1. Skip the champagne or expensive spirits. If it's only in the background or
used as a supporting player, you can save a bundle by creating fake
bubbly out of seltzer and a few drops of soy sauce.
2. Garnish with ingredients that are included in the recipe. You should
already have them on hand, and highlighting them will reinforce the main
flavors of the dish.
3. Think beyond standard table linens for backgrounds. Lengths of raw
fabric, curtains, and even garments like long skirts can add fun pops of
color and texture.
4. Don't have enough salad to fill a bowl? Invert a smaller bowl and place it
underneath the greens to bulk them up. Just make sure it's completely
covered by the greens.
5. Start with simple white plates. You'll get a lot of use out of the basics
since they're so versatile. Strong patterns or colors are more likely to
clash with certain foods or backgrounds.
6. Use natural window light for a soft, evenly diffused glow. Tungsten lamps
have a distinct yellow tint and can be very harsh. It's much better to use
existing, indirect sunlight to flatter your subject.