So I'll admit. I love to cook, but I'm no personal chef... With a background in art, at least I can kind of make it look like it! Whether
it’s take-out, served last minute to friends, or a garnished 35 cents box of
macaroni and cheese- here are some key tips taken from discussions with my brilliant personal chef sister, Chef Melody...
Disclaimer: all of the photos of fancy food below were 100% home made. My brilliant sister reminded me she would "never, ever make boxed macaroni and cheese and garnish it," so there are, of course, no photos of macaroni below. Humor me and enjoy my side of dry italicized sisterly sarcasm.
Here’s the secret: let the food take center stage:
Treat your table as if it is a blank canvas. Each dish is a work of art. Presentation is key!
-Set the mood.
S: Did anyone else hear some weird old man with a creepy deep voice saying that in your mind when you read it?
Beautiful lighting makes any meal look fancy. Create a low light
setting with a darker room. Add soft light with candles or low watt
bulbs, lampshades and curtains to dim the lights. Keep in mind that you
can enhance mood lighting with reflective materials like mirrors or
shiny vases.
- Invest in a pretty set of dishes
S: No, apparently pretty paper plates don't count. ;)
Most upscale restaurants use plates that are white or black or at least a single neutral color.
- Serve smaller portions on large plates
S: as opposed to the American all-you-can-eat way of piling it as high as possible. You stop earning points for your mashed potato tower after graduating from college.
The negative space makes the presentation look more appealing. It features the food.
- Serve each item separately, in courses
S: the way Martha would do it. "It's a good thing."
This allows your dinner guests the chance to focus on one set of
flavors at a time and allows everyone to eat more slowly and savor the
meal, without feeling the need to rush to the next course.
- Vary your colors.
S: You're S.O.L. if you're colorblind... vary textures?
If you absolutely must serve everything on one plate, make sure you
have at least 3-4 different colors on the plate. A meal of macaroni and
cheese, carrots, and orange juice is bright but boring! Mix it up as
much as you can! Bonus: meals that vary in color supposedly have more
balanced nutrition.
- Add decorative flourishes to semi home made meals.
S: OK, I'll admit it- this tip is mine. My sister doesn't make "semi home made" anything.
A sprinkle of hand-ground pepper and a sprig of something as simple
as a celery leaf on top of a scoop of boxed macaroni and cheese can
elevate a basic meal to a higher level. A hand full of fresh berries and
little bit of chocolate syrup swirled around a store bought angel food
cake can turn your table into desert heaven and make your guests feel
special regardless of what you spent on the meal.
- Last but not least, a smiling host makes any meal delightful!
S; OK, OK... it's cheesier than the boxed mac and cheese my sister detests, but it's true.
 |
| One of my own "fancy" semi-home made meals. |
Regardless of your budget, you are the king or queen of your
household. Relax and have fun!
Don't take yourself too seriously. :) It doesn't have to be perfect. It’s okay when there are surprises. That’s
what makes life interesting and entertaining guests entertaining!
