This was my Niece's
wedding. Her colors were black and white.  The wedding took place at Christmas so there were lots of white mini lights throughout the hall, it looked beautiful. This table with it's raised sections was so pretty and much more interesting than just a long flat buffet table.  It had 'Wow' appeal!
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Table Cloths

One way to color coordinate your table, is using tablecloths long or short, (you can rent them, make them, buy paper or plastic ones). Long to the floor table cloths in one color, cloth or plastic ones turned into skirts (pleat slightly and attach to a band then possibly use a staple gun to attach to the table) with contrasting smaller cloths over the long ones. White ones with colored or printed overlay, colored ones with white or lace overlay. Topper table cloths pinned up and trimmed with ribbons to create swags. You can tape a paper or plastic cloth to the table and then using double sided tape, gather another table cloth and tape all around the sides of the table.

Table Decorations

The latest in decorating tips is NOT  to have a 'flat' table.  Build up areas
 of different heights on your buffet table.  You can do this by using books, bricks, block of wood or piles of boards, sturdy plastic crates or boxes.  Cover these items with more table linens and set various food items on these pedestals! High points add interest and elegance to the table, as well as making a convenient spot to perch rolls, condiments, or additional decorations.  If you have several salads, they can all be a slightly different height!  You'll be impressed!
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Use fruit, vegetables, leaves, pumpkins, flowers, fresh or silk, or pieces of  ivy scattered among the serving dishes (what ever fits the occasion).  Small mirrors like round mirror tiles can be placed under centerpieces, serving dishes or candles (check fire regulations).
For a really impressive effect use battery operated white mini lights, these look spectacular!! Battery mini lights are available from Christmas stores or stock up during the Christmas Season.
Use ivy or flowers (fresh or silk) with the mini lights.
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Don't forget floating candles or floating flowers in bowls is also easy and attractive, you can use bowls of different heights.
Table top fountains too.
Iridescent beads add sparkle. If flowers don't need water, use
      filler items such as 'pearlized' or iridescent  filler paper for gift bags that comes in strands (this looks great!), floral marbles (found at craft stores in some floral arrangements.  Oil lamps may burn longer than candles (check fire regulations again on that one).
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Table Arrangements

How you place the food on the Buffet table is important.  The first thing on the table should be a stack of plates, cutlery and napkins too, unless those are already on the tables where your quests will be eating.
Next place the buns and butter, salads, pickles, cold meats, hot vegetables or entrees with the hot meat  main course as the very last item.  The  sequence should be salads, veggies, meats, and then desserts.
 The exception to this is placing a 'one per person' main course item on
each persons plate at the beginning.  Something like a BBQ'd New York Steak and then letting  them help themselves to salad and baked potato bar etc. Desserts, coffee and tea can be on another table if desired.
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There are a variety of ways to actually arrange the tables: