Stunning displays

decor

This week You! takes a look at some of the most creative table setting ideas by a Doha based interior enthusiast, Meera Danish Barlas...

When we speak about home interiors, we often forget a little something that actually plays a phenomenal role in the overall look of the house especially at a dinner, brunch or a tea party. This forgotten element is the dining room’s interior and more specifically the dining table display for parties. The dining table display is an art, one that can make or break the look of your house. Meera Danish Barlas - a full-time millennial mom who is passionate about interior decoration, hosting and homemaking, is the expert of table displays. Based in Doha, straddling her life between there and her hometown Karachi, Meera is a former marketing professional with an undergraduate degree in Economics & Finance. 

She is an entrepreneur with an interest in marketing, travelling, cooking, baking, designing cheese platters, DIY, Pinterest and the list doesn’t end here! But what sets Meera truly apart from the world is her unique table displays and her passion to ensure that her guests thoroughly enjoy their dining experience with her. You! spoke to Meera to find out how all of us can learn the art of table display from her...

When asked how important does she think table display and decor is in the overall home decor, Meera thinks that table decorations including creative centrepieces and tableware essentially help to carry out a theme as well as provide an interesting landscape for your meal. “An impressive tabletop display adds interest, character and a finishing touch to a home. Home decor would be incomplete without it! A beautifully arranged table will also make your guests feel extra special, as well as complement every dish you serve. Whether you’re gearing up for a formal dinner party or planning a casual brunch, gorgeous tablescapes are a festive way to kick off any celebration,” she says.

Meera has consistently put up some stunning table displays so we asked where she gets the inspiration. “Honestly, it’s just a combination of endless shopping sprees and then experimenting with all of it at home. I think the brands in homeware business are doing some fantastic work by designing stunning tabletop items - which is what serves up inspiration. Some of my favourite brands include Pottery Barn, Kings Lane, Zara Home, Riviera Maison, Williams Sonama Home etc,” she enthuses. But Meera also went on to say that it is more about your personal style and less about the brands. “Using interesting colour combination mats that go well with your crockery and adding a vase at the centre with fresh flowers is a great way to make your table stand out,” she suggests.

Meera went on to explain that food itself is art and can be displayed in such a way that it makes your table display look stunning. “When it comes to hosting, creating visually stunning displays of your food is the most exciting part! Today the experience of a meal is as important as the food. It’s all about getting creative and having lots of fun while you’re at it. I’m a huge fan of serving buffets in oversized platters, using makeshift risers to serve food at a variety of heights, putting cake pedestals to work, serving bread in oversized baskets and using large juice dispensers with spiced up ice cubes to break the monotony,” she highlights.

This hostess with the mostess spends a lot of time arranging and then rearranging tableware and serveware until she has managed a beautiful landscape for the food. “I really have fun with my arrangements. I keep them interesting by creating a new interest point every time. I like to break up arrangements and mix them together in new ways,” she adds.

The focus should always be on the aesthetics. For instance, Meera picks a certain theme or a colour to work around. It’s a lot about using your own aesthetics with ideas from Pinterest or the Internet to create something that is visually appealing for the eyes. 

“Never ever underestimate the beauty fresh flowers can add to your home and more specifically your table display. They make everything look so gorgeous,” she recommends.

While flowers can be placed at the centre, one can make smaller bouquets and arrange them in little vases around the table, like one for each diner. Meera suggests that one can line the smaller vases with flowers at the centre too. This will surely look gorgeous and will add more visual interest to your table. According to her, fresh flowers on the table in one way or another are an absolute must.

Meera is the kind of host that likes to go all out and decorate the table to her heart’s content with fancy napkins, napkin rings, place settings, plate chargers, exquisite serving platters, tablecloth and all the works. 

Moreover, adding a little flower power does the trick. It is amazing to see the transformation flowers bring to a table setting. “I use edible flowers for seasoning and garnishing dessert, serving platters etc. 

My personal favourite is pink spray roses but you can get as creative as you can. Freeze edible flowers in ice cubes to use as pretty garnish in juice dispensers, to float in drinks or to top desserts like tarts and cupcakes. You can also add edible flowers to your fruit and cheese platters; top a fruit smoothie or fruit boat. Garnish any delicate entree to enhance its aesthetic appeal,” she advises.

On a concluding note, Meera points out that crockery and serveware are the backbone of table decor; with beautiful crockery, you’ll be sure to put together a gorgeous tablescape. “There are different kinds of materials - stoneware, porcelain, bone china, wood and glass are some of the options. Melamine is also becoming increasingly popular. While there is absolutely no rule to follow while you’re having fun with table decor, I recommend using porcelain and china for formal exquisite dinners, melamine serveware and wooden platters for an ideal brunch look. Sometimes we think there are rules to types of decor and setting while I think anything goes if it looks cohesive and pretty,” she concludes.