#5 Food Stylist Hacks You Can Use at Home

I’m sharing some of my go-to, the behind-the-scenes tricks we rely on during cookbook shoots and events to keep everything running smoothly. The best part? These hacks aren’t just for photo sets and professional kitchens. They work beautifully at home, too, helping you entertain with less stress and a whole lot more ease.

#1 FREEZE AHEAD

Puff pastry is a delicious, elegant product that can really be a life saver when it comes to entertaining. It also makes for great make ahead and freeze appetizers. Puff pastry can be defrosted, cut, filled, and then refrozen. The best part? They go into the oven frozen, no need to defrost! These cherry-filled hearts from the Cooking with Deadpool Cookbook are a great example.

#2 PARTY TIP

As you plan your party menu, consider how each dish will be served including the plates, utensils, and accompaniments you’ll need. The day before or morning of the event, set out all the serving dishes and utensils. Arrange them, space permitting, as wanted for the event. This works especially well for buffet set ups. Use a sticky note, write the name of the dish that will go in each serving piece. This little bit of pre-planning saves so much time, last minute scrambles making sure everything is clean and ready to, and really helps when others offer to help set up the food. 

#3 HERB STORAGE

We’ve all been there; you buy herbs for a recipe only to find them a wilty or blackened mess when you go to use them! I am looking at you Basil! Here are the best ways I have learned to keep the fussiest basil, cilantro, and parsley looking great for a week or more!

Basil wants a mini green house. When you bring the bunch home, whether it was loose or in a blister pack, give the stems a trim so they have a fresh cut for drinking water and put them into a vase or jar. Ideally small enough so the stems don’t flop out of the water but not smashing the leaves. Then, here comes the green house, cover all the leaves, down to the rim of the vase, loosely with plastic. A disposable shower cap works perfectly for this but so will a plastic bag. Leave the basil on the counter in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Check the water every 2 to 3 days to make sure the stems have enough to drink. I have had basil root this way and last almost 2 weeks!

For cilantro and parsley, it is rinse and repeat of the above but keep this herb on a shelf in the refrigerator. Make sure the vase does not get pushed toward the back of the fridge where herbs tend to freeze due to the colder temps back there.

#4 GET THE SCOOP

Ice cream is the best! Unless you are the one serving it to a crowd, which can be time consuming, messy, and putting you last in line to get your treat. Pre-scooping the ice cream eliminates the chore and the mess of serving everyone a still frozen dessert! 

Cover a rimmed baking sheet, edge to edge, with plastic wrap (I prefer press and seal) creating a taut surface with a pocket of air underneath. Scoop up your required servings of ice cream and place each scoop on the tray. Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours. If you want to do this even further ahead, cover the tray and the scoops with more plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container after 1 hour of freezing. 

#5 MEAL PREP-ISH

When we are prepping for a cookbook shoot, we look for as many things that can be done ahead as possible. Go through the recipes you are planning on making and see what can be ticked off the list.

3 dishes with diced onions? Do that knife work all at once, separate them by their correct amounts, store in a labeled airtight container, and be done shedding tears! Lots of spices in your best chili recipe? You will be amazed how much time it will save to have those spices pre-measured in a tight-fitting lidded jar standing by.

Crudité is great dish to add to any party – get ahead by cutting ahead. Store each veggie in its own container (label, label, label) and cover with a damp paper towel. This also makes it easy for people to restock during an event. 

Whether it’s freezing ahead, labeling like a pro, or pre-scooping dessert, these simple food stylist habits make a world of difference at home. A little thoughtful prep goes a long way toward a gathering that feels easy, generous, and joyful which is exactly how it should be.