Table setting in Japanese style. Table setting in various styles: types and features Asian-style table setting

Sushi bars and Japanese restaurants have flooded European cities, and all kinds of Japanese dishes have appeared on the menu of many cafes and home delivery services. More and more more people imbued with oriental traditions and culture, but is the variety of food habits of the inhabitants of Japan exhausted by the use of sake, rice and seafood with the help of hashi sticks? Of course not. Japanese traditions are vast, multifaceted and very complex, there are rules for almost every action performed, they determine what should be dinner table how and on what to sit, how to hold chopsticks, what and in what order to eat, on what dishes to serve this or that dish, and what dishes will suit this or that guest.

If you are passionate about Japan, then sooner or later you will decide to organize an evening in Japanese style. And if you may not have to cook all kinds of sushi, rolls and sashimi yourself, then you still have to prepare the room and set the table. Since the Japanese tradition of serving food and table setting is very different from the European one, you need to deal with all kinds of cups, bowls, trays, plates and chopsticks, and having figured it out, visit all conceivable and unthinkable stores in search of the missing dishes. Of course, the culture of eating in Japan is very symbolic and permeated with centuries-old traditions, it may not be necessary to set the table taking into account all the most stringent requirements, but drawing inspiration from Japanese rituals, everyone can bring beauty, orderliness and harmony to the organization of their feast.

You need to start preparing with the choice of dishes. Of course, you can limit yourself to wooden trays, a container for sauce and several sets of wooden sticks, but the Japanese have a special approach to this issue. The abundance of dishes is associated with the desire for comfort and convenience, which is only worth the fact that completely different sets are used for men, women and children! This division is due to the difference in the size and shape of the brush of each person, for example, a man will be offered food in a bowl with a diameter of 12 centimeters, and a woman - 11. The Japanese generally pay special attention to the symbolism of numbers and believe that it is best to use an odd number of dishes, dishes and servings .

Following the logic of odd numbers, in Japan there are food selection rules, according to which five colors can be combined on one plate, most often it is black - the color of nori seaweed, brown, green, yellow and red - the colors of fish, vegetables and sauces. The rule of combining five colors is followed not just because it is customary, but because it is believed that the tastes of different products are combined with each other in the same way as their colors. There are other rules that are important for table setting. So, it is customary to serve all dishes at once, while the main course is placed in the center, rice is on the left, and soup is on the right. Various sauces and seasonings intended for a particular dish are placed to the right of it, and marinades are slightly behind.

As in any other, in Japanese cuisine, different utensils are designed for different dishes. Serve a fried dish on wooden trays, and serve sashimi on porcelain ones. Bowls are defined by the Japanese for salads, soups and rice are served in bowls covered with lids, sake is served with tokkuri - small porcelain or earthenware jugs, as well as small cups. Each table must have a small bottle or jug ​​with soy sauce, as well as a container for mixing it with wasabi. Special attention is given to hashi sticks, which, with their thin end, should be turned to the left. It is also necessary to ensure that the sticks do not touch the table and are on special stands.

Perhaps such a serving seemed stiff to you. However, despite such attention to detail, Japan appreciates the beauty of contrasts. For example, dishes of various sizes and geometric shapes can coexist on the tables. With the apparent asymmetry of serving, square dishes go well with round ones, deep ones with flat ones, and tall ones with low ones. There should be harmony and balance in everything, so the dishes and treats on it should be placed in a certain way, for example, square plates are placed in a rhombus, and round bowls complement them. Following the same logic, rounded treats are served on square plates or rectangular trays.

Nothing is more appreciated in Japanese table setting than the beauty of empty space. Despite the fact that, in accordance with the old tradition, all dishes are put on the table at the same time, it does not look cluttered, on the contrary, there is a lot of free space and air on it. The Japanese adhere to the same principle when decorating serving or portioned dishes that are never filled to the brim, and treats are laid out freely on them. The color of the dishes also plays a role in table setting. It is believed that the color of the plates should set off the color of the dish served on them, for example, rice is served in glossy dark bowls. In general, when decorating a table in the Japanese style, it is important to pay attention to the details and the beauty, naturalness and elegance inherent in oriental culture.

An important role in serving is played by the amount of food served on the table. Since during the meal it is necessary to try each dish, and their number usually varies from 10 to 20, eating is more like a tasting, especially since there are dishes of very different tastes in abundance on the table. At the same time, portions are measured in such a way that each guest eats, but does not overeat. Serving size varies by age and gender, so men should be offered the most food and elderly people the least. Despite the variety of products and methods of their preparation, the dishes offered on the Japanese table can be eaten in any order, but it is customary to start with a small lump of rice.

Another feature of the Japanese-style table design is the correspondence of the dish to the situation and season. The Japanese believe that food should always be fresh, hence the strict division of food by season. Japanese kitchen he tries to use all the products exactly in the season and time of the year when they are most delicious, respectively, you will not see blanks for the winter on their tables. Among the spring and summer options for table decorations and dishes, the use of root crops - radishes, radishes and carrots is common, lettuce and lemon are also used. In winter, non-edible elements such as paper umbrellas, which are considered a symbol of protection from the weather, are also included in the decor. Depending on the season, the serving of a wet oshibori towel, designed to wipe the face and hands before the start of the meal, also varies. In winter, spring and autumn, this towel must be warmed up, and in summer it can be served cold.

Both in table setting and in the design of dishes, comfort is valued above all. Before placing dishes on plates, following strict rules and traditions, it is necessary to prepare them in such a way that any piece can be easily taken with chopsticks. Remove bones from seafood, divide everything into small portions, and cut vegetables and fish into strips or slices 3 centimeters long and 2 wide. The finished dish should be laid out on a plate from left to right, and it is customary to load the opposite edge of the dish with food a little more. Speaking about the Japanese-style table setting, one cannot but mention the peculiarities of eating. Traditionally, Japanese meals are held in rooms with tatami-covered wooden floors, on which there are very low tables, and instead of chairs, a zabuton is used - a flat cushion for sitting on the floor, which is sometimes supplied with a wooden back for convenience.

Such an attractive and popular Japanese cuisine is probably made by age-old traditions, rituals and serving features. Therefore, hide away the usual spoons, knives and forks, arm yourself with hashi sticks and learn to enjoy exotic oriental cuisine.

Alena Karamzina

Even for themselves, in the family circle, the Japanese cover every time beautiful table. Eating remains a ritual even when the family habitually gathers together after work to have dinner. Several dishes on the table, careful serving, observance of the rules and traditions - this essential attribute Japanese meal, which is observed not only in cafes and restaurants. Who better than "Sushi WOK" to know about the rules for the design and serving of Japanese cuisine?

Initially, meals were taken on an individual tray, a little later - at an individual small table. In modern culture, when large tables for several people have become fashionable, the Japanese have not abandoned the idea of ​​​​zoning and allocating personal space. On a common table, either a small tray or a special napkin is responsible for this.

Traditionally, eating in Japan was done at low tables, with all the guests sitting on the floor with their legs crossed. Today, special soft pillows have been added to such tables, which are laid directly on the floor. Their variety Zabuton is a flat cushion equipped with a rigid back, outwardly resembling a classic chair without legs. In more Europeanized homes or restaurants, the meal may take place at a classic table, and regular chairs will be offered to guests.

Tablecloth on a Japanese table

The Japanese almost never completely cover the table with a tablecloth or oilcloth. Instead of large canvases, they use individual napkins and coasters. They are used both to designate the personal space of each guest, and to place the main dishes.

Japanese-style serving is a lot of free space and air. This is manifested literally in everything - from the arrangement of dishes, to the placement of dishes on these dishes. Harmony and simplicity are the main criteria that guide both housewives and chefs in expensive restaurants.

Tabletop from natural wood, glass or stone, peeping between bowls, trays and coasters - this is an indispensable element of serving. Napkins, which are picked up for each feast, are often made of bamboo, dense textiles, papyrus, wickerwork, linen, giving preference to natural fabrics.

Dishes for a Japanese meal

The Japanese do not use ready-made services when serving. A ready-made set of dishes for several people, providing containers for all types of dishes, is a rarity here. The maximum that can be found is small tea sets, sake sets and sushi sets - a chopstick stand, a gravy boat and a bowl for mixing sauce.

The formation of a composition on the table is a creative process, complex and interesting at the same time. Serving is carried out from a variety of dishes, which should be combined not only with each other, but also with the dishes served in it. Compatibility in Japanese is the selection of a container in color, shape, texture and volume to the contents and table.

• The color in the serving means a lot, it is directly related to the taste of the dish. Just as colors complement each other, so too, products, depending on the color, can set off or interrupt the taste;
• The color of the dish and the color of the food should match. You can not serve white rice in a white bowl, it is better to use more contrasting dishes for this;
• Not a single dish is loaded to the eyeballs. Food should look beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Regular geometric shapes are widely used, a lot of free space and air in the design;
• Dishes on the table can be at the same time different forms, colors and materials. The main requirement is a harmonious composition. Dishes are never displayed in a triangle, most often they use the style of an arbitrary slide, sugimorm, five dragons and vanmoris.

All the dishes of the meal are involved in the preparation of the composition at once. In Japan, there is no concept of changing dishes. Everything that is supposed to be eaten in one evening is put on the table. You can eat food in any order.

Rules for arranging dishes on the table

As in any cuisine, the Japanese have common dishes and personal ones, that is, portions. If this dish is intended for only one person, it is customary to place it on a personal napkin denoting the guest's space. If this is a common dish, then it is placed in the center of the table.

The center, as in most cultures, occupies the main course of the evening. It can be meat or fish, the most delicious and difficult to prepare. The table is oriented towards the head of the family, and in relation to him, soup is placed to the right of the central dish, and a cup of rice to the left. The gaps are filled with all sorts of snacks, cuts and other dishes.

When serving a complex dish, seasonings and sauces that are intended for use with it must be placed to the right of it. When placing a gravy boat, it is imperative to provide for personal bowls, where the sauce will be mixed to taste with wasabi.

Portioned soups are served in bowls with lids. Complex soups can be served in two- and three-tier dishes. In this case, the contents of the vessels must be mixed with each other in stages. First, from the upper vessel, add to the intermediate one. Stir, and then from the intermediate already pour into the soup container. Simple soups are immediately ready to eat, just open the lid.

Of the cutlery, only sticks - hashi are served. Everything that is on the table is eaten by them. Some dishes are allowed to be taken by hand. The broth from the soup is drunk over the edge, and the contents are eaten with chopsticks, the order does not matter.

Green tea is an invariable companion of the Japanese meal. It is served in bowls, before, after and during meals, without restrictions. Normal practice is when there are 10-20 items of dishes at the table. In this case, it is better to try a little of everything than to eat a couple of dishes, but in in large numbers. Dinner in the circle of the Japanese is more tasting than satisfying hunger, although it is extremely difficult to leave the table hungry.

The interiors of the Maharajas is a collective name, in fact, it is a synonym for luxury. However, maharaja maharaja is different, in fact, he can turn out to be not only a rajah, but also an Arab sheikh, a Chinese or Japanese emperor, and this is a different East. Each interior will be radically different from each other with its unique features.

The many faces of the East

In general, the oriental style in the interior is divided into five areas.

Interiors of the East:

• Arabic style is the common name for the rich interiors of Islamic countries, where even the scenery goes side by side with religion, and the Koran guides all movements. For example, in this sacred book there are clear lists of animals and even people forbidden to depict, and therefore the leading element is neutral colors and geometry. Since the Arab countries have a very hot climate, air is used as partitions. On the one hand, they are designed to hide female beauty from prying eyes, on the other hand, they allow air to circulate freely. It is customary for Arabs to emphasize a high social status, and therefore there is a lot of gold in the decor. The interiors are rich, fabrics Once upon a time, wood was not particularly accessible here and was literally worth its weight in gold, so carved partitions and decorative items were made from it, but very rarely used as a material for furniture, they simply regretted it.

• Moroccan style- this is a great "diplomat" who managed to combine Arabic religious chic and light romantic elements mediterranean direction I. On the Arab side, these are rich and bright fabrics, an abundance of textiles in the scenery, curtain zoning, wooden battens, carved furniture, etc. The Mediterranean is visible in the color scheme - blue and white plus terracotta, tiled floors, lancet windows with wrought iron bars. In all this splendor, peaceful silver sets of dishes and severe steel weapons on the walls coexist equally harmoniously.

• - an abundance of light and a minimum of things, strict and light, where primacy is given to functionality, not beauty and luxury. These are sliding screens, doors, folding or built-in furniture, every detail is thought out to the maximum and is located strictly in the right place. All the details are perfectly emphasized by the overall restrained color palette of the rooms.

• The Chinese style is similar to the Japanese direction in simplicity and functionality, but restraint has given way to a love of brilliance, the main colors of the rooms - or blue with gold. Without these shades, China is not China! Additional hallmark considered geometric images or drawings with favorite scenes from the palace life of the ruling dynasties. These are plots with paradise gardens, outlandish birds and animals, creatures from Chinese folk myths. All unnecessary or necessary, but not particularly pleasing to the eye, objects are cleverly hidden behind shining and.

• O India! Hindus are adherents of a measured life and yoga, they constantly meditate and strive to improve their karma. Indigenous Indian style would require ivory, carved stone, massive columns or at least wooden carved walls. Modern India is more democratic: enough panels with imitation natural material and natural floor. The color scheme should be kept in warm colors - pinkish, eye-pleasing red, etc. Sometimes there is a clear design in the style of gold with black and olive hues. The rooms are traditionally filled with woven carpets. self made, they are also used as panels and bedspreads. All the furniture is low and decorated with paintings or carvings, the doors resemble shutters. Chests are practiced instead of dressers, often used.

Advice! If you want to clearly design Indian notes, you need to place not ordinary, but oblong ones in the resting place - this particular detail vividly personifies the Indian interior!

Whatever the differences, these styles have one thing in common - uniqueness with a touch of mystery. Exotic, which you want to try forever, but in the end, be sure to “bite through” all the nuts-riddles - that's what the interior is in oriental style. Photos of rooms at first sight attract attention, capture the spirit and forever remain in memory, attracting with their dissimilarity to apartments familiar to the European look.

Interiors of maharajas: oriental subtleties in the interior

The interior of an oriental-style room does not imply a rigid division into bedroom, , etc. In fact, zoning is more used in any of the directions: in the Arab interior curtains, Japanese and Chinese - , in Moroccan - textiles and carved partitions.

Color and light

Since the East is different from the East, in order to hit the target for sure, it is worth sticking to the general intersection just in case - warm tones and their harmonious combination. The same with drawings - geometry is loved everywhere, let it be abstract patterns. In addition to the typical warm tones, you can use it with, this will make the room brighter and more elegant.
As for lighting, any kind of interior of the East implies spaciousness and huge windows with curtains and thick curtains on the sides. In the morning, the principle “there is never too much light” works, and by the time of rest, annoying rays per second will be muffled by a heavy curtain with gold embroidery, fringe and tassels, which, by the way, as an element of decoration are also found in all rooms.

A typical division into zones in any type of oriental interior is a place for relaxing, cooking and eating. In the first, the center of the universe is considered huge with bright and a ton of pads, and underneath there is a secret! There they hide a hookah and a small table for it.

A special space is allotted for the meal, there should be a small low table and all the same pillows or. Yes, in the East they do not eat at a high table, keeping their back straight and sitting on a chair. Here, convenience is a priority, eating takes place almost reclining.

Advice! If you are not used to pillows on the floor, you can also use an ordinary table with chairs, just the table should be round, and the furniture should be with oriental ornaments.

Suitable furniture

If you want a set, it should also be wooden, but carved or simple - it depends on the choice of the direction of oriental color. The Chinese emperor loves simplicity and conciseness without "bells and whistles", but give monograms to the Maharaja and the Sheikh.

The table must be round or oval, instead of chairs, ideally it is better to use armchairs or at least semi-chairs. In the Japanese style, everything should generally take place on the floor, but adjusted for modernity, you can simply beat the furniture in strict forms and beige and black tones.

No open shelves oriental interior filled with luxury and mystery. Everything that should emphasize splendor is on display in advance, but lockers with everyday life should be closed.

• And again about India. The ethnicity of this country is distinguished by a special flavor - there should be statues of gods everywhere, most often among the "European Indians" we can see Buddha, Shiva and Ganesha. All of them are friendly and bring happiness and good luck. In addition to statues and images of deities, elephants are everywhere, because this animal is practically a symbol of India itself, it has been revered and protected for many centuries, and therefore used to decorate the house.

Advice! There are no trifles in the East, any minor detail is of great importance, and therefore carefully make sure that an extra thing is not crammed into the design.

Oriental style in interior design instantly conquers sensitive souls with its alluring beauty and apparent softness. Many people take it as an idea for the realization of their fantasies, which have remained in their memory since reading unusual oriental tales and myths. Whether to leave one room as a “pearl of the East” or make it complete in an oriental style is up to the owners to decide - it all depends on the scale of their love for oriental motifs. But, having taken up design on your own, remember that the East is a really delicate matter, and strict rules are hidden behind external softness: it does not tolerate bulkiness and fuss.

You need to beautifully set not only the dining table on the occasion of the arrival of guests, but also for the family. Even kitchen and coffee tables deserve special treatment. Here are a few tips to help keep your set table simple and stylish. The main secret lies in the combination of texture, color and accessories.

1. Porcelain and glass

You don't have to spend a fortune on plates or glasses to have an elegant table. If properly decorated, it will look like a million. First of all, you need to pay attention to porcelain and glass.

We start with porcelain. On the table there should be a small plate, a salad plate, a bowl.
Use a stand plate. It is large enough and perfectly frames the dishes, outlining its boundaries. You can use a special rug, which, if desired, can be made with your own hands from decorative paper. Simple wreaths and even leaves will do.

Grouping glasses. If you put more than one glass on the table, then only this trick will already give the table a stylish and elegant look. Glasses should be grouped, there should be glasses for wine and glasses for water.
Cutlery can be connected with a ribbon or twine. In addition, they can be beautifully wrapped in a napkin.

2. Tablecloths

Tablecloths can completely change the mood, immediately creating a festive mood. Now exists huge selection all kinds of tablecloths, napkins, paths, which must certainly be different color, textures and patterns, it is desirable that they are all combined with each other. In addition, there should be themed sets that are suitable for certain holidays.

table track- a tablecloth in the form of a narrow strip passing through the entire table. This is one of the most modern ways decorate the table, especially if there is no desire to hide a beautiful wooden or glass top completely under the fabric. These tracks are universal. They can be easily laid out on top of a regular tablecloth along the table, you can put them across and designate places for guests.
tablecloths must be on the festive table, especially if you want to emphasize the theme or color scheme laid table.

Napkins. There is no need to abandon tissue napkins in favor of disposable ones. They are an integral part of the table design. If you really don’t feel like doing their laundry after the holiday, then you should take a closer look at paper ones in a banquet style.
Placemat for cutlery determines the place for each guest. They can be not only rectangular, but also square (give modern look), and round (break the angularity of the table).

3. Central composition

On the festive table, there must certainly be a central composition that will decorate it. It will add volume and unite the entire table, but you need to remember that it should be low and narrow.
The main rule is that at least 35 cm should remain on each side for a person and his cutlery. Therefore, we subtract at least 70 cm from the width of the table, the rest of the space can be used for composition. For desktop composition we use flowers, candlesticks, twigs, pebbles.

The focus is on 4 styles of serving, typical of islands remote from us. Three of them (Thai, Hawaiian and Caribbean) impress precisely with the atmosphere of sophisticated sybarite delight, similar to what you would experience if you actually went to these islands.

The fourth (Japanese) style appeared here due to the insular position of the country where it comes from, and its “diversity”. And the table setting that you will see is just one of the options for a national approach to the topic, “exotic” in its own way.

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Japanese style table setting

Let's start with Japan. Since we already have examples of Japanese eco-serving and Zen style in our galleries, here we offer an idea that often inspires those who do not like minimalism, but bright contrasts. Red, black and white. Flowers, stones and candles. Unconventional, intimate and impressive.

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Thai style table setting:

The country, in which sensual pleasure is recognized as the main idol, transfers it not only to the field of bodily pleasure, but also to aesthetic. Graceful romance, in which the flexible feminine can work wonders.

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Hawaiian style table setting:

But not only the Eastern Hemisphere is rich in exotics. In Hawaii, for example, not only eternal summer reigns, but also an eternal holiday. Exotic flowers and lush greenery, endless ocean and amazing local customs. This region is a Mecca not only for Americans (who come here, to one of their states, as we do to the neighboring province), but also for many inhabitants of the planet. Delightful orchids, amaryllis and other blooming indoor exotics, originally from tropical countries, will be the basis of such a serving.

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2 examples of table setting in the Caribbean style:

Another image for inspiration from the Western Hemisphere, in which bright flowers yield leadership to a riot of greenery. When creating a table setting in the Caribbean style, art de la table professionals usually use 2 colors: green + some bright one (orange, mallow, turquoise, rose, coral).