Japanese-inspired Table Settings
How do the Japanese ensure their tables look the part for occasions grand and small? Find out in our latest journal article here on the Made in Japan site.
Breathe new life into your kitchen via your table setting. Yes, really. In our latest article, we discuss Japanese-inspired table settings in all their gloriousness. Read on...
There's something beautifully simplistic about Japanese table settings. Even when there seems to be a lot going on in terms of crockery (the Japanese certainly do appreciate their crockery, after all), any given table still manages to look minimalistic and, above all, well thought out.
Pictured: our matt black small spoon
What is a Japanese table setting made up of?
If you’re keen to replicate a Japanese dinner setting at home, be prepared to break out a lot of that aforementioned crockery. Thankfully, there are some beautiful pieces to choose from, so you won't be short of choice.
Following the principle of ‘ichiju sansai’, a traditional table setting features one soup and three dishes.
So, for example, you might have a bowl of miso soup, followed by either a meat or fish dish, and two side dishes. Interestingly, a bowl of white rice is separate to the two side dishes and doesn’t count as one of them.
Where do the chopsticks go, the side dishes and the main?
While many of us place our fork on the left and a knife to the right, the Japanese do things in a similarly traditional way too.
The chopsticks, therefore, must go at the front of the table setting (with the tip to the left). The soup should be on the right, and the bowl of rice to the left, with the main course sitting to the back right, and the side dishes to the left and centre back.
Over on YouTube, the It’s Wander Angel channel (hosted by a Filipino living in Japan, with her Japanese husband), features a handy table setting etiquette video, which shows the host laying out a traditional Japanese table. Giving you plenty of inspiration (and to ensure you’re doing it right), the video is well worth a watch if you love all things Japanese.
What about Japanese Christmas table settings?
May we refer you to one of our journal articles from 2023? It features some Japanese Christmas table settings you’ll love recreating at home.
Top tips include using Japanese prints to decorate your table, raising a glass with a festive sake set (what else?!), and adding some Christmassy-themed must-haves to your home. For example, we like these festive red chopsticks (pictured below).
These decorative sauce dishes will also prove a hit, and this five-piece set of bowls (below) make a gorgeous gift to yourself (or someone else). Use the latter to ensure you have all bases covered on your festive table: the mains, the sides, the rice, and more.
They're crafted from high-quality porcelain and each showcases unique and contrasting glazes sourced from various regions of Japan. Ideal for enjoying your favourite dishes throughout the year, whether you're serving up salads, sides or desserts, they add an elegant touch to any dining table.
Will you be giving any of these table setting ideas a go this Christmas or beyond? We hope we've provided you with plenty of inspiration for a traditional – and aesthetically pleasing – festive season.
Until next time...