Not just white

The second of the three pilgrimage festivals brings us moments of tranquility, where we can reap the fruits of our labor and sit around a festive table laden with good things.

As the whitest holiday of the year, Shavuot is often characterized by white attire and a pristine table. However, this year we decided to create something interesting and different. Something non-standard:

As a tribute to the Festival of First Fruits, we based our design on the clean and simple white color, and took it one (or two) steps further. This was based on the understanding that one can dare and definitely diversify the table setting with unconventional items.

Many items are right under our noses and do not require much investment.

For example: greenery, which integrates with the various dishes and provides a natural and slightly bolder backdrop for the table. Whether you live in the countryside or the city, you can always find such natural decorations for the table in your surroundings - twigs, branches, flowers of all kinds.

In designing the holiday table, we emphasized textures and layers that create different and interesting levels. Even the table's arrangement itself is non-standard - we placed the runners across the table, instead of along its length - as is customary.

In addition, we used different types of tablecloths, and the combination between them created a dramatic look that allows for continuity. Placing tablecloths in such a way can also solve a practical problem that many encounter: a tablecloth whose size is not suitable for the elongated holiday table. By spreading the tablecloths in different directions, the table is covered in different layers and a full-of-style look is achieved, which appears completely intentional.

Every single item on the table was carefully chosen to blend in with the spirit of the holiday and Jewish tradition. The golden trays, for example, recall the way crops (first fruits) were traditionally presented in the Temple, and they also create a beautiful connection with the wheat fields.

Sculptures, like the cacti and the deer (this could be any other animal you like), also integrate and provide an impressive presence.

The vases are placed on the tablecloth as if they were buildings, and the changing greenery around them, which brings nature indoors, integrates like a modern urban landscape.

Next to the cheese platter are bowls of different sizes and material types (ceramic, brass AV).

The black cutlery and plates give the table a dramatic look, while the candelabras and candlesticks bring light, blessing, and a lot of style to your home.

Wishing you a happy holiday, full of light!

Stylist: Shani Palmai (SHANIKA)

AV Design Studio Designer: Avital Kerner Rotenberg

Photographer: Sivan Weiss

Dishes and decorative items: Nima, Kibbutz Evron

At Tali's Yard, Moshav Betzet

Breads: Lechem Tene, Gesher HaZiv

Woman's picture in the background: Dor Sharon, artist photographer