Being born into a Hindu family, I don’t have any childhood memories of Christmas, except that it was a school holiday.
Before coming to America, there were some holidays I had never heard of, such as Thanksgiving, and others that I had never taken part in, such as Christmas. Today, my children can never imagine life without either one of these celebrations. As an immigrant, it is important to hold on to our cultural heritage to give us strength and foundation for our future but it is equally important is to embrace the surrounding culture and customs to keep us moving forward.
When I came to America I had the real taste of Christmas. After I saw the Christmas spirit and cheer among people, I realized that I don’t have to be a Christian to celebrate Christmas. I guess it was the traditions behind Christmas I was attracted to. Since Christmas is all about beautiful traditions, I wanted to incorporate these traditions into my life along with other holiday traditions.
Thanksgiving and Christmas have become beloved and enduring tradition in my family. Holiday traditions are enriching when we share them with the people around us.
I want to share some Christmas tablescape pictures from my book Entertaining from an Ethnic Indian Kitchen.
Here is the table. I used Christmas ornaments in a bowl as a centerpiece. To welcome each guest, I placed a small red rose plant wrapped in a gold organza bag in front of each place setting.
Votive candle add a touch of romance to the table.
The traditional Christmas color palate gets a tropical touch with colorful accents of elephants, peacocks and parrots.
For more memorable tablescapes and entertaining ideas, please check out my book, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen, at my website: komalinunna.com.
I am joining Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.
Your table is exquisite! Everything is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
This is quite lovely -- every elegant.
ReplyDeleteYour table is just stunning, the linens and dishes and stemware all so beautiful, one complaint, I would of liked lots more pictures with all the details and lots of closeups, I love to see more of things that are that beautiful....
ReplyDeletegorgeous, i always enjoy your tables~
ReplyDeleteWow! The table is beautiful! I love the accent colors that the peacocks bring in.
ReplyDeleteYour table setting is just gorgeous. I especially like the plates with the bird motif.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Your table is very elegant from the linens, to the china, to the crystal, to the unique centerpiece...just beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly beautiful.....as always.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely...beautiful colors and elegant setting
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...Beautiful...Beautiful. michelle
ReplyDeleteIt looks very pretty...
ReplyDeleteErika
So beautiful. Love the way you did the centerpiece!
ReplyDeleteHi Komali:
ReplyDeleteGreat post on Christmas in the US from Hindu eyes!
I just discovered you and your sites and wanted to invite you to visit The Silk Road Gourmet.
I am a scientist (biologist) by training and have just published the Silk Road Gourmet which surveys the cuisines of Western and Southern Asia. The book also treats the cultural, economic and political links that allowed so many different cultures to share food elements.
You might enjoy the posts entitled, "Take Two Curries and Call Me in the Morning!", or the "Christmas in India" which includes a short video of a mass in Kerala.
Anyway, I will link to your blog at the next update and invite you to be a guest poster on mine.
Laura Kelley
I like how you described the "mixing" of your heritage with new traditions and your tablescape captures it as well. I would love to be sitting down to a meal at that gorgeous table!
ReplyDeleteDD
WOW - Love the twist on tradition and how you have infused your personal style.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful, what a neat table:@)
ReplyDeleteKomali,your tablescape looks splendid!Happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful table! I loved how you incorporated the two cultures into this lovely setting.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a beautiful table! Love your centerpiece. The salad plates are so pretty with the multi-colored bird.
ReplyDeleteLove your table. the plates are perfect.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you phrased that: "...it is important to hold on to our cultural heritage to give us strength and foundation for our future but it is equally important is to embrace the surrounding culture and customs to keep us moving forward." Very well said! Your holiday table is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteAn elegant Christmas table with a special twist...thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay
ReplyDelete