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How to Give Yourself a Fine-Dining Experience in Your Own Kitchen
When many people think about fine dining, they think about going to a restaurant. However, you can create your own fine dining experience at home. There are several ways that you can make the most of your dining experience while you are at home.
Decoration
Restaurants know how to create the right atmosphere with tasteful decorative pieces. Even if you’re eating at your kitchen counter on a stool instead of in dining room, a simple table runner, folded cloth napkin, and decorative dishes do a great deal to change the atmosphere of the meal. In many cases, it’s those little details that really bring a meal together. Even a few flower petals spread about the dining space can elevate your meal from a two star experience to a five star.
Get Creative With the Cooking
A great meal is one of the keys to an amazing dining experience, but you don’t have to be a master chef to make something fancy. Get creative with exotic spices and seasonings to give even boxed mac and cheese a high-quality taste. Remember that presentation goes a long way, as well. Use separate fine china dishes to plate your entrees, and add a side garnish or drizzle of homemade sauce. Any meal, no matter how basic, can be elevated with a little extra flavor and proper plating.
Have the Right Lighting
Lighting can dramatically change up the mood in the room. Candles are a common favorite for those seeking to replicate a fine-dining experience, but you can create soft, ambient lighting by other means as well. Strings of fairy lights are just as effective at creating a romantic dining atmosphere, and dimmed or colored lighting create a softening effect on the room.
Listen to Music
Music also can go a long way to set the mood. There was a 2003 study done that showed people spend more time in restaurants when there is classical and jazz music playing in the background. Classical and jazz music is popular in restaurants because it can easily blend in with the background noise. Whether you’re dining alone or having guests over, playing some quiet instrumental music in the background helps create a pleasant atmosphere in your home.
Pair the Wine Properly
Wine can enhance your dining experience, especially if properly paired with the food. Italian sweet wines go great with just about any meal, particularly the common go-tos for those seeking to create their own fancy homemade dishes. Pasta dishes tend to pair well with the fruity Italian wines, though some say that red wines are better with tomato-sauces while cheese or seafood options go better with white.
You don’t have to go to an expensive restaurant to have a fine dining experience. A little creativity and a few minor touches can go a long way to elevate your dining experience. Decorate, listen to some nice music, and don’t forget to research your wines for the best pairing when putting together a fine dining home meal.
