How to Decorate for a Japanese Dinner Party

Neutral colors, interspersed with reds and greens, are characteristic of Japanese decor.

Japanese culture holds reverence for a concept known as "wabi sabi." Wabi sabi is a viewpoint that esteems that which is imperfect, asymmetrical and transient. This concept, which can be applied to many areas of life, is easily seen in Japanese-style decor. If you plan to entertain your family or friends with a Japanese-themed dinner party, you will need to decorate in a manner that hearkens to the traditional, elegant, imperfect simplicity of Japanese style.

Instructions

1. Place a coffee table or other low table in the center of the room. Surround the table with mats or cushions on which your guests will sit. Use cushions that are slightly different from each other in size, but within the same color family, to continue the concept of asymmetry.

2. Cover the table with a solid white or black tablecloth. Accent this neutral shade with red or green napkins. Paper tablecloths and napkins work well in terms of a delicate, transient theme.

3. Set Japanese bowls, cups, plates and chopsticks at each person's place. Japanese dinnerware often features slightly imperfect edges and solid colors.

4. Place a few stalks of bamboo in a vase. Use this as your centerpiece. Don't worry about arranging the stalks perfectly.

5. Hang Japanese artwork, silk tapestries or simple paper lanterns at a few locations around the room to continue the theme. Bonsai trees also make excellent Japanese accents. Bonsai trees are yet another example of delicate, transient beauty.

References

• "Wabi Sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence"; Andrew Juniper; 2003
• Themed Home Decor: Japanese Decorating