Side dishes can sometimes be the main attraction at a meal. The side dishes often add personality to the table when they are prepared and served with flair. No matter what kind of meal – a dinner party, a family supper, or even a holiday gathering – make the side dishes stand out..

Think how boring meals would be without side dishes. What would Easter ham be without green beans, squash casserole, hot rolls and deviled eggs on your plate? What would grilled chicken be with out potato salad? Then add a ratatouille and a fruit pit. And do not forget about Thanksgiving. Sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and corn pudding are a must with the turkey.

Think how boring your meals would be without the side dishes. Side dishes bring the meal to life and every family has a traditional side dish that was a family secret recipe.

What with all of the deliberations people go through trying to decide what sides go with the rest of the meal, the trial and error method works best. You know what combinations are right the first time your taste buds rave at the flavor combinations.

But there are flavors that just seem to go together no matter what else is served: ham and corn, beef and potatoes, fish and rice, and chicken with just about anything.

First decide what the main dish will be and then choose the sides to go with it. Select a starch food next, such as potato, rice, pasta, or grits. Let the season help you with a choice. If it is summer, you might choose a potato salad or a baked potato, a rice salad, or a light pasta. When the weather is cooler, go for a creamy potato dish, or a corn pudding or soufflé.

Then add something crunchy, such as a green salad or a vegetable salad. In the summer serve a fruit salad. Now add a vegetable. In the summer, a green vegetable lightly roasted or grille is a good choice. And in the fall, maybe a simmered green bean dish or sautéed zucchini.

For larger buffets, include another colorful side or two that is a bit of fun, such as a creamed spinach dish or a feta pie.

Then you need to add a bread and at least one dessert. Lemon works great after fish. Chocolate makes a great choice with beef. And when in season, make a fresh fruit pie or cobbler.

The main thing to remember is to let your taste buds be your guide to serving delicious side dishes at your next meal.