffet Table

A Mediterranean theme for your next dinner buffet requires some planning and preparation, but the time-honored regional menu carries universal appeal and is sure to delight your guests. Following a Mediterranean theme involves careful selection of food dishes to authentically represent the cuisine of the country or region of choice. In addition to the menu, the Mediterranean theme can be expressed through dcor, the style and color of dinnerware and table coverings, the garnishes and the centerpieces. Creating a Mediterranean feel throughout the eating and gathering areas is important to the experience. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select a single country's cuisine for a thematic focus or broaden the scope by incorporating dishes across several national cuisines. Italian, Spanish, Greek, Turkish and Lebanese menus are popular and combine well with each other. Planning a Mediterranean menu across multiple cuisines is possible because the Mediterranean climate produces ingredients commonly utilized throughout Mediterranean countries.

2

Create an ambiance reflective of Mediterranean countries through use of colors specific to the region: for example, rustic reds, terracotta, warm golds and forest green. Incorporate color through dinnerware, table coverings and groupings of fresh eggplant, whole and sliced lemons, olive branches, bottles of olive oil and bundles of grapes.

3

Feature the Mediterranean theme throughout the buffet service room as well as the eating and gathering areas with strategically located prints of Mediterranean scenes, tapestries and groupings of Mediterranean-colored accents.

4

Include popular regional dishes such as cilantro pesto, rice with lentils, baba ghanoush and flatbread. Splurge on a variety of cheeses to set the tone of your event and arrange in bowls for crumbly cheeses like feta and on platters for sliceable cheeses near the breads.

5

Set generous assortments of fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, mint and basil throughout the buffet, which adds color, flavor and interest to your Mediterranean presentation as well as supplying the fresh greens that are typically eaten with breads and yogurts in Mediterranean countries.

6

Order the food platters and dishes by size: main dishes first, followed by side dishes and vegetables. Position any accompanying sauces and condiments such as yogurts or pickled vegetables near their respective food dish. Follow up the side dishes with salads, soups and breads.

7

Include fresh cut vegetables such as cucumber, fennel, carrot, endive and peppers throughout the buffet table. Set crostini and flatbreads like lavash, focaccia and pita, along with varieties of hummus, yogurt and other traditional dips and spreads on the perimeter of the buffet table; such food items tend to result in second or third servings and should offer easy access.

8

Set stacked or pre-filled groups of additional serving-sized dishes conveniently near any salads or side dishes that guests may want to keep separate from the main courses and off the dinner plate.