Part 3: Rethink the way food is served

Lastly, the presentation of a dish does count. Think about how you can show the same item in a unique way. Instead of spooning sauce over vegetables, pour some onto the serving dish and artfully arrange the vegetables on top. Try drizzling some nice balsamic vinegar or extra virgin olive oil just around the edged of the plate. A small portion of beef or chicken looks larger when sliced into thin strips and fanned over a bed of colorful veggies and rice.

For a twist on traditional side-by-side plating, stack the components of your dish vertically. Arrange asparagus into a teepee or place your chicken breast on top of wilted spinach and rice. There are books devoted to giving food height. If you are really into learning more about this skill I recommend the book Stacks: The Art of Vertical Food by Deborah Fabricant.

I love fun dishes almost as much as I love food itself. When it comes to dishes I think that food always looks great on a classic white plate. Here the food is allowed to be the star. It is not competing with other colors or patterns that may distract the eye. Sometimes it is nice to incorporate small splashes of color to brighten up the table for a party. Buy or borrow dishes from a friend in a variety of shapes and colors. The same soup looks dramatically different in a small Asian ceramic cup and an oversized, shallow white bowl. Try serving dessert in a martini glass or soup as an appetizer in a shot glass. The possibilities here are endless so let your imagination go to work. On a side note be cautious of dish buying it can be an expensive habit. You don't need a full set of everything. I love stores like Home Goods, Marshals and TJ max for odds and ends. I can always find something that works well with other pieces also check out garage sales and thrift stores for unique finds.

Lastly, remember hot food should be hot and cold food should be cold. If need be warm your dinner plates slightly in the oven and keep your salad plates in the refrigerator. Your guest will be eating the food after they appreciate its beauty so don’t get to caught up in perfecting every detail, keep it simple. Above all, have fun and use your imagination you never know masterpiece is waiting to be created.