Stephanie Studer––Making your food appealing

By Stephanie Studer for North Valley Magazine

Did you realize the food photos you see in your favorite cookbook or magazine are meticulously styled and constructed with your appetite in mind? That fork on the plate, and those extra crumbles of cheese on the salad did not land there by mistake, but instead lay there hoping you realize them and crave a bite! The art of styling and photographing food involves much more than the 2-d photo you hold in your hand, so take time to appreciate how that image came to be. The same can be true of food you serve at home or social events. Entice your guests with a few tips in mind, and they will leave feeling satiated and happy.

Setting up a party table or plating food that appears delicious are very intricate tasks. A plate of food that is haphazardly slopped on top will not make someone re-pin your photo on Pinterest, buy that cookbook, or eat at your table. Consider what you look for in a delicious meal, and try to recreate that remembering these 3 beginning tips:

1) Color – Use the color wheel if you have to, but familiarize yourself with foods of complimentary color and plate those foods accordingly. Everything from the table cloth to the plates should be considered, and if looking for a “safe” option with those, you can never go wrong with white! Let the colorful food speak for itself.

2) Garnish- Garnishes add a hint of style and color to a plate of food. Especially consider a garnish when serving a fancy cocktail.

3) Space saving- Take advantage of vertical space on your table by using tiers, cake plates and stands to display food at various heights.

When styling a food plate or table, keep in mind those you are trying to appeal to. Set your table up accordingly with those 3 tips in mind, and your guests will be on their way to enjoying all you have prepared.

About Stephanie Studer

Stephanie is my name, but throughout my life I have held many titles. Daughter, sister, student, Marine wife, mom, are all important roles I have filled, and continue to fill now. Originally brought here by the US Marine Corps, I had never considered living in Arizona for a long amount of time and growing to like it so much. After 9 years of service around the world, my husband left the USMC for the civilian world, and now we fill our days with the fun 3 daughters bring, food and anything hands-on. My time is full of crafting handmade goodies and making fun messes throughout our home, but especially in our kitchen. My love and appreciation for all things beautiful & handmade shows through my photography, as I am learning to grow as a food and lifestyle photographer here in Arizona.