Tuesday Tastings {Beautiful Bites}

Instead of our usual Tuesday recipe, today we’re taking a lesson in food styling from California food photographer Matt Armendariz, who always manages to make edibles appear mouthwateringly gorgeous. When designing a party menu, I always consider the colors, textures and presentation of the items in addition to their interplay of flavors…after all, we eat with our eyes first! Take these cool & crispy cucumber cups as Lesson #1: Think outside the {bread} box for hors d’oeuvres, and use fresh vegetables as a refreshing vessel for dips & spreads.

Lesson #2: When arranging food on a platter, remember that symmetry + simplicity = a modern presentation. Don’t these potato latkes with salmon & créme fraiche look effortlessly cool in neat little rows on a stark white platter?

Lesson #3: Cut a pizza or tart in an unexpected way to create interesting shapes & give a “normal” dish an air of creativity.

Lesson #4: Everyone loves mini versions of classic dishes. Think beyond ‘sliders’ and serve mini grilled cheese, chicken salad on rye, & gourmet club sandwich served with tiny bowls of toppings.

Lesson #5: Infuse style into everyday meals like toast with jam by decanting condiments into pretty containers, like these vintage glass jars.

*First spotted via At Home with Kim Vallee.