We have a lovely old French pear wood farm table which is old and worn. The wood glows along with all of the historic marks from many meals with friends and it has travelled with us to different places over the years. It has been a central table for meals, my office and a place to anchor our lives around. It is in the top three pieces of furniture including the sofa and the bed for happiness, rest and a sense of peace. The other night we had friends around in France for an Indian dinner, not exactly what they expected but spicy food had been selected. We realised that we represented three different cultures, four different countries and a wide range of personal beliefs but all of the conversation was centred around friendship and food. This was a full on banquet but equally, we have had informal lunches with a quick meal and a glass of wine, celebrated birthdays and achievements with an afternoon tea, champagne and cake and it is those memories that we hold dear.
Feng Shui Tips
Feng Shui experts see the table as an important part of life and work. Ideally, before buying a table, look at which sector you are going to place your table in and check what your table is made of. Ours has always been in a room or place that resonates with the wood element which is about growth and family. Ideally, when selecting a table, avoid sharp corners and edges as these are seen to be ‘poison arrows’ in Feng Shui practice. I have a post on what this means but basically, these arrows provide a negative energy towards the area where the corner/arrow is pointing. Don’t panic if you have these as many modern pieces of furniture are square and sharp and an easy remedy is to soften the sharpness by sanding edges or reducing them with metal or invisible edging. If this is an area in the room where a chair is placed and someone may sit, it may be that chair which is rarely sat in is avoided, as if by instinct, people sense the ‘poison arrow’. You may need to either fix the ‘poison arrow’ or move the chair to another area. Thinking about corners and sharp tips, it is sensible especially if children are around and how often have you caught your foot, toe or shin on a sharp corner?
Glass Tables
We have a large glass coffee table and it is edged by metal making it very stylish. This would make a Feng Shui practitioner very happy. Glass is considered to be a water element and is also said to represent emotion but should be framed. Ideally, the edges should be contained in metal or wood as the glass edges would also be seen as ‘poison arrows’ and fragile. If you have a glass table or shelves edge them with metal or invisible edging and you may be surprised at how this upgrades the look and style.
Bedside Tables
Like many people, we have practical square tables with classic sharp corners. Feng Shui practice recommends either softening the edges by rounding them off or placing a pillow at night between the bed and the corner to reduce the ‘poison arrow’. The ideal shape is a rounded table but this is often hard to find and sometimes we just have to work with what can be bought.
Final Thoughts
Make an effort when setting the table. I have always said that if all I can afford to offer a friend is plastic plates and cheese on toast, then that is my best. If I can set a lovely table for you with elegant plates, vintage wine glasses, antique silver dessert spoons and the best food, then that is our gift to you.
