Setting a stylish table for Idul Fitri<\/p>\n
Maria Endah Hulupi, Contributor\/Jakarta<\/p>\n
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\nSTANDFIRST: Although the Idul Fitri holiday is only a week away,
\nthere is still time to try something a bit different at your
\ntable this year -- and leave a lasting impression for your
\nguests.
\n================================================================<\/p>\n
At the end of the Ramadhan fasting month, Muslims across the
\nworld celebrate with a determination to strengthen ties with
\nfamily and friends.<\/p>\n
It is the tradition here to spend the occasion with family
\nmembers in an intimate gathering, where younger members take
\nturns asking for forgiveness from older ones before heading to
\nthe treats awaiting in the dining room.<\/p>\n
They will include the holiday mainstay of ketupat -- rice
\ncakes wrapped in woven coconut leaves -- and elaborate dishes,
\nspecially prepared using recipes handed down from generation to
\ngeneration.<\/p>\n
And a beautifully appointed table is just the right touch to
\nfeature the classic foods.<\/p>\n
For this year's celebration, several hotels in Jakarta share
\nsome ideas for creating a memorable table settings. Each offers
\ndifferent themes to highlight the spirit of Idul Fitri, with
\nstyles ranging from traditional, Middle Eastern to versatile
\nelegance for people expecting a varied group of visitors to come
\nthrough their doors.<\/p>\n
Two's Company: For an intimate celebration for two, Gran Melia
\nJakarta presents an elegant, \"sparkling\" table setting, with
\nwhite and green as the main colors.<\/p>\n
Assistant F&B director, Eduard R. Pangkerego, teamed up with
\nSamuel Warello of El Canna florist to bring out the sparkling
\ntheme, using a string of silver and green crystal balls to create
\nthe desired effect.<\/p>\n
The table is adorned with a small flower arrangement on a
\nclean, crisp linen tablecloth with brown place mats. For the
\nflower arrangement, the hotel uses white roses, baby's breath,
\ntwirling salix branches and different kinds of decorative leaves
\nto give texture and color gradation.<\/p>\n
\"To maintain balance between the table and the decorative
\narrangement, we keep the arrangement small and use a glass pot.
\nWe covered the base of the pot with chunks of crystal ice and the
\noasis (the base of the arrangement) sits on top of it,\" explained
\nEduard.<\/p>\n
The salix branches bear young, tender shoots which represent a
\nnew beginning in life, and ketupat made of lontar leaves are
\nchosen to enhance the holiday cheer.<\/p>\n
The hotel's florist, Nurlaila, designs a simple arrangement,
\nincluding gerbera, James' story and florida beauty, in a small
\nterra-cotta pot and uses it to decorate Idul Fitri hampers. The
\narrangement is put in a rattan basket or tray, with cookies and
\ncakes placed around it. Later it can be used to decorate a coffee
\ntable.<\/p>\n
Going Green: Shangri-La Jakarta opts for an elegant,
\npredominantly green table setting.<\/p>\n
Florist manager Budi Susanto, together with the F&B division,
\nuses white Casablanca to symbolize purity and elegance. The white
\nflowers and golden shower are beautifully placed among different
\nkinds of decorative leaves in a low bowl.<\/p>\n
Ketupat, a woven mat and marbles, spread on the table, are
\nalso used to add a traditional nuance to an overall versatile
\narrangement that, with a little adjustment, can be used for
\ndifferent occasions.<\/p>\n
\"The theme can be modified from romantic dining to an informal
\nfamily gathering. For a romantic Idul Fitri, instead of the
\nmarbles, candles and rose petals can be scattered on the table,\"
\nBudi said.<\/p>\n
For the hotel's hampers, Budi strew golden shower and ketupat
\nin a green woven basket. The use of batik for packaging
\naccentuates the ethnic touch.<\/p>\n
Eastern Promise: The Intercontinental Midplaza Jakarta offers
\na Middle Eastern-themed dining atmosphere with a low-key
\ntraditional air.<\/p>\n
Sheer dark fabric is used to dress up a low round table with
\ncushioned seats. A Middle Eastern traditional table mat is placed
\nin the center, with tableware put atop it.<\/p>\n
For added Middle Eastern flair, a shisha (water pipe) is put
\nnearby. Each table has a candle inside a bowl to add flickering
\nillumination, as well as a plate of assorted biscuits for guests
\nto nibble on while chatting before enjoying a heavier meal.<\/p>\n
Its traditional-style Idul Fitri table setting is decorated
\nusing only a single gerbera with ketupat in the center. The
\ntraditional theme is further enhanced with the use of a batik
\ntablecloth and green striped place mats, resembling the motif of
\nketupat.<\/p>\n
\"We chose simplicity for the traditional-style setting,\" said
\nthe hotel's assistant F&B director Herman Kartaamidjaja. He added
\nthat gerbera and decorative ketupat were also used to decorate
\nthe hotel's hampers.<\/p>\n
I box:<\/p>\n
Getting it right on the big day<\/p>\n
A table setting not only helps in creating the desired
\nambience for a celebration, but also makes the dining table the
\ncenter of attention for all the guests. Of course, it takes
\ncareful planning so that things go off without a hitch.<\/p>\n
Here are some things to consider when decorating the dining
\ntable.
\n* Create the concept and\/or the theme at least a week before the
\nevent.
\n* Try to be innovative, and when doing it yourself try to keep
\nthe decorations simple.
\n* Carefully choose the materials to bring out the desired theme.
\n* Besides flowers and decorative leaves, ribbons, dried flowers
\nor fruits and spices can also be used as the main features. They
\ncan be prepared days before the event.
\n* Fresh cut flowers and decorative leaves can be bought and
\narranged a day ahead of the occasion.
\n* Water the base of the flower arrangement twice a day, making
\nsure to water the oasis to maintain its freshness as long as
\npossible (usually a flower arrangement lasts around three days).
\n* Keep the arrangement neat by removing any wilted petals or
\nleaves.
\n* Use vintage items -- fabrics or tableware -- to add \"weight\"
\nto the table setting and old family recipes to please the guests.
\nThese family \"treasures\" make good conversation starters, and
\nguests will feel honored that the best has been laid out for
\nthem.<\/p>\n
-- Maria Endah Hulupi<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/setting-a-stylish-table-for-idul-fitri-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }