How to Decorate a Table Japanese Style

Adding Japanese accents to a table is easier than ever before with the wide availability of options at your local Asian Market, Super Stores--like Wal-Mart, Target and Ikea--and online. Simplicity and balance are key concepts of Japanese design; therefore, adding Japanese accents to your table can range from simply using Japanese fabric for place mats to using Japanese ceramic cups and bowls. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place table runner and place mat. Use a Japanese obi (Kimono sash or belt) as a runner down the length of the table or under candles or a flower vase. Place a Japanese tassel used with the obi on the obi runner as a simple accent without candles or a flower vase. You can also use smaller pieces of obi, square pieces of Japanese fabric or bamboo mast as a place mat.

2

Select dishes. You can find Japanese-inspired table and sushi settings, including bowls, chopsticks, cups and plates at a variety of store like IKEA and Target. Generally reasonably priced, they offer an easy choice for decorating a table. Typically Japanese dishes used for table settings don't match, reflecting the tradition of wabi-sabi in which perfection is the imperfect. Therefore chose bowls and plates that vary in size, color or design yet still have a harmony and balance.

3

Place individual settings. A typical Japanese place setting is based on the concept of "ichiju sansai," which consists of a total of five dishes with a bowl of rice placed nearest the diner to the left and a soup bowl to the right. Behind these, place three flat plates containing side dishes.

4

Place utensils. Japanese hashi (chopsticks) should never touch a tabletop, therefore, place chopsticks near the diner on hashi oki (chopstick rest/holder) with ends facing left.

5

Select drinking cups. Japanese ceramic cups and mugs, usually without handles, are used to serve hot tea, and even Japanese sake. Traditional Japanese ceramic cups also embody the wabi-sabi concept; therefore, try to choose ceramic cups that have a slightly uneven surface. If serving alcohol, Japanese sake cups come in a variety of materials from bamboo wooden boxes to lacquer, so choose ones that match your table dcor.