New Year's is a time when we want to create a special occasion, but if we use unfamiliar plates and colors, the table can easily look disjointed.
Recently, New Year's tables are becoming simpler, with one-plate style becoming the norm, rather than focusing on stacks and Japanese dishes. "Hare to Kurasu" will introduce three tips for creating a stylish table setting using dishes you have at home without making mistakes, while still preserving the traditional New Year atmosphere, with a focus on Western-style dishes that you'll want to use every day!
Use Japan's special color [red and white]
Red and white are the celebratory colors of Japan. Just having red and white tableware on the table instantly creates a festive atmosphere.
■The color of "red and white"■It is said that the original meaning was "good and bad events," but in Japan, the colors red and white have long been used as a symbol to distinguish between "ordinary (ke)" and extraordinary (hare), and the color "red" in particular is a color that symbolizes "hare (extraordinary)."
① Use red and white as the main color
By keeping in mind the idea of simplicity, your accessories will stand out and your food will look even better.
② Using black as a base to highlight red and white
By incorporating black, the red and white combination will instantly look more compact.
Black creates a chic Japanese aesthetic, while using a white tablecloth or similar item creates a bright impression.
3) Use white as the main color and subtly complement the red with plants and decorations.
By using white tableware and incorporating red berries and green colors from plants, you can create a sacred and celebratory atmosphere.
It's simpler, but it really highlights the food and subtle elegance .
Incorporating Japanese motifs and textures
[Red and White] In addition to the colors, you can use materials and motifs that are typically Japanese, such as mizuhiki and lacquer, and use different materials such as glass in a well-balanced way to create a dining table with a relaxed feel.
① Mizuhiki
Mizuhiki, which is used to accompany celebratory dishes, is often seen at weddings and other auspicious occasions.
In addition to serving them with food, they can also be used in a variety of decorative ways, such as placing them in a vase or using them as chopstick rests.
The gold and white color is easy to use and is not affected by the ingredients or colors of the food, so we recommend it.
② Auspicious motifs
Adding celebratory motifs ( pine, bamboo, plum, crane and turtle) or seasonal motifs can create a seasonal feel and add a touch of color.
Small plates can be made to look cute by featuring motifs, choosing ones that allow you to enjoy the texture of the pottery, or adding accent colors.
Also, since celebratory ingredients are often cooked in a way that makes the most of the ingredients, we recommend tablecloths, placemats and center cloths made from natural materials that allow you to see the texture of the fabric, or satin, which allows you to enjoy the texture.
3. Create a chic atmosphere by adding just one Japanese texture
Lacquerware and trays have a glossy texture with a typically Japanese vermilion or black base, and will take your dining table to the next level.
Also, rather than a large bento box for the whole family, a bento box for one or two people is just right for something a little special for everyday use, and is an item that will broaden the range of your tableware.
Bring plants into your dining table
Choose the material and design of the vase depending on the flowers and plants you will be putting in it.
This time, I narrowed it down to one type, so I put it in a vase to better convey the Japanese atmosphere. Recently, they are also sometimes placed as small bouquets along with tableware and napkins.
Flowers can be enjoyed not only as table flowers, but also in a variety of other ways, such as as New Year's decorations such as Kadomatsu plantings and welcome flowers for entranceways.
We hope that by serving your New Year's meal beautifully, you will be able to greet the New Year in a cheerful mood. Please use this as a reference for your New Year's dinner table.