Creating an Oriental theme for the table doesn't have to break the bank.
Whether it's an intimate dinner party or a large wedding celebration, an Oriental theme can be created easily, as well as inexpensively. Table decor ideas are numerous and can be achieved with a little ingenuity, even if the budget is tight. Choose a color scheme, plan the menu, send out the invitations and prepare to have some decorating fun.
Inventory
The first step to creating your Oriental theme is to inventory what you already have and what you can borrow from friends or family. Oriental foods are traditionally served on smaller plates, often with a square or rectangular shape. Small teacups without handles with also create an Oriental feel. Dishes in black, white or red are good color choices. Purchase inexpensive chargers in gold or silver to add pizazz to the look. Buy ribbon with an Oriental pattern, roll napkins around silverware and tie them up with the ribbon. Purchase remnants of material to make a table runner or place mats in your chosen colors.
Bulk Items
There are several Oriental-themed items that can be purchased in bulk and used to decorate the table. Chinese restaurant take-out boxes come in a variety of sizes. Purchase inexpensive flowers from the grocery store, or pick some from your garden, to create miniature centerpieces. Fill them with colored candies and use as favors for guests. Wooden chopsticks can be used as decorations around the table. Buy plain wooden ones and spray paint them in colors to match your motif. Use with flowers in a vase to create a dramatic centerpiece. Use paper parasols to adorn beverages.
Fortune Cookies
Use fortune cookies for both eating and decorating.
Fortune cookies will fit your theme and entertain your guests. Place small serving dishes or bowls on the table and overflow them with the cookies. Purchase kits and make your own fortune cookies along with personalized fortunes inside. Spray paint some of the cookies in gold and scatter around the table.
Chinese Symbols
Draw or paint Chinese symbols to create an Oriental flair.
Chinese symbols will provide an Oriental feel when used as decorations on your table. Small bags of Chinese symbol confetti can be sprinkled around the table. Use plain white napkins and draw Chinese symbols on them with magic markers. Create homemade place cards and draw Chinese symbols around each guest's name. Purchase inexpensive votive candle holders and draw or paint symbols on the outside of them.
Centerpieces
If you already own a wok or can borrow one, use it to create a centerpiece for your table. Fill partially with water and add lilies and floating candles. Place one large candle in the middle and surround it with dry ramen noodles. Use tall, square glass vases and fill with chopsticks and bamboo stalks.
Tags: Chinese symbols, them with, around table, Purchase inexpensive, around table plain, create Oriental, draw Chinese