Unique art of entertaining is a stylish tradition
Unique art of entertaining is a stylish tradition
JAKARTA (JP): Entertaining and honoring guests in style is a
centuries-old tradition in this country.
Rich hospitality is usually at the heart of traditional
festivities involving hundreds of people in a community.
At the events, especially rites of passage ceremonies such as
the birth of a baby and weddings, the host lays on a sumptuous
spread of food for guests.
As a societal gathering, a celebration also provides a prime
opportunity to display the most beautiful heirlooms -- and
attendant status -- of the host family.
These communal meals are carefully prepared and elaborately
presented in line with the rules, values and tradition in each
society. Dishes are generally complex and require much effort to
prepare. All members of a community will usually help cook and
decorate these celebration feasts.
In Java, there is usually the nasi tumpeng rice cone,
accompanied by uraban, steamed vegetables with grated coconut, at
a feast.
The mountain-shaped rice cone is a work of art in itself and
is rich in symbolic values and messages. It represents the host's
hope for blessing from the society as well as Almighty God. All
guests partake in the cone, but the top is presented to the most
respected attendee.
Similar festive meals such as lawar in Bali, ohamina in West
Nusa Tenggara and astakona in Kalimantan are found throughout the
archipelago.
Although entertaining has been recognized in the country for
hundreds of years, the modern form is mostly a nod to
international, primarily Western styles and standards.
These are rooted in the 16th century French royal code known
as etiquette protocolaire. This specified rules of table manners,
dress code and etiquette for hosts and invited guests at royal
functions.
Today, people have slightly modified the code and experimented
with a range of styles to adjust to their needs.
Yuna Nasution wrote in Inspiration Indonesia, a recently
published book on using Indonesian traditions in entertaining,
that there were formal, semiformal and informal occasions. These
range from an afternoon tea, luncheon, dinner, cocktails, and so
forth. Each requires specific food, table settings and
decorations.
Table setting styles can be divided into the elegant-classic,
mostly found in formal occasions such as state dinners, and the
contemporary or ethnic, for semiformal and informal events.
Formal entertaining, usually dinners, is always elegant,
sophisticated, prestigious and official. Rules and etiquette must
be observed.
Formal dinners means sit-down dining in which the guests are
served by waiters. Seating arrangements are carefully devised by
the host.
The use of silver or silver-plated cutlery and fine carved
crystal is a must for formal dinners. The tablecloth is usually
pure white damask to create an elegant and sophisticated look.
Semiformal entertaining gives a wider opportunity for the host
to use more decorative tableware. It does not necessarily have to
be silver or crystal. High-quality ceramics and earthenware are
acceptable. Tablecloths and napkins can be colorful and made from
modern fabrics to conjure up warm and joyous atmosphere.
Informal entertaining is for meetings with acquaintances.
Since it is a casual occasion, it can take place in the garden,
on the terrace or at the beach. The food can be presented buffet
style for guests to help themselves.
The art of setting the table covers not only the arrangement
of the dinner service, but also suitable and artistic decoration.
The setting is a vital aspect of entertaining, since the manner
in which the table is presented helps create the desired
atmosphere.
Several basic items are used for decorating the table,
especially in a sit-down dinner.
* Tablecloths
The rules for fabric and color are fairly relaxed today
although white damask is still the best choice for a formal
dinner.
Many different kinds of fabrics in attractive designs and
colors are now available on the market, including linen, silk,
satin, cotton and even synthetic textiles. Avoid cloths that
crease easily and colors that run when washed.
* Place mats
Place mats are sometimes preferable so that the natural beauty
of a table surface, for example marble or teakwood, can be
beautifully exposed. There are a variety of fabrics, colors and
designs available.
* Table napkins
Table napkins serve a decorative function as well as in
practical use. As a decoration, they can be folded in a variety
of interesting shapes such as tulips, lilies and fans.
A table napkin should be made of absorbent fabric. It does not
have to be identical to the place mat or tablecloth. When using
white tablecloth, matching white napkins -- perhaps with a lace
edging -- are preferable.
* Flowers
Fresh flowers arrangement can enliven the table setting. But a
floral centerpiece must not block a guest's view of the person
across the table.
* Accessories
Many accessories -- i.e. candles in ornamental holders -- can
be used to accentuate the aesthetic of a table setting. (raw)