Three Plating Styles to Try This Weekend

Hey there, Food Lovers!

Now that I've dipped my toes back into the newsletter waters I thought I'd bring something a little more hands on. If your meals have been feeling a bit flat lately, this one’s for you...

I've also just published a quick channel update video, so if you're keen to see a few snippets of where we have been over the last year, make sure you check it out.

Food presentation doesn’t need to be complicated! By using just a few visual tricks you can easily and completely change how your dish looks on the plate. Today I’m sharing 3 easy plating styles you can try at home this week - whether you're hosting guests, want to have some fun in the kitchen, or just want to feel a bit fancy.

Style 1 - The Swipe

This style is perfect for: Sauces, purées, dips
How to do it: Place a spoonful of sauce on the plate, then use the back of the spoon to spread the sauce across in one smooth motion.
Why it works: It adds instant elegance and creates direction on the plate. It's great for main dishes, desserts or tasting plates.

Style 2 - The Stack

This style is perfect for: Salads, roasted vegetables, proteins with sides
How to do it: Layer the ingredients vertically. Start with a base, then stack or lean the remaining components to create height and a sense of overlap.
Why it works: Height creates interest and makes a dish look restaurant worthy, even if it’s simple.

Style 3 - The Scatter & Dot

This style is perfect for: Entrées, lunch, desserts, grazing plates, small bites
How to do it: Arrange the elements on the plate, then “dot” sauces, herbs, or edible flowers around the plate. Think "intentional mess, but beautiful".
Why it works: It feels modern, playful, and puts focus on each individual element.

All these styles are simple, flexible, and will work with food you already make on a day to day basis. If you try it this week I'd love to see a photo of what you create!

Happy plating,
Taryn