Moroccan Tablescape

I love the lighter fare of summer: watermelon, green salads, gelato; but after a seemingly never-ending summer of blisteringly hot days, my palate is ready for a change of seasonings. Fall is settling in Los Angeles, and with it, comes cooler days. The summer sun fades to a pale glow, the breeze blows through the trees, the leaves turn from emerald to auburn. It’s days like these I begin to crave dishes with more complexity.

Inspired by the colorful shift in nature, I found my mind wandering, envisioning bright, bold flavors of Moroccan cuisine: cinnamon, ginger, saffron. I began researching recipes, the little seeds of a dinner party already sowing in my head. The menu pieced itself together: Harira, a chickpea and lentil soup; Tagine with fresh autumn vegetables; couscous with cumin bell peppers; cinnamon oranges with honey yogurt;  spearmint tea.

The hopeless hostess within me tore out of my cooking daydream and sped straight to the dining room to envision the table scape. On which platters would these dishes be served? Which linens would compliment the cuisine? And what about decor?

1. Proper lighting is a critical ingredient in dining, as it sets the ambience. Warm, dimmed lighting might make a school cafeteria look romantic, just as fluorescent bulbs would severely compromise the mood at a fine-dining establishment.
2. A sign of true class, linen napkins are a must at every table. A vivid hue or prominent pattern adds whimsy to any place setting.
3. Use a brightly colored platter as the focal point of your table to act as a centerpiece as well as a vessel to serve the food.
4. Beverages are meant to be served in specific glassware, hence the endless variety of shapes and sizes available. Specialty cocktails and cultural beverages beg to be served in corresponding glassware, and (I find) drinking from them is all the more fun.
5. Traditionally, Moroccan dinners are eaten around a low table while seated on the floor. Surround the table with decorative cushions, throws and pillows; settle in and enjoy!

[1] Desiree Metal Ball Pendant Lamp [2] Ikat Cloth Napkins [3] Baetulo Platter [4] Bereber Silver Tea Glasses [5] Sequin Circles Pillow

Author Description

Ashley Fauset

Ashley is a party planner, classically trained dancer, grammar enthusiast and coffee aficionado. She lives in Los Angeles with her musician husband and their hammy two-year-old, and shares her tales of mama-hood at Silver Lake Mom.

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