Color and Food

Set the mood with color theory

Experts agree color affects everything from our mood and attitude to our sleep habits and appetite.[1] Color specialist Latrice Eiseman points out the parallel between how color impacts human behavior and how color behaves in nature. For example, the color blue, often associated with blue skies, evokes feelings of stability and calm as the sky is always present.[2]

We all have our personal preferences, but the authorities on color recommend delving into the psychology behind color in lieu of choosing color schemes on design trends, alone.[3]Learn more about the psychology of color and food and how color theory can be used to set the mood for any culinary event or occasion.

Color theory in practice

  • Red: Red is associated with happiness. It stimulates energy, raises excitement and promotes liveliness,  which makes it the perfect color for dinner parties and gatherings.[4] Behavioral investigator Vanessa  VanEdwards describes red as passionate, attention-grabbing and appetite-stimulating.[5] If you don’t plan on  painting the walls with it, but want that pop, try red table covers and tulip cups—these products are sure to  rouse both appetites and energy.
  • Orange: Orange is another appetite stimulant.[6] It can energize, stimulate and increase oxygen supply to the  brain. [7] Mary Lawlor, manager of color marketing at Kelly-Moore Paints says that orange is a color “ …  best reserved for the kitchen or dining room.” [8]
  • Black: Black is dramatic and modern works great as an accent color. Known for eliciting feelings of staying  indoors, it is often used in tandem with other colors to create a pop.[9] Try it in small doses, perhaps  for beverage napkins at your bar or tavern.[10] 
  • Green: Green is very prevalent in nature and suggests restoration, comfort and relaxation.[11] Natural tones  of green can encourage patrons to sit back, relax and stay awhile. Restaurant management software  company Upserve® says it is also “ … a great color for restaurants trying to communicate freshness and  healthy options.” Feng Shui expert Dana Claudat Green points out that browns and wood paired with green  are making an appearance in many health food restaurants.[12]Our solid color placemats come in a variety of  greens, browns and beige to help create that relaxed and comfortable feeling.
  • White: White suggests brightness, purity and cleanliness. When it comes to plates it is a common color    chosen by restaurants. Some chefs say it not only makes food look better, but taste better, too. Although      many agree there is a place for color on plates, the round, white plate takes the cake.[13] Pari them with white  FashnPoint® napkins for the perfect look.
  • FashnPoint® napkins
  • Tulip cups
  • Beverage napkins

Choosing the right colors to accompany your cuisine is as important as the ingredients that go into it. Color can affect appetite, attitude, mood and more. Look to color theory and the psychology behind color and food to ensure you set the right tone when you set your table.
 
Set the tone as you set your table

Stimulate any mood with these colorful table coverings

 
 

[1] "Feeling Moody? 10 Room Colors That Might Influence Your Emotions." Fox News Magazine. N.p., 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[2] VanEdwards, Vanessa. "10 Ways Color Affects Your Mood - Science of People." Science of People. N.p., 18 Jan. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[3] "Feeling Moody? 10 Room Colors That Might Influence Your Emotions." Fox News Magazine. N.p., 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[4] "Feeling Moody? 10 Room Colors That Might Influence Your Emotions." Fox News Magazine. N.p., 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[5] VanEdwards, Vanessa. "10 Ways Color Affects Your Mood - Science of People." Science of People. N.p., 18 Jan. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[6] "Feeling Moody? 10 Room Colors That Might Influence Your Emotions." Fox News Magazine. N.p., 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[7] VanEdwards, Vanessa. "10 Ways Color Affects Your Mood - Science of People." Science of People. N.p., 18 Jan. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[8] "Feeling Moody? 10 Room Colors That Might Influence Your Emotions." Fox News Magazine. N.p., 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[9] "Feeling Moody? 10 Room Colors That Might Influence Your Emotions." Fox News Magazine. N.p., 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[10] "Building Customer Loyalty: Color Experts Rank Best Restaurant Colors To Keep Customers Coming Back - Upserve." Upserve. N.p., 07 Jan. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[11] "Feeling Moody? 10 Room Colors That Might Influence Your Emotions." Fox News Magazine. N.p., 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[12] "Building Customer Loyalty: Color Experts Rank Best Restaurant Colors To Keep Customers Coming Back - Upserve." Upserve. N.p., 07 Jan. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

[13] Taylor, Anna-Louise. "White round Plates: Does Food Taste Better on Them?" BBC News. BBC, 25 Nov. 2013. Web. 03 May 2016. .

 

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