Plate Your Food Like A Pro

You guys know me as the one that constantly has food on her mind, so here we go with another food-inspired blog topic! People think that food has nothing to do with fashion, but I beg to differ. You could slap some food on a plate and call it dinner, sure. But if you want to step up your plate-laying skills, you’re in the right place. This will help you plate your food like a pro (without having to get an advanced degree).

Plating your food nicely makes it look more appealing. Just like in fashion, you can add color, texture, or even designs to your plate to make it look like you spent a lifetime making it. If you’re looking to up your skills follow these tips:

1. Arrange in odd numbers

Even numbers look weird on a plate, it doesn’t appeal to the eye. The odder, the better. So whether you’re putting tacos or dollops of sauce on a plate; do three or five, not two or four.

2. Use a white backdrop

A white backdrop caused the colors to really stand out. The food looks more appealing with the contrasting color of white as a backdrop.

3. Play to all the senses

Make sure that if you garnish your plate, that you don’t just do it for the color. Make sure that what food you use to garnish compliments the flavor and texture of the food that’s on it. Don’t garnish your plate with a red pepper if your dish is supposed to be sweet and the peppers don’t compliment it.

4. Channel your artistic side

Think of your plate as your open canvas, use garnishes and sauces to decorate your plate. You need a focal point; a point on the plate that REALLY attracts the eye. Make sure not to overdo it, though.

5. Change your plate ware

Sometimes plain old white gets old. Try something new! Try using plates that you wouldn’t expect. Try to make sure that it’s not taking the focal point too far away from the food, though. It should complement your food!

6. Keep it simple

Plating depends (of course) on the occasion. You wouldn’t plate a birthday party dish the same as you would a wedding plate. But for everyday plating, simple is the way to go. The primary focus when making it simple, is definitely the food. The food should be your focal point when the plate is simple.

7. Add height

Don’t stack stuff too high, of course. But, add a little height, sometimes the only thing a plate needs is some depth. Try arranging things on top of each other in a (somewhat) organized way.

8. Use contrasting colors

You always want to have nice coloring on the plate. It’s never good to overdo it. Don’t use colors that will clash, use colors that complement each other and make the dish more appealing.