Perfect table settings for Christmas and Idul Fitri

JAKARTA (JP): Tonight is Christmas Eve, and you are intent on preparing the very best table for your loved ones to show them that you care.

The problem is that you really have no idea what to do.

Perhaps Thomas Elliot's classy design for a Christmas table setting, created exclusively for The Jakarta Post, will arouse your aesthetic creativity.

American-born Elliot, design director of PAI architectural and interior design firm, chose an informal setting and a personalized approach to entertain his guests.

Fabulous fruits and wonderful flowers are the trademark of Elliot's table setting, designed to make a Christmas dinner sparkle.

"Christmas is a special occasion. Everything is special with your individual touches everywhere. Table setting, decorations ... and more importantly your house reflects an exuberant atmosphere," Elliot said.

At Graha Cipta Elite in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Elliot artistically placed three crystal vases filled with fresh red roses as the focal points of his table.

"I deliberately put those red flowers in loose arrangements in vases on the table and orange roses on crystal plates mixed with delicious fruit to create a colorful and lively spirit," said Elliot, who was accompanied by PAI's director Lanny Marlitta Ridjab.

People, he said, tended to worry over fixed rules and etiquette when setting their tables, such as how to create beautiful floral decorations and where to place dinnerware, cutlery, glasses, table napkins and place mats.

"This will really hamper your chance to experiment and will cram your head with unnecessary things," said Elliot.

Knowing the rules of the standard table setting is fine, he said. "But, if you don't know all about that, you should not be discouraged."

To create a minimum of fuss, it will be better not to show all elegant and expensive dinnerware altogether on the dinner table. If possible, serve all food, cakes and other delicacies in order.

"Just save all the foods that can wait in the kitchen and serve later," he explained.

It is also a good idea to put a place card on each plate to let guests know where they are seated.

To decide on the seating arrangements, write the name of each guest on an individual slip of paper and juggle these until the guests are grouped suitably.

"What's more important is to believe in your own aesthetic feeling and create what you think is nice and comfortable for you and your guests," advised the designer.

Idul Fitri

For Idul Fitri, a team of interior designers from Graha Cipta Hadiprana also prepared a special buffet table setting for Post readers.

"The setting will be suitable for a young couple living in a modern house who want to receive guests during Idul Fitri," said Sammy Hendramianto as he accompanied his team.

The team used furniture and dinnerware sets from the Graha Cipta Elite. Some additional ethnic accessories were borrowed from Galeri Hadiprana.

Stylish simplicity is the key to Hadiprana's design. The table was partly covered with a woven cotton table cloth adorned with two bouquets of roses and a candle holder.

To conjure up the Idul Fitri mood, the team placed various food, including slices of ketupat (steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves), a bowl of opor ayam (Javanese chicken curry), sambal (local chili sauce), fruit punch and a double tray filled with assorted traditional cakes.

"We can mix traditional and modern elements to create a chic table setting design," said Sammy.

Before designing a table setting, Sammy said, one should first decide on a budget, and then create a specific theme.

"After you know the budget and the theme, let your imagination and creativity flow," Sammy added.

Now, just be ready to prepare for festive parties, and to have a Merry Christmas and Happy Idul Fitri. (raw)