Welcoming the New Year with Otoso

Dec. 2018 -no.2

Christmas has passed, and New Year's Eve is almost here.
For many of us, the preparations continue right up to the last moment.

New Year customs welcome the year's deities and honor ancestors, expressing hopes for a healthy year. Even amid busy preparations, a thoughtfully arranged table can help mark a fresh beginning.
Here, we introduce pieces for serving otoso, the traditional New Year spiced sake. They are useful when welcoming guests or enjoying a quiet moment of your own.

Create a New Year setting with everyday tableware

Otoso is a traditional New Year drink made by infusing sake or hon-mirin with a blend of herbs and spices called tososan. Its name is associated with driving away ill fortune and welcoming renewed vitality. It is shared as a symbolic wish for health and long life, rather than as a medical remedy.
There are dedicated otoso serving sets, just as there are special tiered boxes for osechi, but buying a complete set is not always practical.
We have put together an otoso setting using everyday pieces in a slightly different way.

An elegant setting in red and white

For pouring, we chose the red Våg teapot. Its light-looking body and slender spout also suit sake. The vivid red and gleaming brass handle bring a celebratory note to the table.
For small servings, we chose Holmegaard's Royal Schnapps Glass, designed by Arne Jacobsen. Its fine drinking edge makes it a lovely vessel for sake. Set it over a red or white Våg plate, and the color beneath is reflected through the glass and the surface of the drink.

Sexhorning Hexagon Bowl S
Sexhorning Hexagon Bowl L
Frost Plate L / White

Small hexagonal stacking dishes with an auspicious shape

Osechi dishes make a natural companion to otoso.
A large tiered box is wonderful for a generous feast, but a smaller gathering may call for less food. Individual portions can still look inviting and festive when carefully arranged.
POTPURRI's hexagonal bowls can be stacked or arranged side by side. Size S works as a small serving dish and size L as a little bowl, presenting a variety of side dishes neatly.

The hexagon recalls the traditional tortoiseshell pattern, associated with longevity and good fortune. Arrange red and white pieces beside otoso for a festive welcome. The little stacks become a playful pattern as they are set out across the table.

After the meal, the bowls stack compactly in the refrigerator. Microwave and dishwasher compatibility also makes the ceramic bowls practical in a busy New Year kitchen. Follow the care instructions for each component, especially any separate lids or trays.

Keep traditions alive in a way you enjoy

As lifestyles change, it is not always easy to continue every old custom exactly as before.
The wishes behind these customs—for health, long life and happiness—remain familiar. It is lovely to pass them on in a form that suits your own life.
Wishing you a happy New Year.