You’ve invited some friends over for dinner but you don’t have the time to neatly set the charger plates, layout the utensils and think of how to decorate the table. Create a stylish tablescape that is easy to do and doesn’t take much time to layout by following some basic rules and with some help from the MERU Jade series tableware.

Contents

• Random with rules 
• Colors for fall
• Plating tips 
• The power of plates 
• The easy way out 
• Featured items

Key points of this table setting

1. Random with rules 

The most basic rule for setting a table is probably using symmetry. For formal occasions that’s the go-to rule, but for more casual meals or dinners planned at the last minute, try something different like this tablescape. Follow some of the tips below and place items freely and spaced out on the table.

The key is organizing the colors. Don’t bunch items with the same color in one spot. The purple napkins are placed on a diagonal and the dark-colored vase and the tea set are set on the opposite sides of the table. The jade MERU dishes are placed near each other but have a different look as the food being plated have contrasting tones.

Place something in the middle to set the center: it makes it easier to spread out the items when there is a center. We used the Rinkuro Kiln Old Imari Story Chimon Imari Round Plate with striking patterns on a plate stand to highlight the center of the table. Try a new way to fold the napkins and use it as a utensil rest. Then you can place them anywhere you want on the table, a great idea when guests want to sit somewhere other than the table. 

2. Colors for fall 

The plates from the Jade series have a deep forest green that enhance the color of the food being plated. The bright orange of the smoked salmon, the reddish pink of the roast beef and the bright white color of the dumplings all work well with matte textured, dark green plates.  

To match the colors of the soon-to-come autumn season, we used the MERU Jade series with purple napkins and yellow placemats with matching flowers. 

3. Plating tips 

Here are some tips you can use to upgrade your plating technique which are often used for Japanese cuisine.

When plating fried dishes, place a folded paper napkin or a piece of oil-absorbing paper on the plate to absorb excess oil. You’ve probably seen this done when ordering some tempura at a restaurant. Make sure that the paper is not too big so it doesnt cover the beautiful designs of the plate.

Place a leaf on the plate to decorate the food and to enhance its freshness. The most commonly used leaf is called “haran” and is used on plates and in bento boxes as partitions and to prevent the food from spoiling. Make sure that the leaf you select can be used with food and is not sprayed with any kind of chemicals or insecticides.

4. The power of plates 

Having nice tableware is a joy. Authentic tableware handmade by true craftsmen have a timeless value and can be appreciated by all those who use them. The beauty bestowed in such tableware is powerful and energizing, they are pieces of art on your table. A simple stack of small plates can be eye-catching. Sometimes, casually setting the table with authentic tableware is all you need to show your hospitality and warmth when welcoming a guest. 

5. The easy way out

Enjoy a fun midweek dinner with takeout food or something you’ve made ahead of time and plate them on these lovely tableware items. Let the conversation flourish with sips of chilled sake or warm sake. We hope that our ideas can be a part of your plans for more laughter and smiles at the table. 

Featured items

MERU

MERU was launched in 2022 as a new brand of Mino ware, known as the number one stoneware production area in Japan.MERU's tableware is suitable for professional use, and while it has the colors and shapes of traditional Japanese tableware underneath, it is simple and modern, suitable for all kinds of food.