Don't decorate, design. That's what I've taken so far from Wabi-Sabi, the japanese philosophy on aesthetics. Decorations clutter. Design beautifies. Design takes what you already have, the bare bones necessities, and make them functional and beautiful. Decoration takes what you have, and hides it with bells and whistles.

Garrey Nolds describes just such a scene while on train in Japan:

An "ekiben" contains great content which is arranged in the most efficient, graceful manner. The bento is presented in a simple, beautiful, balanced way. Nothing lacking. Nothing superfluous. Not decorated, but wonderfully designed.

Delicious.  ¶ 11:14 AM