From cutlery and furnishing to juices and snacks, iftar is an elaborate affair, more so when you are the one playing host. While dishes can be planned ahead and cutlery can be arranged on time, you need that special touch to give your everyday dining table a festive touch and make it into an Iftar table.
Here are a few tips to get your Iftar table started.
Depending on the number of guests invited, ensure that the table can be extended or complemented with other counters or benches to make space for the various items you have planned in the kitchen. If the number of guests around the table is more, it would be courteous on your part to repeat the dishes so everyone can easily reach it. And, if you are having a regular 3-course meal with refreshments, it is best to place the drinks in a separate corner so guests can pour themselves their choice of juice before sitting at the table. The dessert counter could also be separate, as most people prefer to go slow with the last part of the meal.
Table Decor
To give your iftar meal a celebratory tone, you will need the right table linen, napkins, candles, dinner set, matching platters and glassware. Going with a colour theme will easily enhance the look of the Iftar table; you could match the colours and patterns or use a shade that comfortably contrasts with the rest of the room. Avoid using too many prints, patterns and colours. Begin with an attractive tablecloth and add placemats to enhance the look. You could make it extra special by picking the pieces in traditional patterns or opt for a solid colour. Make your guests feel special by using cloth napkins that are matching or contrasting with the tablecloth.
Candles and lights
Lamps are of special significance during this season, so go all out with a choice of candles and lamps around the room. Let the table incorporate traditional fanoos, Ramadan lantern, to keep the spirit of the season resplendent. Add candles around to infuse the table in soft lighting. You could either place large candles in the centre of the table or go for smaller ones that could be arranged around the dishes placed on the table. Additionally, make fanoos the centrepiece of your table.
Dinner set
It is a special gathering and it requires you to bring out your special cutlery to suit the occasion. Your regular glasses can take a break as you arrange the table with glasses and plates saved for special occasions. Try and match your dinner set with the table décor – and that means plain coloured dinner sets for the patterned tablecloth and printed dinner set for a solid coloured tablecloth.