5 Types of Buffet Risers and Stands

Walk into a hotel breakfast buffet, and you’ll know if someone either cared about the setup or didn’t.

No one gets excited about a flat table full of chafing dishes.

But give those dishes a little height, some texture, and a splash of creativity? Suddenly, your buffet looks like a Pinterest dream board.

Styling your buffet risers and stands is about creating flow, sparking appetite, and making guests say, “Wow, this looks amazing.”

With this guide, you can turn a regular buffet into a show-stopping spread using stands and other displays.

Why Buffet Risers Matter More Than You Think

Buffet risers might not be the first thing you think about when designing a food spread. But once you start using them with intention? Your buffet setup will be exceptional.

Sure, they bring the food closer to eye level, but their value goes way beyond height. They help you:

• Guide visual flow and guest movement
• Segment dishes without using physical dividers
• Highlight items that deserve the spotlight (chocolate fountain)
• Set the tone from casual to five-star luxury

1. Pedestal Stands

If buffet displays had a red carpet, pedestal stands would be show-stopping stars. They are timeless, versatile, and always in style.

The classic pedestal stand is ideal for cakes, pastries, mini tarts, or even stacked brunch bites.

Case in point is our very own Diana Cake Displayer. This petite beauty from the Stands and Domes collection is a statement.

Crafted from high-quality porcelain with a smooth gloss finish, the Diana Cake Displayer balances elegance and practicality. It’s microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe, making it as functional as it is beautiful. Here are its key features:

• Subtle rim to keep crumbs in and domes from slipping
• Clean profile that pairs with any buffet theme
• Highly versatile for your cakes, desserts, or open-faced sandwiches

Pro Tip for Pedestal Stands

You can group pedestals of varying heights to create a cascading “staircase” display. It creates a staircase effect and turns your buffet into a visual journey.

2. Tiered Stands

When space is limited but your menu isn’t, tiered stands come to the rescue. Done right, they steal the spotlight without stealing space.

Why Tiered Stands Belong in Every Setup

• Maximizes vertical space: It’s perfect for small tables or dense menus
• Naturally guides the eye: It tells a story from bottom to top
• Creates balance: Breaks up color and texture in a logical flow
• Easy refills: Guests can serve themselves without disturbing other items

Here’s a closer look at three show-stopping pieces from Catalonia Plates:

Diana Stand with 3 Plates

The Diana Stand is porcelain perfection for those who love clean lines and quiet luxury. With its matte finish and balanced proportions, it brings a soft, sculptural quality to your spread.

This buffet stand is available in two sizes: 12 cm and 20 cm. With two options to choose from, it’s perfect for mini cakes, croissants, or appetizer trios.

Want to make your food pop? Style it with muted linens and a few sprigs of rosemary or edible flowers.

Crater Stand with 3 Plates

Also available in 12cm and 20 cm sizes, the Crater Stand is a piece for when you want your guests to look twice. Inspired by the celestial bodies, this three-tiered stand has a matte “moon surface” feel.

It brings contrast and visual intrigue, especially when paired with matte black cutlery or sleek metal risers. Our Crater Stand is best used for hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and an array of culinary delights.

Nordica Stand with 3 Plates

As the name implies, our Nordica Stand is inspired by the Nordic design philosophy. It’s made with frosted craft glass and clean contours, which creates a harmonious flow from top to base. Standing at 33 cm tall, it works for plated desserts, seafood canapes, or fruit displays.

The smooth and refined lines of each plate match effortlessly with beige tablecloths, wooden boards, and light-toned dinnerware.

If you have tight buffet spaces or center-of-table presentations, this three-tiered buffet stand is exactly what you need!

3. Frame-Based Stands

Not all risers have to be bulky to make a statement. Some are just a metal frame that holds the serving plate.

Frame-based stands are exactly what you imagine. These are minimalist metal structures that lift your dish without hiding what’s underneath. They are perfect when you want to create height and keep the table decor in full view. Think of them as the floating shelves of the buffet world: modern, clean, and visually weightless.

An example is the APER-S Stand Gold/Black from the Stands and Domes Collection.

This compact stainless-steel frame adds a bold punch of glamour without overpowering the table. At just 31x13x20 cm, the APER-S Stand is small enough to use anywhere but stylish enough to stop guests in their tracks.

Perfect for both casual gatherings and formal events, the APER-S Stand Gold/Black can be used for hors d’oeuvres and signature dishes at VIP events.

4. Wooden Risers

Ever wondered why wooden risers are at nearly every wedding, brunch buffet, or rustic-chic event? They are there for a reason.

Wood adds warmth and approachability, something acrylic and metal can’t always deliver. These pieces bring a natural charm that instantly makes guests feel welcome.

Why Wooden Risers Matter

• They add organic warmth and natural texture.
• They signal sustainability and rustic authenticity.
• They work across styles like Scandinavian minimalism, Mediterranean charm, or farmhouse brunch.

If you want to purchase a wooden riser for your home or restaurant, here are the features you need to look for:

• Visible wood grains like birch, oak, or bamboo
• Light woods for neutral-toned spreads
• Dark woods as accents
• Whitewashed or raw finishes for that artisanal feel
• Chunky, solid slabs if you want a rustic, grounded look

Podium Wood

This piece is a standout from our very own Dining Catalog. Crafted from premium wood, our Podium Wood brings warmth and elevation to hero dishes without taking up much space.

With its natural grain, this wooden podium is a match to any modern rustic, Scandinavian, and earth-toned aesthetics. You can use it to elevate a plated dessert, frame a delicate canapé, or make a spotlight moment for a small signature bite.

5. Glass Domes and Covers

Lastly, we have glass domes and covers that aren't just there to keep bugs away. While these are technically not buffet stands, they are mostly part of a buffet design.

Glass domes add layers and a little suspense to the table. When you lift a clear dome to unveil what’s underneath, you’re literally like unwrapping a gift.

Why Glass Domes Matter

• Creates visual interest with height and shine
• Adds a touch of luxury without overwhelming the food
• Provides a practical barrier for outdoor setups
• Gives a gentle “reveal” moment that guests love

If you want a dome that elevates the food, meet the Boro Glass Dome Apperitive 6 from our Sublime Catalog.

This isn’t your typical dome. Inside, it features six sculpted indentations for nestling amuse-bouches, garnishes, or micro-desserts. Each pocket becomes a stage for creativity, allowing chefs to play with form, color, and surprise.

Don’t know how to creatively use the Boro Glass Dome Apperitive 6? Follow these simple tips:

1. Create a micro tasting flight, with each pocket featuring a different note of flavor.
2. Add edible flowers or dry ice for a sensory surprise.
3. Layer textured linens or natural foliage beneath the base to frame the piece.

Choosing the Right Stands for Your Event

How To Mix and Match Different Stand Types

• Balance textures: Pair matte finishes with glass or porcelain for contrast.
• Vary heights in triangles: Always think in threes (short, medium, tall). Arrange risers at varying levels.
• Stick to a limited palette: Use 2-3 base tones to keep things cohesive.
• Use risers as space-makers: Create breathing room between dishes and avoid crowding.
• Contrast shapes: Mix round trays with square risers or oval platters on angular frames.
• Tell a story: Use your risers to guide the guest journey, from starters to mains to sweets.
• Group by function, not material: Group buffet risers based on what they hold (breads, proteins, and desserts).
• Play with shadow and light: Use clear or open-frame risers near natural light or candles to cast beautiful shadows.

Curate Your Buffet Design With Catalonia Plates

Great food deserves a stage. With the right risers, stands, and domes, your buffet can be an extraordinary one.

From tiered Crater Stands to minimalist APER-S frames art, pieces from Catalonia Plates transform your presentation into an experience.

Our collections are designed to mix seamlessly and adapt to every style. Explore our Dining, Sublime, and Pordamsa 2.0 catalogs today to learn more!