61°North

Designing the Perfect Plate

Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a winter soiree among friends, a delicious meal in a beautiful atmosphere can warm up a cold, dark Alaska night. Hosting a meal complete with multiple courses and a beautiful centerpiece may sound daunting, but with a little planning and creativity you'll easily create a feast for the eyes and for the palate. Here is some inspiration for designing your own tablescape and menu to treat your friends to a delightful night in.

With the salad

It's okay to let nature do most of the work, especially with salads. Pick produce that is not only pleasing to the palate, but also to the eye, such as these brilliant golden beets and purplish radicchio. Contrast the natural shapes the lettuce provides with a mix of geometric cuts from the beets, such as circles, half-circles, rectangles and squares. Sprinkle hazelnuts and Gorgonzola overhead, letting the pieces fall where they may, for a natural final look.

Recipe here.

With the soup

Play around with final touches. Even something as simple as a soup can be exciting with a last minute flourish. An olive oil spiral or some fresh herbs can brighten any bowl. Treating a sweetheart to a home-cooked meal? Show them how much you care by adding dots of cream to the soup's surface and use a toothpick to draw a line down the middle of the circles, creating hearts.

Recipe here.

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With the main course

Just because a plate is flat doesn't mean your plating needs to be lackluster. Experiment with depth and patterns across the entire surface. To achieve this look: Use a spoon to dollop the root vegetable puree and, with the back of the spoon, swipe the edge of puree in one direction; curve the broccolini around the other side of the plate to compliment or contrast the swoosh of the puree; cut the lamb into one- or two-rib sections and balance them against the puree so the Frenched bone is at an upward angle; spoon a ribbon of red wine sauce in the empty space to bring the dish together.

Recipe here.

With the dessert

Use the plate as a canvas! Pastry brushes aren't just for egg washes—dip the brush in melted chocolate, raspberry coulis or other tasty spreads and paint the plate. A touch of whipped cream and some fresh fruit can elevate any dessert and chocolate is always a welcome addition. Here, an off-center X of chocolate is brushed across the plate and a rectangle of tart is topped with a hint of lightly sweetened whipped cream while chocolate shavings, made from taking a vegetable peeler to a chocolate bar, are sprinkled across everything. The finishing touch is a fresh gooseberry.

Recipe here.

A centerpiece can reflect the theme of your meal or perhaps provide a conversation piece. It need not be complicated, and you can dress up your table with items you probably already have.

Candles and battery operated twinkle lights—Invite your guests to the table with the warm glow from a small light source. Wax-dipped flameless candles look realistic and prevent accidents should a guest have an extra glass of wine.

Wine glasses—Mix up traditional stems with stemless to create dimension. Or, sub in a variety of mason jars and arrange on an extra charger, cutting board or mirror.  

Pine cones or holiday ornaments—the holidays may be over, but repurpose some less obvious holiday décor to add cheer to your table all winter long. Arrange them in and around glassware and consider your light sources for diffusion and reflection.

Your place settings need only be as extravagant as your meal. Consider what you're serving and the utensils needed to eat it. Starting with the first course utensils, start at the outside and work your way toward the plate.

Centerpiece and table settings designed by Meghan Mackey.

This article was first published in 61°North – The Design Issue. Contact the editor, Jamie Gonzales, at jgonzales@alaskadispatch.com.
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