Asian Flavor Ideas

When creating a festive mood, look beyond the dining table. A reproduction Chinese cabinet is a wonderful backdrop for a buffet table decorated with vegetation. Cabbage overflows from a wrought iron vase while a row of miniature pineapples stand at attention underneath.

Set a table apart with another detail — ordinary rice. Use it in a tray with the plates set on top or in a vase with flowers or fresh vegetables.

Set a table with Asian flair using unexpected items and food.

Wrap the outside of cylindrical glasses in plastic for protection. Moisten spring roll wraps and drape them around the outside of each glass. Once dry, remove the wraps and place a votive holder inside.

Line an oblong wooden bowl with rice, and then place votive candles on top to use as the centerpiece.

Place a seaweed wrap between each plate and charger for decoration. Moisten Udon noodles and wrap them in a small circle to use as napkin rings once dry, and tie individual name cards to pears with raffia. Rest a pair of chopsticks on a tiny pepper next to each plate.

red and gold table (chargers, chopsticks, red lacquer plates, ruby glass beads , red candle lanterns, Chinese warrior figures, pewter vases, table runners) (Pier 1 Imports)

gold tablecloth, bamboo placemats, ceramic glazed plates (Pottery Barn)

red and gold table (amber stemware, flatware); black and green table (wrought iron vase, votive holders, wrought iron tray by Jan Barboglio); candles by John Hardy; ceramic glazed plates by Vietri; Italian silk pillows by Toscana; reproduction of Chinese furniture (Neiman Marcus)