We are heading into 2026 with high hopes — it’s shaping up to be an even more rewarding year for Saudi Arabia, as we’re pushing forward, growing stronger, and reaching beyond our economic and cultural limits. This development influences sectors like tourism, technology, and construction, as well as daily life, where it smoothly incorporates modern needs and certain European customs.
These innovations are especially noticeable in high-end real estate properties, where traditional elements and décor are gaining more aesthetic value and style. And this article is our brief overview of the new trends in dining traditions: how are tables being set and guests received today, in light of both tradition and fashion?
About Hospitality
Naturally, we reached out to those who know best — the MDMAISON team shared their insights with us. They confidently operate in fit-out projects across Saudi Arabia, offering professional support from the development stage all the way through to delivery. They confirmed that nothing has changed, and just like before, giving attention to the guest remains an important tradition in our country: people still welcome others at home in the majlis, offering the finest treats, sweets, fruits, and drinks. In cases where the guest holds a high level of importance, for instance, a family elder or a business counterpart, tradition calls for offering an elevated dining experience, often in the form of a full, multi-course lunch.
Historically, communal dining was the norm, with large trays set centrally for shared consumption. Now, contemporary formats are gaining popularity, reflecting changing social dynamics and aesthetics.
Today’s Dining Style
Across metropolitan areas such as Riyadh and Jeddah, high-end residences often include dedicated dining rooms featuring extended tables, curated place settings, elegant stemware, and refined decorative accents. The interior of such a room receives no less attention than the majlis: people aim to create a spacious feel, choosing exclusive lighting, bespoke furniture, refined textiles, and curated luxury tableware collections. Traditional dishes continue to dominate the table, with staples like oven-roasted lamb, rice, aromatic spices, assorted salads, and yogurt sauces, so the table is overflowing with food, big portions, dish after dish. It’s not just hospitality; it’s how we show respect and warmth. Generosity is part of who we are.
Today, it’s common for modern households to adopt European-style table arrangements:
- a charger plate beneath the main plate
- cutlery placed on the left and right
- stylish glassware for each course
- elegant cloth napkins with rings
- decorative centerpiece.
For tableware, Saudis often choose both local and European brands — porcelain dinnerware, cutlery made from noble metals, and glassware crafted from crystal or Bohemian glass.
Popular Dinnerware Brands
For top-tier table settings, Arab families often favor collections from European manufacturers in England, France, Italy, and Germany — created from exclusive sculptural designs, hand-decorated, and often featuring signature paintings, gold, and platinum detailing.
- Bernardaud offers delicate Limoges porcelain with stylish, elegant patterns. Its refined aesthetic and ability to convey status make it a popular choice in Saudi Arabia.
- Haviland offers traditional French porcelain known for its decorative richness and refined gold detailing, making it a preferred option for formal occasions in affluent Arab households.
- Raynaud – refined lines, a soft color palette, and artistic attention to detail. Ideal for those who favor a modern touch without sacrificing luxury.
- Ginori 1735 presents vivid, artistically bold collections crafted from fine porcelain, ideal for those seeking a contemporary and striking table aesthetic.
- Rosenthal – modern design, minimalism, and creative lines. A great match for contemporary interiors and European-style dining.
Remarkable Glassware
Even traditional water, juices, and other non-alcoholic drinks can be served with special flair and color. Fine crystal, colored, and Murano glassware make that possible. Renowned manufacturers offer both individual pieces and full collections of refined pitchers, highballs, decanters, and a variety of glasses — all of which can be adapted to suit any interior. There are handcrafted collections decorated with gold and platinum, exclusive painterly pieces, or stunning color palettes in unique shades.
- Nason Moretti offers Murano-crafted colored glassware with a distinct artistic style. It adds a sense of individuality and character to the table, appealing to those who prefer a standout look.
- Lobmeyr offers ultra-thin yet highly durable clear glass pieces with minimal naturalistic decoration that appear effortlessly light and organic.
- Artel offers Bohemian glass pieces known for their intricate hand-cut detailing. They look both luxurious and eye-catching, and you can find designs to match almost any theme.
- Baccarat is a top leader in the world of crystal. It offers collections suited to a wide range of interiors and lifestyles, ones your guests are sure to appreciate.
- Saint-Louis is a manufacturer whose signature style features luxurious metal accents and hand-cut finishes. They offer collections designed specifically for opulent, regal interiors.
- Theresienthal specializes in exclusive hand-blown glassware, with each piece showcasing exceptional craftsmanship down to the smallest detail.
- Venini is another Italian icon. The brand has succeeded in presenting rich, vibrant colors in incredibly refined silhouettes, making its collections both masterful and striking.
Top Cutlery Brands
No refined table is complete without cutlery. It’s the third essential component of a European table setting, right after glassware and dinnerware. Flatware should complement the overall setting — combining elegance, quality, ergonomics, and practicality. Made from the highest-grade alloys, it’s also a subtle symbol of taste and status.
- Alain Saint-Joanis is a French brand known for cutlery handles that resemble fine jewelry. Its pieces lend a sophisticated and curated feel.
- Schiavon is an Italian brand of silver cutlery. Their designs feature elegant shapes without excessive ornamentation, which makes them especially suitable for Arab interiors.
- Robbe & Berking offers restrained yet high-quality flatware inspired by the spirit of German artisans. Here, you’ll find not only luxurious but also long-lasting collections..
- Christofle is an icon of polish, luxury, and quality. Designers and decorators around the world love the brand’s stylistic diversity, as it makes it easy to find exclusive, status-defining pieces that meet even the most demanding tastes.
- Ercuis favors refined detailing and lighter silver-plating techniques, delivering poised elegance that aligns with a more understated, yet distinguished, table setting.
In Conclusion
Modern Arab real estate skillfully yet carefully integrates global lifestyle habits without compromising their cultural heritage in any way. For example, many homes feature both traditional majlis spaces with national décor and furnishings, and dining rooms in a more European style, where guests are served food at the table. This shift doesn’t signify a departure from cultural values, but rather an expansion of hospitality, a way to express openness and a readiness to build connections with others. It’s also nice to know that we have luxury décor professionals working here — they take on interior projects and help create a more exclusive aesthetic in our homes.
