The Perfect Buffet – A Centerpiece for the Holidays

Filling your space with beautiful pieces is the ultimate goal, whether you are a team of designers or a homeowner. With the holidays quickly approaching, we are especially drawn to the striking buffets and sideboards that create the perfect backdrop for autumn feasts.

Buffets as we know them today date back to the 16th century in France and other parts of Europe. They were dressed with elaborate foods and the finest china and silverware in the home. These pieces were the centerpiece of a family’s most special occasions.

They still are today.

No matter which era or style calls to you, an antique or vintage buffet brings gravity and soul to a room. It anchors the space and gives the evening somewhere to gather. Here are a few of our favorite buffets currently available at our gallery in Austin, Texas.

Classic Buffets: A Sense of Heritage

If you wish to bring classic French style into your home, a buffet is an excellent way to create a traditional look. The Louis XVI style, with its graceful proportions and restrained elegance, has long defined the French dining room.

Some pieces glow with the warm tones of aged wood. Others make a more dramatic statement, like the sleek ebonized finish of an Empire buffet. Either way, the classic buffet brings a sense of tradition and history to your dining space.

The pieces showcased at our gallery are a perfect representation of French style. Set a few candlesticks on top, add a tray of autumn fruit, and the room is ready for guests.

Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco Buffets: Warmth in Every Grain

Our sideboards in the mid-century modern and Art Deco styles are especially striking pieces to feature in your home. Their elaborate facades and streamlined silhouettes make them well suited to your next gathering.

The focus is on wood of the highest quality. Burled, Macassar, and Rosewood veneers show off their natural patterns, and the result is a lovely warmth that settles into any space. Each piece looks as if it were made to be admired up close.

These sideboards are ready to serve as an excellent bar for food or drinks. Lay out the holiday spread on one side and the decanters on the other. Then step back and let the wood do the talking.

Alternative Entertaining Options: Beyond the Buffet

Whether because of a small space or an unconventional design, a buffet may not be right for your home. Happily, there are many other ways to entertain, and each brings its own kind of charm.

At the gallery, our options range from a modernist bar cart to a full-fledged bar. A cart can roll from room to room as the evening unfolds, while a bar gives the cocktail hour a home of its own.

These newly received tables are perfect for serving drinks, and they add a touch of theater to the proceedings. Few things set the mood like a well-stocked bar glowing in the lamplight.

For a more understated approach, consider this beautiful console. It is an excellent piece for food or drinks, creating an inviting and elegant place for dishes, glasses, and more. In a narrow hallway or a petite dining room, it offers all the antique presence of a grand buffet in a smaller footprint.

Gather Around

The holidays are, at heart, about bringing people together. A beautiful antique makes that easier, giving the table, the room, and the evening a sense of occasion.

Come visit us at the gallery to see these pieces in person. We would love to help you find the one that is ready for your feast.