A nostalgic festive table celebrates local craft—and stainless steel

For Reddy, food is always the heart of a gathering, yet how it is served is what turns a meal into a moment. A table has its own silent choreography. Textiles soften the mood, plants breathe at the centre, steel glints under ambient light and the palette echoes the place it comes from. Together, they form a sensory landscape that holds the evening in its details.

Her approach is rooted in familiarity yet reimagined with a contemporary hand. Against an exposed brick wall, the table unfolds through Ikat, Kalamkari, woven mats and stainless steel, composed with a gentle, deliberate rhythm. The indigos, maroons and greens feel grounded and celebratory, reflecting the traditions she has grown to love since moving to the city. A row of potted greens forms a living centrepiece, reflecting her belief that gatherings are most meaningful when they carry warmth, locality and intention.

BH: How do you think about layering, proportion and placement when styling a table?

SR: The food always comes first. Once the menu is clear, the rest of the table and serve-ware fall into place. This was a biryani centric meal, so the setup was planned around serving and eating comfortably. I also keep height in mind. You should be able to see the person across from you, so floral arrangements should be very short or very tall. Here, the greens are low and the candle stand is tall so nothing blocks the view. I like a bit of asymmetry. Too much symmetry feels stiff, so one strong element, like the candle stand, becomes the hero.

BH: How did you approach flowers and greens for this setting, and what usually works for festive tables?

SR: I think everyone enjoys having flowers on a table. It is not mandatory, but it brings joy. I usually use fresh flowers, but for this table we experimented with potted plants that are available this season. Cut flowers last such a short time, but these plants can go back into your garden or balcony after the gathering. The colours worked with the textiles and added softness without overwhelming the table. Flowers and greens instantly bring joy, but being able to reuse them makes the whole setting feel more thoughtful.