Using white plates lets the food be the star of the party.
Hors d'oeuvres tables usually display a variety of appetizers. For that reason, the decor of the table should be simple, rather than using elaborate displays that will distract from the food. Create a simple but elegant decor for your hors d'oeuvres table that will complement your food offerings. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Centerpieces
Hors d'oeuvres tables, like other food tables, should have a centerpiece. Keep a floral centerpiece simple by sticking to one color. For example, a polished silver vase filled with white roses makes an elegant statement without distracting from the food. Candles traditionally make great centerpieces, but make sure they are not scented (which can make the food smell bad). Also, guests should not have to reach over the candles to get to the food. Finally, consider using food itself as the centerpiece. Place floral foam in the bottom of a deep, hand-carved wooden bowl or wide-mouthed vase. Stick wooden barbecue skewers into the foam, and top the skewers with shrimp, pieces of fruit dipped in chocolate or another appetizer choice for a tasty centerpiece.
Colors and height
Hors d'oeuvres can be messy. Drips, slips and drops are common. Keep the visible messes to a minimum by avoiding the traditional white tablecloth. Instead, choose a darker color or pattern that will hide spills. Use white plates to display food because all foods look good against white. White plates with a silver or gold border add elegance. Bring out the plates' rim color by adding silver or gold serving trays, vases or candlestick holders. Brightly colored plates can distort the color of some foods, such as fish, making the food appear unappetizing or spoiled. Let your hors d'oeuvres be the main color on the table. Finally, vary the height of the dishes to make the table more interesting. Hide bricks or boxes under the tablecloth to make different levels on which to place trays of food.
Themes
If your party has a theme, decorate your hors d'oeuvres table to match the theme. For example, a Hawaiian luau hors d'oeuvres table could feature appetizers displayed in coconut shells. In the center of the table, place glass candle holders filled with sand and topped with votive candles. Scatter white shells around the candles, and add one simple orchid to the center of the table. A graduation cap hanging jauntily on a hatstand in the middle of the hors d'oeuvres table adds a fun touch to a graduation reception. A toy wooden wagon filled with blocks adds a playful feel to an hors d'oeuvres table at a baby shower.
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