Presenting and garnishing dishes

The presentation of a dish can positively influence the taste experience. An attractive arrangement on the plate will whet the appetite and heighten anticipation for the meal being served. We have put together some useful tips to help you create stylish dining experiences for yourself and your guests.

Artistic presentation will elevate a meal into a taste experience for all the senses. Beautifully decorated plates add visual appeal, whet the appetite and make us eager to discover the flavours. To present your meals like a pro, there are a few basic principles to observe, including the arrangement and balance of food on the plate. Below you can find tips from professional chefs that will help you create decorative effects with just a few simple touches.

The first step is to determine the perfect portion size to avoid overfilling the plate or making it appear too empty. One simple idea for aesthetic presentation is to layer the individual components on the plate. This will give the food an artistic structure, similar to a stacked burger. Leave the outer rim of the plate free to stop it looking overly full and to display any attractive decoration.

Experiment with textures too. Foams or sauces can make even a seemingly simple dish look more appealing. Colours can also be used to create texture contrasts. Rather than artificial ingredients, choose naturally colourful foods such as carrots, potatoes or salads. Vibrant colours will make the food more appealing as the eye will immediately be drawn to these bright components.

To present dishes like a pro, practical considerations are important too. Because as well as being a pleasure to look at, your chosen crockery should also make the dining experience smoother for your guests. This includes the correct arrangement of crockery as well as the presentation of food on the plates. A stylish cutlery setting will add to the aesthetic effect of the dishes. Specific rules apply to the arrangement of cutlery for a meal consisting of several courses: forks are placed to the left of the plate, with knives and spoons to the right. When arranging cutlery, start from the outside and work inwards according to the sequence of the courses.

Decorate dishes with herbs or other attractive trimmings to make them look even more appealing. Coordinating table runners, tablecloths and napkins will create a harmonious impression on your dining table. Choose decorations in colours that stylishly emphasise the crockery. Beautiful decorations will, of course, also create a welcoming atmosphere that will make a relaxed meal with family or friends feel extra special.

You can choose from a wide variety of toppings to add the perfect finishing touch to your creations - from fresh herbs to edible flowers and coarsely or finely chopped nuts. Fresh herbs, croutons and cream are good options for soup. You can decorate a grilled steak with onion rings or sprinkle dill over a fish fillet. Use sauces sparingly and serve extra in an attractive jug to allow guests to serve themselves.

Are you looking for impressive looks for a complete buffet? Vases of fresh flowers will add stylish touches to a spring buffet. In summer, opt for a cold buffet decorated with fresh citrus fruits or berries. Pumpkins and apples will add a seasonal note to an autumn buffet, while herbs, cinnamon sticks and oranges will make an atmospheric statement on a winter table.