Eating at a restaurant and eating at home both have their pros and cons. Going out to eat is fun, but it can get expensive if you do it too often. Eating at home saves money, but it can require a lot of time and effort to create a delicious meal. So what if I told you that you could make delicious, restaurant-quality meals right in your own home without putting in too much effort? Check out this list of 20 effortless ways to make eating at home just as good as the restaurant and be sure to try a few of these out for yourself!
1. Color Coordination
One of the simplest ways to kick your meals up a notch is by coordinating them by color. It’s aesthetically pleasing and allows you to impress your guests–and even yourself–before digging in. It takes hardly any extra time and the effect is well worth it.
2. Symmetrical Breakfast
Another easy way to take your meal from looking home-cooked to restaurant quality is by building your plates symmetrically. Once again, the aesthetic factor comes into play with this one, and the effect it has will significantly raise the quality of your meal. This is a great one to do for your spouse or partner on special days or just when you’re in the mood to impress.
3. Snack Table
![r/FoodPorn - Cheese and Charcuterie table I made for our (75 person) holiday party [OC]](https://preview.redd.it/yl7zynqc3n441.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=6c025d2cbce3e649ef28e4822c12fa9635d5e5be)
If you’ve got a party to host, don’t fret about not having enough dishes and plates. Instead, turn one of your tables into a serving station. This host was able to create a beautiful snack table that served 75 guests without having to dirty a single dish.
4. Salad In A Glass
A fun and easy way to add a little class to your home-cooked meals is by serving side dishes in unique containers. Try serving your salads in a glass instead of a bowl and watch your guests’ faces light up. They’ll feel modern and classy as they enjoy the first course of the meal.
5. Dessert In A Glass
And while you’re at it, why not throw a dessert in a glass as well? It turns an ordinary dessert into a high-class culinary experience. This is just the beginning of potential serving possibilities. Try going through your cabinets to see what other fun dishes are available to use.
6. Fun Decorations
Presentation is the name of the game when it comes to turning your home-made food into restaurant-quality meals. I mean, even something as simple as a latte seems to be better from a cafe than one made at home. Why? Because of the decorations they put in the foam. You can use that technique to make some awesome soup decorations as well. It will take your meal from bland to beautiful.
7. Carved Figures
We’re all used to the shape of bread. In fact, we’re pretty used to the shape of all of the foods that we eat. One of the easiest ways to make your meal stand out is by changing up that shape. Make it fun, unique, and surprising. The more intriguing a meal looks, the better.
8. Make It Fun For Kids
There’s nothing harder than getting your kids to eat a quality meal. Sure they’ll eat some of it, but getting them to put the important stuff–like veggies–into their mouth can be a challenge. Instead of having to fight with them at the dinner table, try turning their meal into a wonderful work of art! They’ll be downing those green in no time.
9. Duck Cakes
Once again, imagery comes into play here. We all know what a pancake looks like, so making your friends and family another pancake breakfast may not quite do it for them. But what if you turned those pancakes into a couple of kissing ducks? Now we’ve got ourselves a meal to remember.
10. Dreamin’ Kitty
Meat, veggies, and rice is a classic meal combination. It’s good, but can be a bit boring due to how frequently it is served. Instead of spooning on the same portions night after night, try sculpting them into fun scenes and shapes. Sure you may be eating similar meals, but each night there will something new to look forward to.
11. So Many Options
Falling into routines is part of being a human–and that goes for our meals as well. We can get caught up in using the same ingredients and toppings for our meals and snacks. For your next meal, however, try breaking out of your usual routine. Find new toppings and ingredients to use. You may be surprised by all pf the options that you find.
12. The Aesthetics Of Simplicity
Sometimes less is more–and that goes for your cooking as well. Something as simple as corn can become a beautiful, restaurant-quality appetizer. All you need to do is pay attention to the aesthetics of your presentation. There’s no need to overdo it here, let the food speak for itself.
13. Home-Harvested Meals
There’s nothing more satisfying than creating a meal out of food items that you baked, harvested, or grew yourself. And it’s easier than you may think. Try growing a little garden in your backyard, buy a couple of chickens for fresh eggs, or even keep an eye out for wild mushrooms the next time that you go hiking through the woods. The satisfaction of self-sufficiency alone will be worth any extra effort.
14. Charcuterie Ship
Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? Next time you’re having guests over, try blowing their minds and their tastebuds at the same time. Get creative with your presentation of smoked meats, cheeses, olives, crackers, nuts, and fruit. This couple decided that a Viking ship made of prosciutto would be the perfect addition to their wedding.
15. Dipping Options
If what you are serving seems a bit basic or bland, try spicing it up with different types of sauces–like this fried potato board. Now, each french fry that is eaten will be a totally new taste and experience. When you give your tastebuds options, your meal goes from plain to adventurous.
16. Artistic Dinner
Let’s face it, most of us stick with cooking the things that we know we are good at—which is fine. But instead of simply making the same dinner over and over, try taking those same ingredients and making it into a work of art. Impress your family and friends not only through their sense of taste and smell, but through their sight as well.
17. Who’s At The Table
Maybe the biggest factor that goes into whether or not a meal is amazing is who you are eating it with. The best way to make your meal seem better is by sharing it with the people that you love. It doesn’t matter if you are serving hot dogs or a five-course meal, if you are with good friends, then it will be delicious.
18. Edible Dishes
Don’t waste time cleaning up a bunch of dishes at the end of the night. Instead, make your dishes edible. I’m talking bread bowls, tortilla wraps, and any food that can contain more food. It’s fun, easy, time-saving, and delicious.
19. Don’t Be Afraid To Load It On
Sometimes we try not to overdo the number of ingredients when we are cooking for other people. We make the mistake of holding back rather than going all out. Sure, there are times when modest amounts may be better, but not always. Here’s a tip: when it comes to dessert, don’t be afraid to load it on.
20. Use Edible Garnishes
A super simple way to take an ordinary meal and make it extraordinary is by adding edible garnishes. This pizza was just a pizza before it was transformed into a fancy, restaurant-quality meal by adding a few edible flowers. If it’s edible and it looks good, go ahead and try throwing it on your next home-cooked meal.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
