Send out a sizzling cast iron platter to the table in front of your guests and mouths will start to water as ears perk up. Looks aren't everything, but they sure help. Create eye appeal by using different layers, shapes, colors, or sizes in one dish. Remember that food is three-dimensional. Take advantage of this by constructing plates that virtually pop out at you.
Texture is flavor's best friend.
Combine crisp with creamy or crunchy with chewy, giving the mouth relief as it finishes a dish, good to the last well-planned drop.