Most Asian design principles focus on simplicity and precision. When throwing an Asian-style dinner party, styling the dining area using these principles will ensure an elegant dining experience for you and your guests. Take easy steps to create an understated yet luxurious environment for your next occasion. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Prepare the dining table by laying down a black tablecloth. While black table linen is a bit untraditional, it makes a dramatic first impression and a great effect for an Asian theme party. Set each place with a white or ivory charger, topped with basic white china. Modern square white china is best for an Asian theme. Set each place with a red linen napkin topped with a set of reusable chopsticks. Inexpensive wooden chopsticks are acceptable, but black or ivory plastic chopsticks are more in tune with this theme. For guests who will prefer to avoid the chopsticks, also set each place with traditional silverware on the left side of the charger.
2. Add an interesting dramatic flair to the table by randomly placing precut white paper circles (5 to 8 inches in diameter). On top of each paper circle, place one black tea light candle and one white tea light candle adjacent to each other. The effect should be a nod to the yin-yang. Keeping the circle solid white as opposed to half black and half white makes this decorative effect more elegant and subtle. Place as many of these on the table as you would like.
3. Decorate the room and above the table by hanging Chinese or Japanese style paper lanterns. These lanterns come in a vast array of colors and shapes, so you may choose to make the room sparkle with multiple complementary colors. For a more subdued and elegant effect, stick to white or a combination of red and white lanterns. The overall appearance of the room should be whimsical yet understated. Remember when purchasing and hanging lanterns that subdued simplicity is the hallmark of the Asian design philosophy.
4. Create the centerpiece by placing about 1/4 inch of sand at the bottom of a large, shallow glass bowl. Carefully add water until the bowl is about 3/4 full. Adding the water will disturb the sand, so allow time for the sand to return to the bottom of the bowl. Once the sand has settled, set several artificial cherry blossoms in the water. Then place and light black floating candles. This centerpiece is practical, as it is low enough to allow guests to see over it easily. Its composition of sand, water, flowers and fire is an artistic nod to the natural elements revered in Asian Zen culture.
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