Showing posts with label chopsticks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chopsticks. Show all posts

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Year of the Dragon Tablescape

 
There’s something I find quite appealing about Chinese New Year. I’m not sure if it’s the myths, the customs, bold colors, the intricate Chinese characters, or because it represents the end of winter* and the beginning of spring, but I set a table in celebration every year.
The table covering here is gorgeous fabric from Michael Miller in the “Asian Influence” pattern. I let this fabric dictate the colors of this table — gold, red, and black. Once this was decided, I was off and running.
I could have gone gaudy here, and initially headed in that direction with paper Chinese dragons in pink, yellow, and red, but instead chose to go rather minimal compared with what I generally do, in order to allow each piece to shine.

Metallic gold chargers set on top of round black placemats. Square black plates are on top of the chargers, each of which is topped with a collapsible fan.

Chopsticks are at each place setting, as well as sparkly gold flatware for those of us who tend to send food flying when using the “sticks.” Crystal chopstick rests are available for those who choose to use them.

The napkins are made from Alexander Henry fabric in the “Manju Kanji” pattern that blends amazingly well (I think) with that of Michael Miller.

 
I wanted a bold punch of red, so chose these beautiful goblets from Villeroy & Boch.

 
The tea set belongs to my number two son who, years ago, became fascinated with Asian tea service. I found it perfect to use here, considering we’re celebrating the Year of the Dragon beginning February 10.
The saucers under the simple cups are in the shape of leaves, something I find charming.

 
The simple but unique candlesticks can be found here.
 
If you are as eager to see the end of winter and beginning of spring, as I am, consider celebrating this holiday in your home, and brew a nice cup of Chinese tea.
 
*For some of us it has been shockingly cold (read awakening to the temperature of -7° F). For me, personally, it involved being stuck, diagonally, in the middle of my street, blocking traffic in both directions, when I tried to venture out after a deceptive layer of ice coated the street under the guise of a dusting of snow.

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 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday


Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Chinese New Year Tablescape


You don’t need the excuse of Chinese New Year to set a festive and fun Chinese themed table. Whether you’re enjoying a meal of Chinese delivery, or have whipped together something on your own, this fun table will add much to your dining experience.
It’s really not difficult to do. I used fabric remnants for the table covering, made my own napkins to match, and grabbed white and red dishes to use to set the table.
A few Chinese props like these chopsticks and fans add to the fun, fortune cookies make dessert something to look forward to, as well as these fresh lychees
Dinner will be quite an experience with a table like this one.
The centerpiece need not be fussy, number two son, Andrew, loaned me his dragon teapot and teacup set to use at center, and a few Chinese carry out containers (that I always keep on hand to share leftovers with friends) add to the fun.
The glassware I made myself for an Asian theme anniversary party I had for my parents years ago. You can read about them here.
My mother is visiting at this table as well; the crystal knife rests are used here as rests for chopsticks. These are vintage, and add sparkle and fun to the table, not to mention a practical place to put chopsticks!
I hope I’ve given you some ideas with this table. It doesn’t have to be an occasion for you to do the same.
Sources
White chargers and red plates - Pier 1
Bamboo flatware - Crate and Barrel
White lotus bowls -
Amazon
White soup spoons - Crate and Barrel
Chopsticks -
Amazon
Folding Chinese fans -
Amazon
Chinese Takeout Boxes -
Amazon
Lychees -
Melissa’s Produce
  Vintage crystal knife/chopstick rests - my mom

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