Travel The World Through Your Table And Dinnerware
Here’s where you can buy different tableware and accessories that will refresh your longing for international travel
Do you miss traveling and bringing home new finds for your home as souvenirs? While international travel is still on hold or marked by long periods of quarantine and numerous requirements at best, why not journey through some of the world's best destinations for the handmade and artisanal through the design and flavors on your table?
Setting up your tablescape is a nice way to break from the monotony of stay-at-home life. It makes meals an event to look forward to. It’s also a novel way to discover new things from all over the world, and play with your creativity. Maybe a matching Japanese-themed table for tonight’s omakase feast? Or some colorful and vibrant Turkish plates to spice things up? Whether you're doing a themed arrangement or are simply yearning for something out of the ordinary, we've curated a list of items that will bring that "well-traveled look" to your dining table. The best part is that they are all accessible online!
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China
The blue and white porcelain of China is probably one of the most iconic and familiar table elements for us, Filipinos, mainly thanks to our vibrant Chinese history and community. Traditionally, a blue pigment—generally cobalt oxide—is used to hand-paint the ceramic, for that delicate and iconic white and blue porcelain. For your next Chinese feast at home, check out this Birdsong collection from Curioser Collected, which comes with delicately hand-painted plates, bowls, and tea cups.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Curioser Collected
China
It is also from the Chinese where we inherited our love for tea. Tea preparation is very meticulous in China, with different tea-brewing methods, tea pots, and tea accessories to choose from. One of the most popular type of pot is the purple sand teapot or Yixing teapot, which is made from a distinct type of clay in the Jiangsu province and is used for the preparation of robust teas like oolong, red, and black tea. Cast iron is also a popular choice because it stands the test of time and can be handed down the generations. For an outstanding cast iron teapot, check out House Of Hú Curators.
Photo Credit: Buy here: House Of Hú Curators
Japan
Japanese design and culture has also started to become very popular in the Philippines, thanks to the popularity of Japanese cuisine. And when it comes to tableware, Japan has had an exceptionally long and rich history of ceramic production. Earthenware and stoneware are hallmarks of a Japanese tablescape, and eating your sushi or ramen just feels so much better with a nice stoneware plate and bowl. Add these gorgeous stoneware plates from Home Love Point to your collection for your next Japanese-themed dinner.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Home Love Point
Japan
Like China, Japan has a very rich tea culture. And at the core of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha tea, which is said to embody meditative spirituality. For a traditional cup of matcha tea, get this exceptional matcha bowl set, whisk, and spoon from Loveramics, available locally via Cato Objects.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Cato Objects
Vietnam
Vietnamese culture is one of the oldest cultures in Southeast Asia. When it comes to their tableware, you’ll find very familiar materials like bamboo and Capiz in their designs. Take for example this beautiful Capiz and bamboo round tray from Viet Home, perfect for Oriental-themed entertaining.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Viet Home
Vietnam
In Vietnam, bamboo is a very significant symbol that represents the resilience and bravery of the Vietnamese people. This is why bamboo tree clusters are also popularly known as the emblem of Vietnam's rural areas. Giving homage to the beautiful and flexible material that is the bamboo, Vietnam has these intricately woven bamboo items to give color and texture to your table.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Viet Home
India
Tablescaping is also more than just the plates! Napkins and table mats play a very huge role in setting the tone and ambiance of a tablescape. And if you’re setting up for an Indian feast, why not go with the ancient art of Jaipur block printing? India is a hub of cotton hand-block prints and has been the trade center for high quality printed cotton clothes since the 12th century. For authentic hand-block cotton napkins from India, check out Del Sure Clothing + Lifestyle.
Photo Credit: Buy here: @delsur.living
India
If you’re looking for something bigger to dress your whole table, Casa by Beatrice has handblocked table cloths made from India that will fit your family dinner table.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Casa by Beatrice
Turkey
Turkey has a colorful and vibrant design palette, with intricate art highlighting their Ottoman roots. One of their oldest industries is the art of handmade and hand-painted ceramics, which blossomed in the Kutahya province. For a truly one-of-a-kind piece of Turkish culture, check out these special Kutahya ceramic plates available at My Ottoman Home. They carry only one design and color per plate, so each one is truly a unique and stand-out piece.
Photo Credit: Buy here: My Ottoman Home
Turkey
They also have a unique way of preparing coffee, where very finely ground coffee beans are brewed in a special pot without filtering. More than just a nice drink to enjoy, coffee in Turkish culture has cultural significances. It is used for fortune telling and is a part of traditional Turkish wedding customs. For an authentic Turkish coffee experience, enjoy your coffee with this beautiful 11-pc. Turkish coffee set from My Ottoman Home, all made from Turkish zamak, which is an alloy mixture of copper, aluminum, and magnesium.
Photo Credit: Buy here: My Ottoman Home
Italy
And speaking of coffee, let’s also not forget the birthplace of espresso. Imagine just sitting in an al fresco Italian café, casually sipping on a fresh cup of espresso. Good times, right? Recreate that experience at home with a nice Loveramics Espresso Cup from Barista Essentials.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Barista Essentials
United Kingdom
Have you ever been to cathedrals in the UK like the Canterbury Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, or the popular Westminister Abbey? Well, these are excellent examples of Gothic architecture which was particularly popular in Europe from the late 12th century to the 16th century. Feel as if you’re walking down the aisles of these remarkable historic places with the Noritake Georgian Palace Collection, which is an elegant and truly opulent dinnerware set inspired by Gothic tapestry and embroidered with gold threads. A 20-pc starter set comes with 4 dinner plates, 4 coffee cups and saucers, 4 salad plates, and 4 soup plates and will set you back a whopping ₱110,000.00. Dine like British royalty with this Noritake set, available at Rustan’s.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Rustan’s
Philippines
Of course, we’re not leaving the Philippines off our list. Since it’s still quite tricky and risky to travel around the country, let us bring the provincial life to you through Lara’s fine crafts. To celebrate the rich indigenous culture of the country, Lara is transforming indigenous materials of Samar into these intricately woven coasters and placemats to add that local touch to your tablescapes.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Lara
Philippines
Natural rattan is an undisputed star local material, which has catapulted the likes of Kenneth Cobonpue into international fame. Add that local flavor into your entertaining and intimate gatherings with this rattan serving cart from Better Buys Manila.
Photo Credit: Buy here: Better Buys Manila
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