Just spread out the tablecloth : In talk with Mami Ando, an expert on party decorations.
eterble has asked space creative professionals with a variety of perspectives about how anyone can make a rich table space, ideas, and techniques. In this volume we have talked with Mami Ando, who is an expert when it comes to “party” decorations. We asked the tips on how to choose the linens for party occasions.
ーInspirations are scattered anywhereー
I try to take pictures of anything that I think is even slightly “nice” when I am walking around the city. I try to pay attention to any display windows of the shops or at department stores, and take photos where possible if anything sparkles in my eyes. Inspirations for table styling is scattered anywhere.
When I look back at my photo album on my phone, I sometimes be like “Oh why did I take this photo?”. This is how much I take photos for research. It gives me a good discovery on what I like, and this will be a surprising inspiration in the future even if you think it won’t work out for anything right now. Once you have done extensive research on a daily basis, the next step is to expand it in your own way.
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ーHow to choose linens for Party.ー
It is important that your table linens are not too fancy since food will be the main attraction. At party occasions, it is recommended to choose something basic, such as white tones, but you also need to be careful the linen won’t be too simple and generic. You want to pick something not too fancy but not too simple. I personally recommend colors such as Blue and Green, as these colors can be playful but at the same time they will make the food look good. Take for example, blue will bring in some fresh impression when you use during summer season.
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ーAt parties, just spread out the tablecloths!ー
During the Covid quarantine, I was asked from several friends “how to do table stylings?” as they were having their parents at home for dinner. This was the time when eating out at restaurants were still refrained. They had no idea how to start and what to buy with, so I told them all to “Just spread out tablecloths and put napkins on!”. Tablecloths will automatically make your daily table into something extraordinary, even if you are setting with your usual dishes and cutleries. Additionally by folding and rolling of napkins, you can add in more expressions to the table.
ーUse Sintra as top clothsー
I personally got attracted to eterbe’s Sintra, which is a Japanese “furoshiki” style cloth. I think this will work as a top cloth as well. The size is perfect as the width comes in as 1m. You can lay this on top of the base tablecloth, and I think its patters will be a good accent. This is quite big in size as a furoshiki too, so it could also be a good cloth to use at picnics. This is something you don’t mind having so many. I think this will be a good pick for a gift idea too.
ーeterble has a lot of shades to choose from.ー
eterble comes in variety of shades, and they all fit well with Japanese homes. I heard that the main inspiration is coming from Portuguese architecture, but somehow I find Japanese feel to it. These “tile patters” really attracted my eyes. This can be matched well with both Western and Japanese styles, and I can see a wide range of its use. I’m already thinking to give this as a gift to a friend.
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Profile:
MAMI ANDO
FSPJ certified coordinator, food and space producer.
Provides party and event food space production and decorations for individuals and corporations.
After working as an assistant at wedding, party venues, and event production, she is associating in party planning and design, telling the importance of party lifestyle and its role as a communication platform. She also designs and creates paper crafts for party events, cooking classes, and party events.
Instagram|@mamilyin