The Return of the Vintage Buffet: Embracing Opulence and Tradition in Events

Forget the meticulous minimalism that has defined event buffets in recent years—the perfectly aligned plates, the precision of symmetrical arrangements, the quest for flawless presentation.

There’s a new (or rather, beautifully old) trend on the horizon, bringing back a love for opulence

and a nod to tradition.

Tables dressed in flowing drapery, adorned with vintage silver platters and tiered stands that showcase a spread of delicacies in all their abundant glory.

This trend invites us to move away from strict formality and lean into the joy of abundance, where food becomes a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It’s a celebration of the vintage buffet’s grand return!

For our buffet inspiration, we’re taking a stylish leap back to the 1980s. Martha Stewart's iconic first book, Entertaining, has come back into vogue, and its timeless elegance is guiding our approach to event design. As I mentioned, the table itself becomes a work of art, dressed in rich drapery with tiered stands and risers that add height and drama, each one also draped in fabric to create a unified, elegant display.

Expect silver accents everywhere—ornate vintage candelabras hold flickering candles, casting a warm, nostalgic glow. Gone are the countless little bowls typical of finger food displays. Instead, the focus is on a cohesive presentation, where the food takes center stage in a sophisticated setting that feels both luxurious and inviting.

This revival of the 80s buffet is more than a visual trend; it’s a sensory experience, a bold return to glamour that lets us celebrate abundance in all its refined beauty.

The images included in this article are sourced from Pinterest and serve as inspiration for the vintage buffet aesthetic