Place cards identify each food item. All food is made from scratch with the freshest ingredients possible, whether the group is 400 people from a local business or just a handful of guests for an office luncheon. For a smaller group, less advance notice is needed. If possible, begin setting up your buffet display a couple of days prior to your party. You don't want your display to look flat, where all of the food is at the same boring level.
Cardboard boxes draped in fabric are great for displaying a centerpiece and the chafing dishes.
You can also use nut cans or coffee cans under the fabric. I also like to decorate with fresh flowers. But I use glass hurricane shades of varying heights with taper candles for everyday functions when the budget usually doesn't allow for a lot of fresh floral arrangements. Mary Jo Harrod is a regular contributor from Clarksville who loves seeing friends and family at parties. Especially for Derby Cut a horseshoe out of a 2-inch thick piece of styrofoam.