Why Ina Garten Prefers To Serve Food On White Dishware - Tasting Table (2024)

Why Ina Garten Prefers To Serve Food On White Dishware - Tasting Table (1)

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ByKaren Hart/

It's no secret that when it comes to plating food, Ina Garten is a fan of using white dishes and serving pieces to enhance the appearance of the meal. Per CNN, Garten has expressed her penchant for simple dinnerware. "I definitely like white. The plate is really about what makes the food look best and I like it set against a white background. I never like plates that have patterns on them," she says in "Be My Guest With Ina Garten."

A simple scroll of her Instagram reveals the Barefoot Contessa walks her talk. She uses white dishes whether she is hosting a Fourth of July celebrations,showcasing a simple Caprese salad, or making a classic party snackin the form of a hot dog wrapped in pastry dough.

White dishes have a fresh look to them. They really are like a blank canvas that allows a cook to showcase his or her culinary artistic touch without being overwhelmed by intricate designs. Not to mention white dishes are easy to pair with other elements of your table. Using silver or pewter pieces with white dishes can make for an elegant table setting. Garten concurs and confesses she likes to display her white China alongside hotel silver. "I love to combine white china and old hotel silver on the kitchen shelves. It's not just lovely to look at, but I use it all!" she proclaims on Instagram.

Simple and versatile

Why Ina Garten Prefers To Serve Food On White Dishware - Tasting Table (2)

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White dishes also give you a lot of freedom. Because they are so versatile, you have plenty of options when choosing what type and color of flowers you want to have setting on the table to meet your guests. Similarly, the simplicity of these plates means you can be truly creative with your napkin or placement selection, as well as any other colorful serving pieces you might want to use as focal points on your table or tables.

If you want to outfit your kitchen with dinnerware similar to the cookbook author's, Garten shares on her website that she gets some of her favorite serving pieces from the likes of Williams-Sonoma and Crate & Barrel. She writes, "They both have a huge range of white china. For example, my large serving bowls are Crate and Barrel brand, and my Pillivuyt and Apilco dishes are from Williams-Sonoma."

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Why Ina Garten Prefers To Serve Food On White Dishware - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

Why Ina Garten Prefers To Serve Food On White Dishware - Tasting Table? ›

And one of Garten's golden rules is to always serve your guests using white plates. “I definitely like white,” Garten told CNN in 2022. “The plate is really about what makes the food look best and I like it set against a white background. I never like plates that have patterns on them.”

What is the best color plate to serve food on? ›

In general, round, white plates tend to enhance sweet flavors in food, whereas black, angular plates tend to bring out more savory flavors, Spence says. And serving food on a red plate tends to reduce the amount diners eat.

What white dinnerware does Ina Garten use? ›

Another, pricier option is the White Dinnerware set from Pillivuyt, a French brand Ina recommends for serving ware as well. Aside from the simple, clean lines, both sets are dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe, a must in Ina's—and our—book.

Why are white plates popular? ›

White dinner sets are timeless, elegant, and versatile. They can match any table setting and create a sophisticated atmosphere. White is also the perfect color to showcase your culinary creations. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows the food to shine and be the centerpiece of the table.

Why do restaurants use white plates? ›

White is a top choice for many chefs for framing their culinary creations because almost every color of food looks good on white. The colors of the food seem more vibrant and the food looks more appealing. It can be a perfect frame for any style of food.

What color silverware goes with white plates? ›

White plates black silverware

Enhance your dining experience with elegant table setting ideas using white plates and black silverware. Discover stylish ways to create a sophisticated and modern look for your next dinner party.

Why are white plates best for food photography? ›

Typically a plain matte and neutrally colored plate is best for food photography because they do not distract from the food. Earthy tones or black and white are usually best.

What food scale does Ina Garten use? ›

Oxo Good Grips Food Scale

Ina uses this Oxo food scale to keep everything precise — and delicious.

Which food processor does Ina Garten use? ›

Cuisinart Custom Pro 11-Cup Food Processor.

What range does Ina Garten use? ›

Her Lacanche range

“I think if you can cook, you can cook on any stove,” Garten wrote. “The Lacanche keeps a very steady heat and it's a total pleasure to use. Functional and beautiful at the same time!”

What color plate makes you eat less? ›

Bright colours like -yellow, orange, and red, are known to stimulate our appetites the most. These colours, especially red, increase our blood pressure and heart rate, making us feel more hungry. However, grey, black, brown, and purple are considered as an appetite suppressant.

Should I buy white plates? ›

You can never go wrong with white dishes. They're beautiful, classic, and versatile.

What is the meaning of white plate? ›

A vehicle with a white license plate and black lettering indicates it is designated for private or personal use only. Vehicles bearing white registration plates are prohibited from transporting goods or carrying passengers, emphasising their exclusivity for personal transportation.

What is the most popular color for dinnerware? ›

White dinner plates are the top choice for many chefs because almost every food item looks appealing when served on white plates. Any style of food can be presented well and the food looks more vibrant. Invest in timeless white dinnerware and proudly present your culinary creations in style.

Why is white plate a traditional color favored by chefs? ›

White plates are a traditional color favored by chefs because they make the vibrant colors of the food more visually appealing to the guests. Chefs use white plates like a blank canvas without concern for color clashes from contrasting plate colors.

What color plate makes you eat more? ›

Bright colours like -yellow, orange, and red, are known to stimulate our appetites the most. These colours, especially red, increase our blood pressure and heart rate, making us feel more hungry. However, grey, black, brown, and purple are considered as an appetite suppressant.

What color is most appealing for food? ›

Red has been found by researchers to be the most stimulating color for our appetites. According to research published in Frontiers in Psychology, this is rooted in the body's biological response to red, which is known to increase your heart rate and blood pressure.

What plates are best for presenting food? ›

The color of serviceware affects the overall presentation, our taste perceptions, and even our appetite. White plates are a traditional color favored by chefs because they make the vibrant colors of the food more visually appealing to the guests.

What colored plates are the most versatile for plating food? ›

Neutral Tones for Greater Versatility and Better Photos

They create a timeless, clean backdrop, allowing the textures and colors of your food to shine. White ceramic plates are preferred for their ability to display varied, vibrant dishes without unnecessary distraction.

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