The family Noche Buena is a staple event in every Filipino household that is annually held every Christmas. It’s a meal shared with loved ones and closest friends, hence all the more reason for it to be memorable. For those who want
to go the extra mile and make it ever more special, another way to spruce it up isn’t just to serve fancy meals, but also to upgrade that table setting. Don’t know where or how to start? Here are some tips!
Before starting, it’s best to choose what theme one will apply in this table setting. Will it be comfy and rustic, or will it be elegant and ornate? Keep these in mind before starting to work on that table setting so that one has an idea of what styles they’ll be incorporating.
First begin by determining the size of the table where the Noche Buena will take place as well as the number of guests that are expected to arrive.
This can help in adjusting every plate placement and decorations. At the same time, those preparing the materials and cooking up the food will know exactly just how much they should prepare and make.
A lot of Filipino households tend to hide all their fancy wares and cutlery, but ‘tis the season to finally let those items out of the closet!
Some might even be surprised at what they’ll find, ranging from exquisite marbled plates, to homey earthenware, to even a fancy set of exquisite chinaware. Choosing what to use however depends on one’s own preferences, especially if there’s a specific theme.
But why choose what plates and spoons and forks to use?
It contributes not only in making the table setting pop but also the food. For example, simple food looks best on delicate earthenware, while white china brings out the food’s colour even more as it doesn’t conflict with the dish. Try to mix and match and see what works best.
Choose a corresponding table cloth to the chosen theme and/or design of the dining wares.
While people can purchase these from a store, if there’s time, why not try to be creative and see what materials inside the house can be made into a custom table covering. These materials can range from rarely used clothes or old blankets. Make sure than when placing the table cloth, it is even and doesn’t move. Ultimately, table cloths help in setting the atmosphere.
Having extra large soup bowls in the kitchen are really useful.
They can be used to hold many foods and are great versatile pieces. Aside from soups, they can also be used to serve salads, chips, etc. They can also be turned into holders for drinking glasses and smaller plates. In terms of informal dining, large glass mugs and wine glasses is anyone’s safest bet. They can be used to serve drinks such as water, wine, or even juice.
Add colour to the table with table napkins.
These napkins can be colourful, but not too distractive. They may also have contrasting patterns that will give life to the table setting. But that is not all as they can even be creatively folded or rolled with a ring tying it together in order to add a bit of a flare to the table setting.
To make the table setting even more attractive, consider getting fresh flowers.
However, be sure to choose ones that aren’t too big as they can be distractive as well as disruptive, making it difficult for people sitting at the table to converse with one another. Try placing the flowers as a lovely centrepiece everyone can admire, and may even be a topic of conversation to pass the time.
When it comes to serving up the desserts, a different type of plate may be used.
Perhaps one that has a different style from the rest of the dining ware or it can be smaller in size and lighter in weight. Add to that a corresponding spoon of the same small size. On the other hand, if dessert is runny like fruit salads, or ice cream, a soup bowl can be used to serve these instead.
Finally, consider other decorations to add not just on the table but also in the room.
This can be regular candles or scented ones that capture the essence of Christmas like cinnamon or peppermint. For those who want to be extra, perhaps adding a menu card onto every guest’s placement can be a fun way of letting them know what food they will be feasting on. Additionally, pretty Christmas cards can also be incorporated into the table setting and can be placed on top of the plate.
A general guideline for those aiming to make their Noche Buena fancy, or to add just a bit more structure to their table setting:
Plates are always at the centre of each placemat.
Napkins are placed on the left of the plate.
Flatware (such as the spoons, forks, and knives) are always placed from outside in, according to what is going to be used first in dining.
Knives are placed with their blades facing towards the plate.
As a general rule of thumb, spoons go to the right of the knives
Glasses are placed above the knives
Forks are placed to the left of the plate
Preparing for a big celebration such as a family Noche Buena is not an easy feat, and it isn’t just something anyone can put together at the very last minute as it requires a lot of planning and consideration. From all the food preparations, sending guest invites, to cleaning up the house just to make it presentable, those in charge of these really have their work cut out for them. But finally after all that is accounted for, don’t forget to admire the hard work put into making that table setting possible! Have fun with family and friends, share a drink and enjoy a hearty Noche Buena meal with memories that will last a lifetime.
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