for plating, i really like relae: a book of ideas. if you take the concepts and reign them back a bit, you come out with some really nice stuff.
the book of breakfasts and brunches has a bunch of simple ideas that can easily be expanded on and made nicer. it's good if you're working brunch and need to come up with a special or two in a pinch.
art of garde manger is a bit more old school, but still a great book to have around.