The Art of the African Table: Dining, Decor & Design
- digglirs
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9
In Africa, a table is never just a table. It is a gathering place, a storyteller, and a cultural canvas. Whether under acacia trees in the savannah or within the elegant dining rooms of a boutique lodge, the African table is where tradition and modern design meet, creating moments that linger in memory and spirit.
This post explores the craftsmanship, aesthetics, and rituals that shape the African dining experience.
From handmade ceramics and woven linens to regional culinary practices and table styling, here is your guide to curating your own piece of Africa at home - or seeking it out while traveling.
1. Ceramics with Soul: Where Earth Meets Art
Africa is home to extraordinary ceramic traditions that span centuries. Today, contemporary artisans are building on those foundations to create pieces that are both functional and sculptural.
Wonki Ware (South Africa):
Based in George, this studio crafts hand-formed tableware with organic lines and soft glazing. No two pieces are alike, and that’s exactly the point.
Imiso Ceramics (Cape Town):
Fusing Xhosa aesthetics with minimalist design, these pieces bring a story to every plate and bowl.
Why it matters: Eating off something handmade brings warmth, meaning, and grounding to every meal.
2. Textiles that Tell Stories
Table linens are not just decor - they are heritage woven into cloth. One of Africa’s most iconic design houses brings this truth to life in colour and form.
Ardmore (South Africa):
Known globally for their exuberant ceramic art, Ardmore’s textile range is just as expressive. Featuring bold prints inspired by Zulu folklore, wildlife, and storytelling, their tablecloths, runners, and napkins turn any setting into a vibrant celebration.
Each piece is a visual feast, blending artistic heritage with luxury. Set a table with Ardmore linens and every meal becomes a shared story.
Why it matters: A set table becomes a statement of culture and celebration.
3. Furniture as Function and Form
African design redefines utility. A dining table is not merely a surface — it is often carved, shaped, or assembled to reflect cultural values and aesthetics.
Dokter and Misses (South Africa):
These design pioneers create sculptural furniture with African lines and bold forms.
Jomo Tariku (Ethiopia/USA):
His Afrocentric pieces, like the Nyala chair, infuse modern homes with heritage-inspired silhouettes.
Why it matters: Design rooted in identity adds authenticity to modern spaces.
4. Culinary Rituals Rooted in Place
The African table is shaped by the foods that fill it - and the ways those foods are shared.
In Ethiopia, injera is served on large communal platters, fostering connection.
In Morocco, handwashing bowls and tagines introduce ritual and aroma.
In South Africa, braais (barbecues) are both meal and social gathering.
These dining customs are not performance; they are invitations. They say: sit longer, listen more, eat with intention.
Why it matters: Ritual transforms dining from function to experience.
5. Scent, Sound, and Setting
Set the mood beyond visuals.
Light an African-sourced candle
Play a curated playlist of African jazz, soul, or acoustic sounds.
Let nature in with fresh foliage or a simple palm frond in a glass vase.
Why it matters: A sensory environment enhances memory, connection, and joy.
6. Travel-Inspired Table Experiences
Take inspiration from some of Africa’s most beautiful dining settings:
Angama Mara, Kenya:
Dinner under the stars, overlooking the Mara plains.
Babylonstoren, South Africa:
Farm-to-fork elegance in a Cape Dutch setting.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas, Tanzania:
Feet in the sand, fine dining by candlelight.
These aren’t meals. They are memories.
Final Thoughts: Curate with Heart
The African table is layered with texture, meaning, and soul. Whether you're sourcing handmade tableware, incorporating cultural rituals, or simply lighting a candle that brings you back to your travels, each element becomes part of your story.
To collect these pieces is to honour the artisans, communities, and histories that shape them. To use them is to bring Africa closer, every day.