BEIRUT: Dynamic, talented and passionate about design, Dima El-Aref embarked on an adventure to pursue the art of table setting about 10 years ago.
It started off as a hobby before it turned into a full time job, and El-Aref became a master in the art of making a table look its best.
To mark Ramadan, Arab News France gathered advice, tips and recommendations from this professional party planner, whose Instagram account, La Table de Dima, displays dreamy tables that reinvent the notions of sharing and conviviality.
Whether it is the color scheme, the placemats, the layout of the dishes or the choice of flowers, candles and other accessories, El-Aref leaves nothing to chance.
During this special time of the year, when people gather to fast, pray, and then gather around the table for a pleasant moment of conviviality, how the food is served is of great significance.
“Whether it’s a family or business iftar, it’s important that the host adds a personal touch and that the guests feel comfortable,” said El-Aref.
“When setting a table, I am first inspired by everyday objects and objects that the client already owns. An ornate plate, a colorful vase, flowers, everything is a subject for creating a table setting,” she explained.
“It is also crucial to listen to the host, to see what they already have in the way of crockery and decorative objects, to discover the home or space where the iftar is to take place and to choose decorative elements from among all this.
“I work on the entire space, the entrance, the garden and even the restrooms,” she added. “A hint of gold is also appropriate, as well as accessories associated with Ramadan such as the moon, the crescent, and lanterns that remind us of the holy nature of this holiday. The tooled silver, copper or bronze trays are the norm and at this time of year I use jasmine and orange blossom for my floral decorations.”
El-Aref also uses fruits as decorations, such as dates, which are essential and symbolic during this period.
Many people, especially the young, are on the look out for modern tables by mixing and matching or using color black even for a traditional Ramadan table.
“There are no longer any specific rules, but one thing is certain: an iftar table is synonymous with opulence, and above all, it is beautiful to behold,” said El-Aref, who will soon unveil “a traditional house nestled in the heart of Achrafieh in Beirut,” where clients will be able to receive personalized advice, discover collaborations with designers or even rent out the premises for all-inclusive events.
She added that personalization is vital to any table-setting process. “It could be a message on the plate, or a menu, or a nicely written name. A little extra touch is all it takes to make a difference and honor your guests.
“As for the floral arrangements in the home or on the table, I choose the color scheme according to the design and colors of the tableware. What’s more, you don’t have to change the tableware for Eid if you don’t have the budget — you can just adapt the floral arrangements, and that’s it,” she said.