With Ramadan fast approaching and moon sightings already made by Saudi Arabian authorities, many families are planning intentional Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the sunset meal breaking the fast) gatherings. Although big celebrations are kept for Eid al-Fitr, it is nice to intentionally lay the table with your favourite colours, textures and symbols – bringing your loved ones together to reflect on fasting intentions, charity, discipline and spiritual rest.
To bring you some inspiration, we’ve rounded up five simple Ramadan tablescapes that use what you might already have in your cupboards.
1. Intentional glow
Crescent moon motifs are beautiful and widely used as decor for tablescapes. Think embossed napkins, gold-edged plates, matte gold candelabras, and minimalist crescent moon fairy lights. Keep the palette muted with colours like ivory, sand, muted gold, soft sage and deep charcoal. Avoid plastic crescent cut-outs and stick with more subtle, natural pieces instead.
2. Lantern glow
Lanterns, or “fanous”, are commonly used in Egypt during Ramadan and bring the perfect mix of subtle, warm lighting and engaging textures. Make two to three lanterns your statement centrepieces for the table, layered on top of runners in jewel-tone colours, like emerald, sapphire and burgundy. Or pair the statement pieces with a plain white runner, accompanied by patterned ceramic plates, gold-rimmed glassware and nuts and dates displayed in hammered copper or metal bowls.
3. Desert luxe
Make texture your focal point with this theme, keeping the colour palette close to clays, terracottas, beige, dusty rose, and olive tones. Think woven placemats, stoneware plates, low dried floral arrangements, and linen napkins tied with twine and a single date tucked within.
4. Floral Ramadan
Floral tablescapes are always a win, providing vibrant colours, floral scents and many textures to the table. Pair white florals with deep green foliage with interesting decor items like floating candles in glass bowls, subtle crescent accents, and personalised name cards with Ramadan duas.
5. Community-Centred
When sharing food with many loved ones, you might need more than just a set table. Instead, set the table with large shared platters instead of individual plates. Set up a dedicated date-and-water station. Keep it informal, and lean into Ramadan themes like generosity and sharing.
Ultimately, a Ramadan table is less about decoration and more about gathering with intention — creating space for reflection, generosity and shared meals.
