The Art of Plating
A chef’s guide to choosing plates that elevate your food.
The right plate can quietly transform a meal.
Not by shouting for attention, but by framing the food in a way that lets color pop, texture feel intentional, and even the simplest dish feel considered. Plating is about choosing a canvas that supports the story you’re telling.
How I Think About Plates (Before I Ever Plate the Food)
Color sets the mood - dark plates ground a dish and make vibrant vegetables glow. Soft blushes and warm neutrals create calm, modern elegance. Greens feel earthy and seasonal. I choose plates the same way I choose ingredients—based on feeling, contrast, and context.
Shape changes how food behaves
Low bowls invite layering and movement
Wide rims create breathing room
Shallow dishes encourage intentional placement
Small plates make even casual food feel special
Plates I’m Currently Drawn To
My plate collection is always evolving, but these are the shapes, colors, and textures I’m loving at the moment.
L’Object Alchimie Dinner Plate in Black Bold and architectural. Black plates create instant contrast and drama that are especially striking for vegetables, grains, and simply dressed proteins. For a more affordable option, H&M Home often has great black dinner plates in rotation with a similarly modern feel.
Blush Soup Plate from Bon Chef Soft color with generous depth. Ideal for brothy soups, pastas, and composed salads that need structure without feeling heavy.
Provencal Pasta Bowl from Williams Sonoma in Green Earthy and timeless. This shade of green feels grounded and seasonal, making it perfect for everyday meals that still feel intentional. For similar earthy tones at a lower price point, Zara Home is always worth a look.
Minerals Side Plate in Rose Quartz from Portmeirion Subtle, flattering, and versatile. A gentle color that complements nearly everything without competing with the food.
Junto Dinner Plate in Pearl Grey from Rosenthal Clean, modern, and restrained. I’m imagining a simply prepared fish dish with crisp skin, seasonal vegetables, and a vibrant sauce. For similarly clean, modern shapes, Year & Day offers great everyday options.
The next time you cook, try plating the same dish on two different plates and notice how it changes the experience. Sometimes the smallest shift—shape, color, or scale is all it takes to see your food differently.
