Buffet accessories

Buffet accessories – the alternative to table service

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner – a buffet is always a hit with guests. That’s because it offers them a choice of several dishes or canapés, bringing variety to their plates. Whether it’s cold roast meat on slate platters, steaming minestrone in Cafing Dishes or colourful petits fours on elegant étagères: A buffet provides the perfect stage to showcase the variety and creativity of your cuisine. VEGA’s buffet systems and other practical buffet accessories from the LUSINI range help you present your buffet in an appealing way. Find your favourites now!

Advantages of a buffet

A buffet can be a great alternative to the usual à la carte ordering, particularly if you want to serve tasty, lovingly prepared food to a large number of people at the same time. Provided you have enough space in your dining area, a buffet offers your guests a wonderful opportunity to relax and sample a selection of different dishes and drinks, helping themselves freely – all without any waiting times.

Did you know? As the name suggests, the buffet originated in France. It dates back to the 17th century and was favoured, for example, by Napoleon, who ruled the country in the early 19th century and was not a fan of formal receptions.

What types of buffet are there?

Different types of buffet have developed depending on the occasion and time of day. Here are the most common types:

• Breakfast buffet: The breakfast buffet is one of the most popular types of buffet. It typically includes a variety of breads, spreads, cold meats, cheese, jams and egg dishes.

• Brunch buffet: At the weekend, it’s particularly enjoyable to have a long, leisurely breakfast and follow it straight into lunch. The brunch buffet combines elements of the breakfast buffet with hot dishes.

• Banquet buffet: For special occasions such as weddings, banquet buffets are prepared featuring a variety of main courses and side dishes.

• Salad buffet: Many hotels and restaurants offer salad buffets featuring a selection of crisp leafy greens and vegetable salads, toppings, dressings and bread.

• Snack buffet: Snack buffets are ideal for a quick bite to eat, for example at receptions or opening events. They typically feature sandwiches, finger food or canapés.

• Dessert buffet: Delicious desserts such as ice cream, chocolate mousse, tartlets and much more can be attractively presented on a dessert buffet.

Setting up a buffet – the right equipment

You eat with your eyes first – and this applies to buffet presentation too. The right equipment will help you set up your buffet in a way that is appealing, practical and hygienic for your guests. Exactly what equipment you need will, of course, depend on the type of buffet you are hosting. Below, we provide an overview of common buffet essentials:

Buffet display units

Buffet display units often form the basis of a buffet setup. These consist of platters and bowls in various sizes and shapes, beneath which cooling plates or buffet warmers are placed to keep food sufficiently cool or warm. For hygiene reasons, the display units are usually covered with plastic lids or metal plates. This is referred to as a ‘spit guard’ for the buffet.

Buffet warmers

If you wish to use your display cabinets as buffet warmers or food warmers, you will need the appropriate heating plates. However, these are often included as standard when you purchase a buffet display cabinet.

Cooling tray for the buffet

However, if you want to keep food cold – which is particularly important for perishable items such as fresh sausage – you will need a cooling tray for your buffet.

Buffet stands

Buffet stands in a variety of designs help you present your food in an appealing way. These include, for example, small wooden stools, tiered stands, crates, display units and hanging racks. These products allow you to raise food items situated further back on the table, making them more visible.

Buffet platters & baskets

Buffet platters are essential for presenting your food in an appetising way. You can arrange a variety of dishes on these platters, making them easily accessible to your guests. Additional baskets for bread, rolls or fruit add a touch of variety to your buffet and are very practical.

Buffet bowls & glasses

You can use a variety of buffet bowls to serve your guests a range of dishes: from salads and antipasti to creamy desserts. As well as bowls, small glasses – with or without lids – are a great addition to your buffet table. You can use them to serve small desserts, jams and other spreads to your guests.

Muesli dispensers

Muesli is a staple of breakfast and lunch buffets. Cereals dispensers are the ideal solution for simple and hygienic portioning and airtight storage. These can be simple cereal containers with a hinged lid or dispensers with a portioning wheel.

Other tableware

As well as the items needed to set up the buffet, you’ll naturally need tableware for your guests. With our tableware series and a selection of glasses and cutlery, you can ensure a cohesive look at the buffet.

Drink dispensers & carafes

Whether it’s milk, water or homemade lemonade: in attractive carafes and beverage dispensers, drinks can be kept warm or cold, presented attractively and easily served in portions.