The art of preparing a great meal is an achievement in itself, but how about plating it like a pro? That’s a must!
This week, we’ve turned to the experts for advice on how to plate up a perfectly-presented meal – something your dinner guests will be oh-so impressed with!
Start with the plate
Many renowned chefs and foods stylists claim that the thing you should start with when plating food is choosing the plate. Ditch the simple, white crockery and serve the meals you’ve slaved over on interesting, conversation-starting plates, like slate boards or unique serving trays.
What you eat your meal off is almost as important as the meal itself!
Serve in odd numbers
Don’t ask us why, but successful chefs and stylists sing the praises of serving meal items in odd numbers (3, 5, 7…). It’s commonly said that even numbers of items look unappealing on the plate, while odd numbers have the opposite effect.
Yes, the psychology of food is truly intriguing, so improve your chances of your meal being a success by serving three of those tasty Spanish churros on your guest’s dessert plate – not two, not four.
Contrasting colors are a must
Almost every expert in the art of plating a meal has this same tip: always use contrasting colours when arranging food, as this is when food looks the most appealing.
This is why pasta, which otherwise looks bland and uninteresting on its own, looks so delicious when the plate is first garnished with a simple, contrasting tomato-based sauce and a sprig of green parsley as a garnish.
Olive oil is also a great way to begin, simply by zig-zagging some of the oil across the plate before commencing adding layers.
Don’t forget the add-ons!
The cutlery, linens and glasses on the table are an extension of the plating, just as much as the plate itself.
Make sure glasses are spotless and fingerprint-free, the linens are pressed, clean and simple and the cutlery is appealing as well. Matte black and rose gold cutlery sets are popular with food stylists now – and will gain points over traditional, boring silver sets.
Now you are an expert on how to plate a meal like a pro! How did it go?