From Everyday to Elegant: Easy Plating Principles That Work

Elevating your food presentation without the price tag or the pressure is definitely achievable.

You don't need to have a kitchen full of tools to plate like a pro. With just a few easy techniques and basic principles, you can take your everyday meals from basic to brilliant. Whether you're setting the table for a dinner party or just making lunch feel a little more lovely, these simple plating tips will help you serve up something that looks delicious.

In this article we will talk about three things to keep in mind when you are plating with presentation in mind:

• Choose the right plate
• Remember the rule of thirds
• Embrace minimalism

Choose the Right Plate

The plate itself plays a big role in food presentation. You can use the plate colour and style to enhance the food you put on it.

• Dark coloured plates with darker food can create a moody presentation.
• Heavily patterned plates will completely hide the appeal of the food.

Below is an example of the same pork fillet dish plated on both a light and a dark coloured plate. It's amazing how different they look given they're exactly the same. Both options are stunning and visually appealing, so it comes down to personal preference which plate to go with.

White, or plates in a shade of white are a classic choice because they allow the food’s colours to stand out. Dark or matte plates can create a more dramatic effect, especially for lighter foods.

Heavily patterned plates aren't always a great choice. They can look great by themselves, but from a plating perspective if you want the food to stand out then the plate needs to be plain or only very lightly patterned. A patterned plate is often brighter than the food so it can easily take away from the overall presentation.

If you want to use a coloured plate, choose one that will complement common food colours. I love using blue plates as an alternative colour. It's on the opposite side of the colour wheel to a lot of common food colours, so it can create a striking contrast.

Wooden boards are also a great option for plating, they give a more rustic look and are fantastic for big platters or simpler meals like steak and fries.

Next time you're choosing a plate, why not try a few different coloured options and see what works best for your dish.

Remember the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a plating technique thought to improve visual balance and create an aesthetically pleasing presentation. In food presentation, if you imagine a plate divided into three, you have the bulk of the food in one third, much less in the second third and maybe nothing or only a bit of sauce going into the last third.

Plating in this way allows you to place the main component off centre, which naturally draws the eye to it, and makes a statement - highlighting it as the main component. This technique is often used in photography and design, and creates a more dynamic and interesting composition by avoiding a cluttered appearance.

The shape of the plate can also make a big difference. A rectangle plate with the bulk of the food on one side and a simple sauce pulling to the other side can add visual appeal.

The rule of thirds creates ample space for the other components in the dish like garnishes or sauces. It also prevents over crowding and showcases the entire dish.

Embrace Minimalism

Minimalism in plating is more than simply avoiding overcrowding and using negative space. At its core, it’s about intention - choosing each element with purpose so the dish feels balanced, elegant, and uncluttered.

Two practical principles of minimalism are avoiding overcrowding and making use of negative space.

Overcrowding a plate can make food appear messy and distract from the main components. It’s tempting to add more simply because the ingredients are available, but this usually weakens the visual impact. Instead, include only what enhances the flavour, balance, and presentation of the dish.

Negative space - the clear areas around the food - creates contrast and draws the eye to the key elements. Leaving space gives a dish a refined, sophisticated look. Larger plates or wide-rimmed bowl plates are especially effective for this approach: they frame the food beautifully, whether showcasing a salad or highlighting a dish with a sauce base.

Minimalism isn’t about serving less - it’s about presenting food with clarity and purpose. By stripping away the unnecessary, you allow the essential to stand out.

Remember to keep these ideas in mind next time you are plating and notice the difference they make.