If you ask anyone in the catering business they will tell you that food presentation and garnishing is as important as the preparation and Taste. This is because these are central to keeping guests happy as they experience your reception. However, presentation is often overlooked by caterers who are either too busy or more concerned with the taste of their dishes. People eat with their eyes, and creative and thoughtful garnishing and presentation enhances both the look and taste of your food. Focusing on presentation also allows caterers to showcase their creations and demonstrate to guests that they’re getting their money’s worth.
An attractive buffet presentation and garnishing has many benefits for the caterer, the host of the event and the guests. For the caterer, it allows many creative possibilities, a chance to stamp their identity on the menu and create a signature dish. It is also a way to reintroduce flavours that work well together, and present them in a unique style. From the host side it can be a simple way to personalise the event and entertain guests. Guests will also enjoy a better experience with a stunning plate of food appealing to their visual taste as well as their palette. Not all dishes require the most elaborate presentation, but a well presented dish can:
It’s easier to identify the origins of a neatly presented buffet, so it is more likely to stimulate the hunger response from your guests. The appearance of food is also a key element in marketing your menu. Without a stylist or photographer on hand, you can be sure that your guests will be keen to capture a great looking dish. You can encourage them to post images online and include the name of your catering business.
It’s less likely that a well presented dish will be eaten in a rush. In this way, food presentation is a powerful tool which is able to alter the perception of food. Similarly, children enjoy eating food that is fashioned into an interesting shape or design. Therefore food presentation can also encourage healthier eating, making it a useful trick to win the approval of kids or fussy eaters.
Whether you’re serving a corporate function, wedding or even a private party, thoughtful and attentive presentation is sure to improve guests’ impressions of your business. An awareness of food presentation also allows you to demonstrate your chefs’ skills to guests and helps you highlight all of your catering delicious offerings. Before we put that final full stop, here are a few selections of our fine food presentation and garnishing from our previous events:
Tell us why you love a well presented dish in the comments below.