SOFREHS CREATED AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE BOOK
Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd, May 2023
This soft and serene arrangement, which echoes a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd), is created on and around lengths of fine antique ivory lace, complemented by light and feathery off-white peonies and embellished with sprigs of soft foliage. The emphasis is on a shiny, silky and subtle appearance.




Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd, April 2023
This harmonious, compact yet dazzling arrangement, which was inspired by the bouquets of ranunculi, anemones and Viburnum opulus, alludes to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd).






Bejewelled Sofreh
Many Persian emblems and symbolic elements of the Persian sofreh appear in items of jewellery. This most original “bejewelled sofreh” is dedicated to showcasing this kind of jewellery.






Yalda and Christmas, January 2023
In 2022, around the winter solstice (Shab-e Yalda) on 21 December and Christmas, an original compact sofreh, inspired by the traditions of both celebrations, was created and presented on the social media pages of SOFREH. The arrangement showcases some customary elements from the sofrehs for Shab-e Yalda (e.g. samovar, red fruits) and Christmas decorations (e.g. Christmas foliage and lights). To read more about Shab-e Yalda please scroll down to Shab-e Yalda, Winter Solstice, December 2021.






Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd, November 2022
This delightful serene arrangement, which was inspired by the impressive bouquet of hydrangeas, snowberries and foliage placed at the heart of the display, alludes to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd). It includes some of the symbolic elements of the marriage sofreh.





Jashn-e Mehregan
October, 2022. Jashn-e Mehregan is an Iranian festival which is apparently dedicated to the god of Mithra (Mehr). See more on http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/mehragan. Very briefly, in the Persian culture, Mehregan is believed to have the same significance as Nowruz, with Nowruz signalling the beginning of spring and Mehregan marking the arrival of autumn. The celebrations, which have their origins in the pre-Islamic period and are associated with agriculture and harvest, are usually held between 16 and 21 Mehr in the Persian calendar, which correspond to 8 and 13 October. Although in the past sofreh was part of the Mehregan customs, in modern times, it is not.
This year, to pay homage to Jashn-e Mehregan, two sofreh arrangements, which include a variety of apples, were created in autumnal shades. Both bring out the best of the beauty, tone and form of the apples which herald the harvest season. The details of each sofreh appear below the relevant overall image.






Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd, September 2022
Anthuriums are not part of Persian traditions. However, this impressive, oversized single flower, known as Amigo, was the inspiration for creating this compact composition, which alludes to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd).



Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd, August 2022
This pleasant arrangement with a predominantly silver colour scheme alludes to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd). It includes a few of the symbolic elements of the sofreh.




Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd, May 2022
During May 2022 three vivid arrangements were presented, which allude to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd). They were inspired by the striking bouquets of flowers, illuminated with flames.
Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd, April 2022
During April 2022 two soft arrangements were presented, which allude to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd). The inspiration for both was the splendid bouquets of flowers and foliage, illuminated with flames.
Ornamental Pomegranates
This dainty arrangement was inspired by sprigs of fresh ornamental pomegranate, which are displayed on a Venetian-style mirror and in a miniature cup and saucer. It alludes to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd) and comprises pomegranate-shaped candles, mirrors, miniature vessels of rosewater (golab) to perfume the air, gilded coins (sekkeh, a symbol of wealth and prosperity), sugared almonds and crystal sugar (noql o nabat, which are symbols of sweetness and harmony).


Shab-e Yalda, Winter Solstice
December, 2021. Shab-e Yalda, the winter solstice, is the longest night of the year. It is the eve of 1 Dey in the Persian calendar, corresponding to 21 December. The feast of Yalda originates in the pre-Islamic period and is associated with agriculture. The divan-e Hafez (works of 14th-century Persian poet, Hafez) to recite poetry, and red fruits—watermelons and pomegranates—are important parts of this celebration, heralding the crimson hues of sunrise after absolute darkness, and the promise of longer days ahead. It is the celebration of the passing of darkness and the rebirth of the sun. Interestingly, Shab-e Yalda is only about one minute longer than the preceding night. In the Persian tradition people get together, tea, sweets, nuts and fruits are served, and stories and poetry are recited, to get through the darkest and longest night of the year, when it is believed that demons are most active.





Sofreh & Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are not part of Persian traditions, but have lent beauty to many of our contemporary sofrehs. They come in an unlimited variety of sensational shades. To break from tradition and pay tribute to this spectacular flower, images of a variety of hydrangeas, classified by colour schemes, were presented across November 2021. They were intended to bring light and life into the dark days of the month.
Jashn-e Mehregan
October, 2021. Jashn-e Mehregan is an Iranian festival which is apparently dedicated to the god of Mithra (Mehr). See more on iranicaonline.org/articles/mehragan. Very briefly, in the Persian culture, Mehregan is believed to have the same significance as Nowruz, with Nowruz signalling the beginning of spring and Mehregan marking the arrival of autumn. The celebrations, which have their origins in the pre-Islamic period and are associated with agriculture and harvest, are usually held between 16 and 21 Mehr in the Persian calendar, which correspond to 8 and 13 October. Although in the past sofreh was part of the Mehregan customs, in modern times, it is not. This year, to mark the occasion and in pursuit of novelty, echoes of the customs of Mehregan are presented with an original and minimalist approach.
Sofa & Sofreh
The pandemic has put restrictions on marriage ceremonies, and has even condensed the Persian marriage sofreh! Many people have opted for celebrating at home, where space may be limited. Hence, this original composition was created on a small firm sofa, which is voluminously draped in ivory silk.






Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd, August 2021
During the month of August, more compact compositions, echoing the Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd), together with their details were presented. The emphasis was on soft, subtle and serene designs.






Clematis & Ranunculi
This enchanting arrangement, which is inspired by a bouquet of clematis and ranunculi, alludes to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd). Lengths of exquisite antique Persian textile (termeh) in yellow tones, with intricate embroidery and borders, offer the perfect background and backdrop for this delightful sofreh.




Kahala Roses
This soft and serene arrangement, which alludes to a Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd), is inspired by an ample and lavish bouquet of magnificent roses, known as Kahala, and fine foliage.
Blue White Gold
This striking, yet serene and soft Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd), arranged in front of a fireplace with blue and white ceramic tiles, complements that colour scheme. The predominant element is a length of exquisite antique Persian brocade in blue, with antique-gold accents.








Echoes of Sofreh-ye aqd
Once again the wedding season is upon us. Throughout the month of May 2021 a variety of compact compositions were designed, echoing the Persian marriage sofreh (sofreh-ye aqd). In each case the sublime flowers, which take centre stage, have been the inspiration for creating the arrangements.








Glorious Garlics
The humble garlic (sir, in Persian) is one of the symbolic elements included in the sofreh-ye Nowruz (haft sinn), which starts with the letter “s”. It is prized for its medicinal qualities, and is believed to have evil-averting powers. In the following compact arrangements, alluding to the sofreh-ye haft sinn, its aesthetic qualities have been wonderfully exploited.




Nowruz 1400 AS, 2021
In the Persian calendar, 20-21 March 2021 marks the beginning of a new century and a New Year, 1400 AS (anno shamsi) or SH (shamsi hejri). In the pursuit of variety, an informal and original sofreh, created by an Iranian artist in her home for Nowruz 1400, is being featured.