Add some simple yet authentic touches that will transform your home into an elegant Asian restaurant. Set the mood for a perfect evening of food and entertainment with our inspiring tips.
Decorating Tips to Create the Restaurant Experience at Home:
Creating an Asian theme for your next dinner party can be simple and fun. Follow these easy decorating tips to achieve the harmonious, authentic effect your guests will rave about.
Design your own menu and place cards for your guests to enjoy.
Dress up your dinner table with a customized Asian menu and personalized place cards that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. To begin creating your own, click here.
Set the table and the mood by making a beautiful and fragrant centerpiece.
Create your own Asian centerpiece by floating a small orchid flower with several tea lights in a medium glass bowl in the center of the table. Flowers represent the Yin, or feminine element in Asian cultures, and promote an environment of elegance and serenity.
Place a bamboo runner across the length of the table.
Bamboo is a traditional and natural element of Asian décor that is quickly becoming popular in people’s homes. A runner is an easy way to add some Asian flair to any setting, and serves as a perfect place to serve hot dishes.
Wrap pairs of decorative chopsticks with sea grass and place on top of square dinner plates to set your table.
When adding the finishing touches, focus on simplicity. Natural accent pieces, like sea grass, are an essential part of Asian décor, and add a touch of beauty for your guests to enjoy just before their meal.
Garnish each table setting with a narrow glass vase of lucky bamboo.
Lucky bamboo stalks are a popular and inexpensive staple to Asian décor. Add small pebbles inside each vase for a serene, elegant effect.
Create an authentic ambience by playing Thai music softly in the background.
If authentic Thai music cannot be found, a good substitute is music from Bali. You’ll find that Indonesian music is particularly suitable for dinner-parties, as it is soft and atmospheric.
Place lit meditation candles around the room.
A more natural and serene choice than electric light, candles generate a harmonious ambience perfect for any dinner occasion.
Hang colorful paper lanterns from your ceilings to create a beautiful glow.
Paper lanterns have long had a strong association with traditional Asian décor, and promote a wonderful atmosphere. You can find them at your local party store, online, or you can create your own.
Top your guests’ cocktails with bright paper umbrellas.
Fan and umbrella decorations play a central part in Asian décor, and present a fun and exotic way to garnish cocktails.
Create party favors for your guests.
Fortune cookies in mini-Chinese take out boxes (found in craft stores) make a sweet treat. These small tokens serve as a fun takeaway for your guests to remember their night.
