Learn These 9 Tricks for a Stunning Turkey Platter!

In collaboration with Design Mom and Café Johnsonia's Lindsey Johnson

We have already discussed the 7 Secrets to the Juiciest Thanksgiving Turkey and the 6 Secrets to the Perfect Pie Crust. Making the turkey look nice on the serving platter is the next topic. The Thanksgiving turkey is a labor-intensive dish to prepare, requiring long hours in the oven, frequent checks to ensure the bird doesn't burn, lifting and rotating a heavy pan, etc. Despite your hard work, it will likely be gobbled up in a matter of minutes. I know This is how the world works Everyone needs to eat.

But if you're anything like me, you'll want everyone to take a moment to ogle (excuse the pun) that gorgeous turkey, with its golden brown skin and the promise of juicy perfection within. A beautifully browned, perfectly cooked turkey is an art form. I agree with Norman Rockwell, who seemed to agree.

Here's a tip: channel your inner Martha Platter, please. Polish that acorn Garnish that turkey with some style. Hold off on feeding the masses for a minute while you take in the fruits of your (literal) labor for the past four to five hours.

Whether you're a food blogger like me, an Instagram addict, or just someone who appreciates a well-presented meal, here are some tips for making the turkey platter stand out.

First, let's discuss platters. If you're having trouble deciding on a platter, here are some things to consider: First and foremost, there's the matter of your own unique fashion sense. First of all, a platter should coordinate with the other servingware and tableware you have. Think about a platter that will keep along with a theme; for example, if you have all white dishes and serving bowls, just about any white platter will fit in well. I'm not suggesting you treat this as seriously as choosing a sofa, but it is something to consider. Another illustration: I personally adore eclectic decor, but if your dishware is very modern, an ornate floral platter might look out of place unless you have other pieces to pull together the look. To look well-coordinated, it need not be matchy-matchy.

Look in places like Goodwill, TJMaxx, Home Goods, Bed Bath & Beyond, IKEA, and department stores if you don't already have a huge platter but would like one. At this time of year, you can usually find a decent one for a reasonable price. An attractive roasting pan or substantial cutting board is yet another kitchen accessory that always catches my eye. You can also accessorize those

The second key is to select a platter that is both large enough to accommodate a turkey and light enough for one person to carry. e Not something you want to be doing: picking up pieces of turkey off the floor. It's possible that )

Once you've decided on a platter, the real entertainment can begin, and your imagination can run wild. Thirdly, start thinking about these things a few days before your dinner, so you're not scrambling to put something together at the last minute. In my experience, however, waiting until the last minute can also be effective.

Adding a finishing touch to your dish can be done in a variety of ways. When I sit down to create something, the first thing I consider is color and the mood I want to evoke with it. Even though we're discussing turkey, these tips can be applied to any dish that needs to be decorated.

Plan ahead for things like when you plan to eat. In the middle of the day or later in the evening Is your table set with your grandmother's fine china and sterling silver, or is it more informal? And no, I don't mean paper plates. Hah Do you tend to go all out, or do you prefer to keep things straightforward? Thereafter, you can select the finishing touches for your Thanksgiving meal that will add the most visual appeal. Feelings can be set by the following methods:

The turkey and roasted vegetables, mushrooms, pears, and herb sprigs on this simple white platter make for a beautiful presentation.

Although they could have been cooked at the same time as the turkey, For a later, perhaps candlelit Thanksgiving dinner, I might try this turkey topping.

I might prefer the bright and cheery platters shown above and below if I were to eat my meal a little earlier in the day, when sunlight would be streaming in through my windows.

Because it has rainbow-colored fruits and vegetables, this one on the aqua metal tray is my favorite.

The garnishes themselves are next. You can use anything you like to decorate your platter, but I've compiled a list (below) of traditional and visually appealing options that will make your turkey stand out.

Choose condiments that complement the flavors of the brine or aromatics you stuffed into the turkey. Foods such as fresh herbs, onions, garlic, and apples It's possible to use roasted vegetables, fruits, and/or mushrooms as I did in the example above.

Fourthly, fresh greenery around the turkey's base on a platter is a great garnish. Gorgeous examples of salad greens include lettuces, kale, and various leafy herbs.

Above, a layer of watercress is spread evenly around the edge of the platter.

It's pretty basic looking, but you could jazz it up with some citrus fruits or other ingredients.

Let's discuss the myriad elements that can be included to enliven the piece with new hues, contours, and finishes.

One of my favorite holiday decoration elements is nuts. I find the variety of browns and textures of the shells to be incredibly appealing. I'd like to make a platter with nothing but browns and tans on it someday.

The dark brown turkey and the green leafy vegetables really stand out against the bright reds and oranges. Cranberries and pomegranates are two of my favorite holiday toppings, but roasted beets and bunches of grapes are also nice.

When combined with other beautiful fruits, grapes add such a sense of abundance to the table.

5th hidden truth: consider seasonal availability. Unfortunately, the fig season is so brief that I was unable to find any for my platter. Sigh As an alternative, I was able to purchase persimmons and beautiful satsumas that still had their leaves. Little golden apples and winter squash are still available at the farm stand near me. Utilize the resources at your disposal.

DUSTY CHECKLIST OF IDEAS

Veggies and fruit:
fruits and vegetables such as pomegranates, cranberries, quince, pears, persimmons, grapes, berries, currants, crab apples, citrus, figs, and whole unshelled nuts like almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts, and fruits and vegetables like fresh or canned chestnuts.

Veggies:
winter squash, root vegetables (potatoes, beets, carrots, parsnips), root celery), fennel, onions, and garlic

Greenery:
Herbs and spices that have just been picked from the plant (such as sage, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, parsley, etc.) leaves of lemon tree

It should go without saying, but give the fruits and vegetables a good scrub before adding them to the platter.

Let's talk about how to start putting the platter together and arranging the food. Layering is key, which brings us to our sixth secret. The turkey is typically the first thing I serve. To catch any dripping juices and prevent it from falling over, I'll sometimes use a few paper towels as a base. Then I brush it with olive oil to make it look more presentable. That's also acceptable for the final moments.

Soon after, I'll begin incorporating the leafy vegetables. I've begun constructing my platter, and I'm using sturdy, dark green lacinato kale.

The greens could go on the platter before the turkey, but that would depend on the type of green I'm using.

After the basic landscaping is in place, I move on to adding the various components, working from large to small. Seventh Secret: I don't want it to look too organized, so I'll be placing them at irregular intervals. Having apples on the top, bottom, and sides isn't that important to me. Instead, I might pick a similarly sized fruit that acts as a counterweight.

The inside of the turkey is another thing on my mind. Hint #8: Fill the turkey with something if you don't plan on stuffing it. The usual suspects: an apple, some herbs, an onion, etc.

Use both whole and chopped materials (Tip #9) Pomegranates are lovely on the outside, but once you slice them open, their true splendor is revealed. Try blending some pleasant flavors

You shouldn't be reluctant to rearrange the furniture. Plug up the teeny spaces with the tinier stuff. Take out the oversize, mismatched piece of fruit. Enhance the roughness of it Have a good time goofing off

Then, serve it to your loved ones and bask in the applause of their satisfied yumminess.

Toasting Success Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

P S Confidential Affair The entire Secrets To Living Well Series can be accessed from this page.