Cover Kirthanaa Naidu, Malaysian tablescape artist (Photo: Kirthanaa Naidu)
Kirthanaa Naidu, Malaysian tablescape artist (Photo: Kirthanaa Naidu)
1 / 1
The food stylist shares five useful tips when it comes to setting an impressive table
Tablescapes are having a moment, and for good reason—the sculptural wonders are sure to draw the eye when done well, and this is most definitely the case for Kirthanaa Naidu’s intricate table settings. “Food is such a beautiful medium that brings the community together,” the Malaysian food stylist smiles. “People are able to share common ground when dining and it is the best way to get to know someone else’s heritage.”
To Kirthanaa, it holds a deeper meaning—having moved from Malaysia to the UK for boarding school at age 12, food was a way to share her culture. “Coming from a Malaysian-Indian background, I would cook for friends when I was at their houses to let them know more about our food,” she recalls.
Read more: Tatler Dining Malaysia’s Top 20 Restaurants of 2024
Above Kirthanaa curates table settings and activations for magazines and fashion brands
Kirthanaa curates table settings and activations for magazines and fashion brands
1 / 1
While cooking was always a passion, it remained a hobby for most of her life. The SOAS graduate went on to work in human rights at Amnesty International after completing her master’s.
However, during the pandemic, she found herself with free time on her hands, and she began cooking and posting photos on Instagram, often whipping up lavish spreads of food for her flatmates.
See also: 6 interesting yee sang to spice up your Chinese New Year celebrations
Above Kirthanaa shares tips to help elevate any dinner party
Kirthanaa shares tips to help elevate any dinner party
1 / 1
Finding herself with a growing online following, she delved into food styling and tablescaping, landing jobs curating events and activations for magazines and fashion brands. “Food is art—it has that picture-perfect moment, and it is a beautiful medium to work with,” she enthuses.
The food stylist shares five tips for when it comes to styling a table for a dinner party at home.
Above Kirthanaa's table settings often include flowers and linen
Kirthanaa's table settings often include flowers and linen
1 / 1
Use what you have
Above Kirthanaa often forages flowers and leaves, making use of produce around her
Kirthanaa often forages flowers and leaves, making use of produce around her
1 / 1
“When you first start out, you don’t need to go crazy and spend a ton of money on new crockery and tableware. Instead, make use of what you have at home,” she says. Kirthanaa suggests foraging for flowers or leaves from your own garden to elevate any table setting naturally.
Don't miss: Chinese New Year 2024: Festive cookies and where to find them
Shop local
Above The food stylist suggests using fruit and vegetable which can be reused the next day
The food stylist suggests using fruit and vegetable which can be reused the next day
1 / 1
“Make use of local market produce like fruit and vegetables to create sculptural moments,” she shares. “For instance, you can style a bunch of fruit and vegetables in the middle of the table with candles in between and create an organic table setting.” They also make great items for guests to take home or cook with the next day.
One of Kirthanaa’s favourite pieces to freshen up any table is a piece of white linen, but she suggests changing it up with different fabrics. “We have great places for cheap materials in Malaysia, or you could even use batik and get it hemmed,” she says.
Candles create warmth
Above Candles uplift any table setting, whether night or day
Candles uplift any table setting, whether night or day
1 / 1
To set a calming ambience, she suggests candles. “They add warmth and cosiness, whether day or night,” the artist says. “I love using natural beeswax candles, which burn cleaner and are non-toxic.”
Try new techniques
Above Ikebana reduces the need to have plenty of vases
Ikebana reduces the need to have plenty of vases
1 / 1
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, which often makes an appearance in Kirthanaa’s table settings. “It consists of a flower frog, a metal mechanism with spikes, which you put in a bowl with a few stems,” she says. “A table can be elevated so easily with it, without using the same vases over and over.”
Mix and match
Above Antiques always tell a good story
Antiques always tell a good story
1 / 1
“It’s not about having a perfect set of matching plates,” Kirthanaa advises. “In fact, it is great to mix and match, as you can also tell a story about where you sourced each of the pieces.” She suggests shopping vintage, especially on holiday, and slowly building up a curated collection. “It’s always great when you have friends over, and you can tell them you picked up a piece on your travels or from antique markets.”
NOW READ
Kitchen Inc’s recipe for designing better kitchens
Coast by Kayra uplifts coastal Kerala cuisine in the heart of the city
How Michael Yee combines rich Malaysian flavours with sushi making at Waig by Chipta 11a
Credits
Images: Kirthanaa Naidu
Topics
About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
