The dining table is a very important part of a home. This is a place where we come together, communicate, connect, share experiences, and of course, enjoy meals.
Breaking bread, or sharing a meal with others especially loved ones, brings about the feeling of togetherness and belonging. So the dining table is more than just a place to eat. More than its function, it is a powerful symbol of connection. What makes it more significant is that we eat several times a day, a natural way to meet and gather around the dining table. Although we rarely get together for lunch during week days when we are all out for work or school, dinner can be considered as a precious time to bond together and to share experiences. There are also the weekends when we all don’t have to rush through breakfast, and instead, savor the silogs. Tip: don’t allow mobile phones during meals.
Read about Banquettes in Cozy Kitchen Nooks.
The Dining Table
The lack of space in urban areas and rising prices have reduced the size of homes, and therefore, many of us have modest size tables for two or four people. Some have bar stools pushed up against a kitchen counter. It’s not so common to have a home that can fit a dining table which can seat eight or more.
During the pandemic when we had those long lockdowns, dining tables doubled as office, study, hobby, or reading spaces.
It helps to keep things tidy and not loaded with stuff, so that the table is always ready to be the meeting point for family and friends. Whether it’s wood, glass, or metal, be sure to pick a robust one that can carry a lot of weight. You know Filipinos, we love to eat and tend to serve different dishes.
Tableware Trends
Ambiente, a leading trade fair for consumer goods held annually in Germany, presented this year’s international styles that showcased “intensive designs, joyful ideas and product developments that question norms and allow us to see the familiar from a new perspective.” These stem from the uncertainty in the world today, and the need for optimism. The three Ambiente Trends 25+ are DEEP, REAL, and EASE.
DEEP
DEEP attempts to bring tranquility into our homes with objects inspired by nature and craftsmanship. You can revisit the recent post Putting Down Roots. The two videos in that article show sublime examples of biophilic design.
Explore the home accessories, including tableware, to get to know the latest trends. The coloration of the objects hew to the natural coloration of the materials used.
REAL
REAL focuses on sustainable designs, where functionality and creativity go hand in hand. The objects consider ecological and social aspects, and the concept of recycling is very much part of product development. Deep colors like bottle green or orange red are part of the color story for this design trend.
EASE
The ethos of EASE is that this world needs optimism, lightness, joy and fun. Fabric, glass, paper, or ceramics are combined to come up with something unexpected and tactile. Fruity tones like bright orange and lemon, are matched with soft sky blue or denim hues, and deep, dark tones such as deep green and cherry wood.
Yummy Colors for Your Dining Room Walls
Read this post and look at the color palettes we suggested to paint on your dining room walls. The main message is to surround yourself with colors that would stimulate your appetite. The hues red, yellow, and green would be very fitting for a social space where the dining table is situated.
In most Filipino homes, what takes pride of place on the wall is the Last Supper. But did you know that in Greek mythology the goddess of the hearth is Hestia? In Roman mythology, she is called Vesta. The hearth is the central part of the home that provides the central fire, warmth, and light, where you have the ability to cook food.
Hestia or Vesta is known for her gentle and peaceful nature, which is very fitting for a goddess whose domain is the hearth, and also includes the home and the family. We all need a calm and benevolent atmosphere in our homes. So whether we get them from mythology or religion or whatever beliefs we hold, giving thanks for the blessings we receive as we gather around the dining table would always set a wonderful tone during meals.
