Typically, a buffet table is a piece of furniture having more than one level or tier. The term “buffet” can be used very loosely when referencing antiques. It makes no difference if the compartments have doors, or are open. Some antique items that would be considered buffets can actually be something else as well. A buffet could also be a livery cupboard and still be considered both.
Buffet tables began to appear in the 18th century. They were designed to store dinnerware in the cupboards and allow food to be placed on top. They spread through Europe like wildfire, and by the middle of the 19th century, the buffet was a common piece of furniture in the English courts. It was known as a “court cupboard” and would often display gold and silver plates in royal homes.
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The Europeans and the English began to use the buffet table in a way which may be very familiar to people today. The servants would often set breakfast on top of the buffet and let the court serve themselves!
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