In this series of interview, eterble asked space creation professionals with a variety of perspectives about how anyone can create a rich table space, ideas, and techniques. We spoke with Tomoko Kaneko, a food space producer on how to enjoy the everyday table coordination.

 

ーFirst, please tell us your specializationー

I teach online table coordination courses and work with companies on their displays. Recently, I have become interested in table coordination that combines Japanese tableware with Western tablecloths, and I often coordinate with a crossover between “Japanese” and “Western” tableware.

ーEnjoying the “Everyday”ー

My working theme “72-seasons table coordination” was conceived in the wake of Covid disaster. Until then, I have been coordinating tables as part of my “hospitality” to inviting friends to my home. However the Covid hit, and I was no longer able to invite friends and have lost the opportunity to table coordination.

I was looking for something to add to my daily life, something that would help me in my daily life, and what came to my mind was the “72 seasons”. This is a Japanese ways of thinking where they call the days with festivals and special events as “Hare no hi (day of Hare)”, and the other normal days as “Ke no hi (day of Ke)”.

When you look at 365 days a year, there are definitely more of these “ke” days, or so-called “everyday” days.

Not just to treat the festivals and events as special days, but there must be ways to enjoy the normal days, like everyday. Since then, I have been proposing table coordination that enriches “everyday” life.

ーYou took a role at eterble’s table coordination exhibition this December. What were the points you focused on this exhibition?ー

The theme this time was “formal”, but I worked on it in the hope that you would enjoy the new formal, which is different from the traditional one. New Year’s Day is a special occasion to wish for good health and happiness throughout the year. For the eterble tablecloth, I chose a snow color that complements the tableware used on such “Hare” days. The use of a hem with three-tiered tucks give it a more glamour look.

 

In the coordination, I first considered the essential items for the New Year’s dining table in Japan, namely the “Otoso” which is a sake you drink with for the new years, and the food you eat such as “Ozoni”, and “Osechi” dishes, as well as the festive chopsticks with which to enjoy these dishes.

Furthermore, the key element of coordination is that I crossed various types of vessels, such as plates with festive auspicious patterns, Fujiyama-shaped plates typical of the New Year, white wood, and beautiful Edo faceted glasses.

Lastly, I added a chopstick bag, a toso decoration to mark the descent of the god of the year, plum blossoms, pine trees, and other items considered as good fortune to the  New Year’s decorations.

As an overall composition, the beautiful matte vermillion oval 5-tiered stacked in the center, plus the white wood added to the vessels. I’m pleased if you feel the warmth about the table.

ーHow was it like using the eterble’s cloths?ー

For the exhibition I chose the Elisabeth series.
I chose the snow color for the tablecloth, and for the runner I picked the one made with Lithuanian linen in two tone colors.

First, the “Elisabeth Tablecloth” is so pure in white that it is hard to believe it is recycled fabric, and it made Edo facets shine very beautifully. The fabric has a thick, high-quality feel and is made of polyester, which is easy to wash and care for, making it an excellent item that can be used in daily life while also having a luxurious feel. The tucks are also somehow glamourous.

“Elisabet Lithuanian Linen Table Runner,” is soft in material and very easy to use and adaptable to interior. The two-tone color and unusual design made it an eye-catching accent for the table.

The two colors, blue-gray and beige are easy to match with a variety of things.

.

The table runner was used this time as a bridge runner to connect the individual seats facing each other. Usually, table runner are 30cm wide, but eterble’s table runner is slightly larger at 35cm wide, so I was able to suggest this usage.

 

ーChoosing table linens for your home and for the first time. What should I be aware of?ー

If you were to choose two tablecloths, I would suggest one in your favorite color and the other in a light gray. Tablecloths are the most significant element in creating a wonderful dining space simply by spreading them over the table. You will get more excitement if it’s your favorite color.

You will use it with great care for a long time, and by the time you want another color, you will probably notice a change in yourself, along with your criteria for choosing a tablecloth.

I recommend a light gray for the second one because this color can be enjoyed throughout the year, it goes with anything Japanese or Western, and it makes a more fashionable statement. It is also a trend color for the past few years in fashion, interior, and of course table.

If you prefer a more convenient way to enjoy your food instead of a full cloth (covering the entire table), I recommend a luncheon mat. Just by laying it out, the dining table will be set, so if you prepare several kinds and use them differently for breakfasts, dinner, weekdays & holidays, etc…you can use them to reset your mood.

eterble has a wonderful range of soft colors, making it easy for anyone to choose.

 

ーWhat to do if the cloth you bought were too small for the table?ー

Use it as “accent” is what I would do.

For example:
1. Use as a top cross in the center, leaving both sides. Can also be hung diagonally.
2. Fold lengthwise 1/3 to 1/4 and use as a wide table runner.

Both can have another base cloth underneath.

Do not be flustered just because the size does not fit; I recommend that you enjoy coordinating with flexibility in this way.

ーWhat to expect in 2024ー

Table coordination can create a “healing space”.
I would like to do a “retreat around the table in a natural setting” or rent a venue to create a relaxing dining space, in order to reflect the changing of the seasons. Also working on my book based on “72 seasons table coordination” which ash been a great reminder of healing effects. I would also like to continue to be involved in corporate exhibits and displays.

 

Profile：

TOMOKO KANEKO
FSPJ certified coordinator and a food space producer. She is well versed in local ceramic ware. Active as an instructor for corporate displays, table coordination, and tea ceremonies for the general public.

Instagram｜@tomoko_kaneko2016