New Year's table for living with sunshine 2024

December 19, 2023

It's New Year's Day when you want to make a special occasion, but if you use unfamiliar plates and colors, the table tends to look disorganized.

Recently, New Year's tables are becoming simpler, and the one-plate style is becoming the norm, without worrying about weights or Japanese plates. In ``Sunny Life'', we will introduce 3 tips for stylishly putting together dishes using dishes you already have at home, while focusing on Western dishes that you would want to use every day, while valuing the traditional New Year's atmosphere!

Use Japanese hare color [Kohaku]

Japanese celebratory colors [red and white]. Just having red and white pots on the table instantly creates a festive atmosphere.

■The color of “red and white”■

It is said that it originally meant ``auspicious and bad luck'', but in Japan, the color ``kohaku'' has been used since ancient times as a symbol to distinguish between ``everyday (ke) and extraordinary (hare).'' ” is a color that symbolizes [Hare (unusual)].

① Use [red and white] as the main color

If you keep in mind that simple is best, your use of accessories will stand out, and your food will look great.

② Highlight red and white based on black

When you incorporate black, the red and white look becomes more toned down.
Black creates a chic Japanese beauty, and conversely, if you use white as a tablecloth, it will create a brighter impression.

③Use white as the main color and subtly supplement red with plants and decorations

By using white vessels and incorporating the red berries and green colors of plants, you can create a sacred celebration.
Although it is simpler, the food and casual style stand out.

Incorporating Japanese motifs and textures

[Red and white] In addition to color, we can create a dining table with a relaxed feel by incorporating Japanese materials and motifs such as mizuhiki and lacquer, and by incorporating different materials such as glass in a well-balanced manner.

① Mizuhiki

Mizuhiki, which accompany celebratory dishes, are often seen at weddings and other celebratory occasions.
In addition to adding it to dishes, you can also decorate it in a variety of ways, such as adding it to a vase or using it as a chopstick rest.

　The golden and white color is recommended because it is easy to use regardless of the ingredients or color of the dish.

②Auspicious motif

By adding celebratory motifs ( pine, bamboo, plum, crane, and turtle) and seasonal motifs, you can create a sense of the season and create a gorgeous color.

You can add cuteness to the small plates by adding motifs, ceramic textures, and accent colors.

In addition, many celebratory foods are prepared to make the most of the ingredients, so we recommend tablecloths, placemats, and center cloths that have textures that allow you to enjoy the texture, such as natural materials or satin.

③Create a stylish atmosphere by adding just one Japanese texture

Urushi vessels and bons have a Japanese-style vermilion red or black background with a glossy texture that will elevate your dining table to the next level.

In addition, instead of the large bowls that a family would eat, the bowls for one or two people are perfect for everyday use as something a little special, and can be used to expand the range of tableware.

Incorporating plants for a lively dining table

Choose the material and design of the vase depending on the flowers you will be arranging.
This time I narrowed it down to one type, so I chose a single flower vase to help convey the Japanese atmosphere. Recently, it is sometimes served as a small bouquet along with tableware and napkins.

Flowers are not only table flowers, but you can also enjoy a variety of decorations during the New Year, such as planting kadomatsu (Japanese pine trees) and entrance decorations like welcome flowers.