Mastering the Art of Dish Presentation – With a Festive Twist

In hospitality, taste is everything, but you eat with your eyes first, so it’s the presentation that creates a lasting impression!

As we approach the Christmas season, presentation takes on a new significance. Diners expect a little more magic, from festive flavours to visual flourishes that celebrate the season. This is the moment for chefs and catering managers to elevate their dishes, not only to delight customers but to encourage return visits and all-important word-of-mouth, both in person and online.

At BWG Foodservice, we believe presentation is a vital part of the service you deliver to your customers. That’s why we’ve pulled together this guide to mastering plating techniques with a festive twist, ensuring your business shines during the busiest time of the year!

Seasonal Inspiration: A Christmas Approach to Presentation

Christmas is a time when customers expect food to feel indulgent, celebratory, and different from the everyday. Here are some festive plating ideas to inspire your seasonal menu:

Festive Colours on the Plate

Red, green, and gold are natural Christmas signals. Use beetroot, redcurrants, pomegranate seeds, or spiced red cabbage for ruby tones. Sprouts, herbs, and pea purées bring fresh greens. Saffron sauces, roasted carrots, or parsnips glazed with honey provide warm golden hues.

Rustic Warmth vs. Minimal Elegance

Choose your plating style based on your venue’s personality. Rustic wooden boards and cast-iron skillets convey comfort and abundance, while crisp white porcelain showcases minimalist elegance. Both can work beautifully when paired with Christmas flavours.

Signature Festive Desserts

Presentation can elevate even the simplest sweets. Try serving panna cotta in glass jars with a layer of berry coulis, topping cheesecakes with sugared cranberries, or using star-shaped pastry cut-outs to bring a subtle seasonal touch.

Drinks That Dazzle

Don’t forget beverages. Presentation applies equally to cocktails, coffees, and festive mocktails. Rim glasses with sugar for a frosted look, garnish hot chocolates with cinnamon sticks, or add a twist of orange peel to mulled wine for a fragrant finish. We have prepared some fantastic festive options in our Christmas Brochure, so check them out.

Practical Tips for Busy Kitchens

Christmas is the peak season for hospitality, and while presentation matters, service speed and consistency are critical. Done well, strong plating practices can not only elevate your customer experience but also protect your margins during this high-volume period. Here are some ways to strike that balance:

Prep garnishes in advance: Keep herbs, candied nuts, or edible decorations ready to save time during service.

Standardise plating: Create plating guides or photos for staff to replicate quickly and consistently.

Invest in versatile tableware: Neutral plates allow seasonal ingredients to shine while reducing the need for excessive plateware variety.

Train the team: A five-minute plating refresher before shifts can keep standards high during the rush.

Efficient presentation isn’t just about speed; it’s about maximising impact without inflating costs. By managing consistency and portioning carefully, you can maintain a festive “wow factor” for guests while keeping margins healthy throughout the busiest trading season of the year.

How BWG Foodservice Can Help

The foundation of any beautifully presented dish is the quality of its ingredients. At BWG Foodservice, we are proud to supply businesses across Ireland with:

Premium proteins — from traditional turkey to alternative centrepieces like beef, lamb, or plant-based options.

730574 Fresh Turkey Butterfly Approx. 5kg 

654852 William’s Gate Whole Gammon Boneless Approx. 8kg

Festive essentials such as cheeses, cured meats, and specialty items for charcuterie boards and grazing platters.

686098 Sol Parma Ham Slices 500g x 4

718069 Sol Italian Mixed Olives 1.1kg x 3

Dessert inspirations including chocolate, pastry, fruits, and garnishes to add flair to your sweet menu.

712373 Christmas Friends Icing Toppers Decorations 1kg x 1

723179 Raspberry Crumble Freeze Dried 90g x 12

723184 Flowers Edible Freeze Dried 50g x 12

Beverage solutions ranging from premium wines and cocktail mixes to non-alcoholic festive options.

723214 Monin Espresso Martini Mix 1lt x 6

723208 Monin Margarita Mix 1lt x 6

Dish presentation is more than just decoration — it’s an expression of your brand, your care, and your creativity. This Christmas, make sure your plates deliver on every level: flavour, quality, and visual appeal.

With a little planning, some festive inspiration, and the right ingredients, you can master the art of dish presentation and give your customers an experience they’ll remember long after the decorations come down!

To order, call our Telesales team at 021 454 8700 or visit Shoplink.ie. Not registered yet for our online store? Contact a member of our team today.