Journal
STORIES

Let’s
do
the
basic!
In
talk
with
Kiyomi
Tomioka,
a
food
and
space
stylist,
on
How
to
start
the
very
first
table
setting.

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 Kiyomi Tomioka, who is a food and space stylist and also is a chef herself.

How do you incorporate table styling in your life?ー

I am a chef myself, working on recipes developments and also writes cooking columns for several medias. I offer healthy Italian cuisine that is easy to make at home, which are also beautiful in the eyes. At the same time I also propose table coordination that makes food look delicious and makes both the cook and the people who eat it happy. I personally like natural and modern styles incorporating organic material.

ーDifficult part can also be the fun part! Table linen and the coordinationー

Table linens are important in creating a dining space, as a slight change in color or material can completely change the atmosphere of the space surrounding the table. The process of choosing plates, cutlery, and table accessories to match the linens can be difficult, but it is also fun.

ーDo the basic. Scene setting is the important part.ー

It is important to to think about the “scene” of the table, such as who, with whom, why, where, when, what, and how.
Then think about what kind of food space you would like to create. Is it casual? Or gorgeous, modern, natural, and etc… If you are creating a space related to seasonal events, be aware that each event has its own “color” and “food”, so choose them accordingly.

At first, with those “basics” firmly in mind, you then gradually incorporate your own favorite things into the mix to increase the amount of play. That will eventually create your style of table coordination.

ーThere is no limits to luncheon matsー

I do recipe developments, so I often coordinate and photograph personal spaces where the food is the main focus. Luncheon mats and napkins are used quite frequently because they enhance the dishes just by being placed on them. I always look for new luncheon mats on a daily basis, and it is always good to have as many as possible. The eterble luncheon mats are always in great colors and seem to be easy to use.

flor lithuania linen Luncheon mat ¥3,300 (tax incl.)

ーIt’s hard to believe they are recycledー

I personally like the Annalena tablecloth. The panelling at the hem makes it look elegant. That detail alone will enhance the space. Another thing to mention about this product is that it is a high-quality material that is hard to believe it is recycled fabric, and it has a sense of presence. The fabric is firm, wrinkle resistant, and seems easy to care for. It has a solid luster and is the linen you want to use for special occasions.

Annalena planta ¥44,000 (tax incl.)

.

Profile:

KIYOMI TOMIOKA
FSPJ certified workshop owner, food and space planner. She runs a culinary workshop called “Happy Italian” to teach Italian home food themed around “Easy, Tasty, and Stylish”.
She teaches Italian recipes together with table styling, which makes both people who cook and eat will feel happy. Also develops new recipes, and writes columns for multiple food medias.

Instagram | @kiyomitomioka