Moroccan Table Decor Ideas: Creating an Exotic Ambiance

Transform your home into a vibrant Moroccan paradise with these inspiring table decor ideas. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to add an exotic touch to your living space, incorporating Moroccan elements can create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

Setting the Scene

Decorating for a Moroccan-themed party or dinner can be a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy mixing and matching different items. Here are some key elements to consider:

  • Create a ‘magic carpet’ vibe: Layer rugs on top of rugs with old-world oriental styles and sheepskin rugs.
  • Use an abundance of fabric: Drape fabric across tables or layer it over each other. For an outside party, set up a tent and hang sheer fabric or curtain panels for an enclosed feel.
  • Intimate Lighting: If you have a small room with a chandelier, create an intimate space by attaching long stretches of fabric from the center light fixture to the corners of the ceiling and down to the floor. Drape a small piece of colorful sheer fabric over a lamp shade.
  • Set up a separate table: Ensure guests can grab a drink when they first arrive. Make decorative ice cubes with edible flowers frozen inside for a beautiful touch.

Get engulfed in the theme by playing music that creates the atmosphere. You can also play a Moroccan-themed movie or two in the background with the sound off.

Table Setting Essentials

One thing you "have" to have for a Moroccan-inspired party is a low table with floor seating, or lawn seating. Here are some ideas for your table setting:

  • Low Table: You don’t have to be a DIY expert to create a makeshift low table. Simply place a large piece of plywood on two plastic storage boxes or crates of equal height.
  • Layering: Layer gold chargers with a colorful mix of vintage dinner plates.
  • Candlelight: If you don’t have Moroccan lanterns, use a collection of brass candlesticks in different shapes and sizes to line down the center of the table.

Adding small details is one of my favorite things to do when setting a themed table. Add an Indian scroll to each place setting. Guests can either write a note for the guest of honor, or the hostess can write a personal note to each guest. You can also make easy DIY tasseled drink stirrers.

Read also: The Allure of Blue and White Tile

Food and Drink

For an authentic Moroccan experience, serve food and drinks that reflect the cuisine and culture:

  • Mezze Platters: Eat small plates with your hands! Serve multiple mezze platters for intimate gatherings. Include some stuffed dates wrapped in bacon.
  • Signature Drink: Add a signature drink like mint green tea.
  • Dessert: Make or purchase a layer cake for dessert, and decorate it yourself. Top it with fresh fruit like kumquats, grapes, cherries, or figs.

Provide a few liquors and let guests mix up a cocktail. Vodka and gin work well here, but rum would also be a nice addition. Just add 1 1/2 oz. spirits to 4 oz. of your flavored mixer of choice.

Dress Code and Entertainment

Encourage guests to follow a dress code and wear festive Moroccan-themed attire. Gold body jewelry, including body chains, toe rings, head chains, and dangly earrings, can add to the ambiance.

  • Henna Tattoos: Henna tattoos are a traditional art form in a Moroccan celebration, but be careful. Take a more practical approach for a home party and provide gold rub-on decals instead.
  • Entertainment: Hire a belly dancer for a birthday celebration or rent a Hookah if you can. Dance to Bollywood music.

Moroccan Tablescape

Party Favors

Send your guests home with something to remember the night by. Fill a small gift bag with useful items that have that exotic Middle Eastern aesthetic. Add a small candle, a decorative emery board, and a fragrant soap wrapped in pretty paper.

Incorporating Moroccan Design at Home

If you want to add Moroccan style to your home, here are some simple ways to do it:

Read also: Morocco's Blue Pearl

  • Tiles, Fountains, and Courtyards: Moroccan tiles fit in just about anywhere to lend an instant North African injection and work really well as a backsplash.
  • Moroccan Handira Blankets: Draped over a chair, at the foot of a bed, or hung over a wooden ladder to warm a wall, handiras are cheerful and versatile.
  • Moroccan Breadbaskets: These are perfect as an accent piece that also can serve a function.
  • Moroccan Ceramics: Arranging Moroccan ceramics on a wall is an inexpensive and powerful way to add Moroccan flare.
  • Moroccan Lights: Switching on a hand-carved brass or pewter Moroccan light can conjure a 1001 Nights ambiance.
  • Moroccan Poufs & Rugs: These are quintessentially Moroccan items that can be used on the floor or hung as wall decorations.
  • Moroccan Tea Pots: Scatter them around your home full of fresh roses for a simple yet impactful touch.
  • Moroccan Tables: Typically hand-carved from wood, these tables come in various styles and can easily add Moroccan flair.

Moroccan Outdoor Decor

Moroccan outdoor decor is easy to replicate by focusing on emblematic pieces:

  • Kilim Pillows: If you love colors, Moroccan kilim pillows are the way to go.
  • Moroccan Leather Poufs: These are a staple in Moroccan decor and are used to adorn indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Moroccan Beni Ourain Pillows and Poufs: Made using wool and natural black and white dyes, these add a cozy touch.
  • Moroccan Tray Table: This practical piece can be used as a coffee table and easily stored.
  • Moroccan Lighting: Handmade using brass, rattan, or wood, these lights add a cozy Moroccan touch.
  • Plants: Cactuses and small palm trees are excellent choices for Moroccan outdoor decor.

Read also: Men's Moroccan Fashion

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tags: #Moroccan