In Japan, the spring ritual of hanami cherry-blossom viewing under a clear blue sky is an absolute must. People eager to shake off the winter blues cram the parks, sitting on blankets under the trees, drinking cold beer and eating picnic delights from bento boxes.
Here in England, my garden is liberally sprinkled with confetti-like petals of white blossom that drift languidly down from the big Damson plum tree. Blossom brings with it the warmer spring weather that we've all been longing for. However, the weather in the UK is rather less predictable (it torrentially poured in London at last year's Japan Society Hanami party!).
So, Kitchen Critic's Kate and Isshoni London's Vanessa have teamed up to bring you the best of this season's cheerful, pretty home essentials to ensure we can all take pleasure in springtime sakura blooms, whatever the weather!
Sakura Jubako Bento Box & Sakura Water Bottle
To take along your picnic to the park and get into a cheery cherry-blossom viewing mood, you'll certainly need a bento box and flask. The Sakura Jubako bento box is a delightful, flower shaped bento box available from Japan specialists J-Box. This convenient 'jubako' style means that you can stack the layers - there are two large compartments for keeping your rice and other accompaniments separate. The Sakura Jubako bento boxes close securely with sealing Tupperware-style plastic lids. To complement the bento box is the smart 250 ml Sakura water bottle in striking black with a pink cherry blossom flowers motif. This flask has a neat push button operation to dispense water into the stainless steel cap/cup.
Available from J-Box (shipping should be between £3 to £5)
DX SAKURA JUBAKO Bento Box - USD $24.00 (Abt. £18.00)
SAKURA Mini Handy Water Bottle - USD $27.50 (Abt. £20.00)
Cherry Blossom Glasses
These gorgeous party tumblers from Graham and Green will look stylish rain or shine. Use them to serve chilled saké, wine or beer - these versatile glasses with their sturdy base and compact size are so much less likely to be knocked over than stemmed wine glasses. There are six different colours of glasses in a set, each with a lovely frosted cherry blossom pattern rendered in white. The pattern is so subtle and festive you'll want to use the tumblers all year round - they'll look just at as home for a summer BBQ as they will at a blossom viewing party. Available from Graham and Green, the pretty, practical glasses are dishwasher friendly.
Set of 6 Cherry Blossom Glasses - £45
Cherry Blossom Branch Lights
In Japan, people often enjoy the hanami party so much that they don't want to go home! With that in mind, the parks often string up paper lanterns that picturesquely illuminate the cherry blossoms even in the dark. Evenings are still dark early in the UK cherry blossom season... so why not light up your home or garden with Graham and Green's elegant Cherry Blossom Branch Lights? Standing the lights up in vases around your home is an attractive decorative accent... or why not try using the branches as unusual table centrepieces? You can choose from light pink, chocolate, pink and white lights, or combine them (they're surprisingly affordable!).
Cherry Blossom Branch Lights - £17.57
Sia Hanami Tableware & John Lewis Blossom Cutlery
To bring the romantic magic of Hanami indoors, try blossom inspired tableware. The Hanami Tableware by Sia features a beautiful photo of dainty pink flowers, which captures the vibrancy and romance of the season. Made from fine bone china, the Hanami tableware mirrors the light delicacy of sakura blossoms. To complement these gorgeous dishes, try the Blossom Cutlery from John Lewis. The subtle frosted pattern acts as an understated accent, while continuing the floral theme. The sleek modern forms of the Blossom Cutlery combine with the contemporary photographic style of the Hanami Tableware to create a sophisticated celebration of spring.
John Lewis Blossom Cutlery (16 pieces) - £39
Sia Hanami Dining Set (24 pieces) - £99
Cherry Blossom Trivet
Besides its natural beauty, the cherry blossom has an almost iconic form. Long spindly branches that end in a burst of petals have an elegance often seen in contemporary designs. The Cherry Blossom Trivet creates a dramatic silhouette that drapes across your table. Arrange a few down the centre of your table, and you'll create a distinctive graphic display that's functional as well! Made from a durable cast iron, these stylish Cherry Blossom Trivets offer both protection and a simplified modern style. Available from Inspirational Elements, the Cherry Blossom Trivets bring the eastern glamour of this important Japanese celebration.
Cherry Blossom Trivet - £14.99
There are so many ways to celebrate the season while exploring the beauty of Japanese culture which makes hanami an irresistible event. Combining historic traditions with modern glamour creates gorgeous dinning pieces you'll long for. If you'd like to learn about more Japanese events taking place around London, be sure to visit Vanessa at www.isshonilondon.co.uk!
