How to Choose a Haft Sin Set: Styles, Materials and What to Look For

The Haft Sin table is the centrepiece of every Nowruz celebration, the arrangement of seven symbolic items, each beginning with the Persian letter S, that welcomes the Persian New Year. If you would rather not gather every piece separately, a ready-made Haft Sin set brings the key elements together in one beautiful design that you can keep and reuse for years. This guide explains the main styles we make at Persis Collection, and how to choose the one that suits your home.

First, a quick reminder of what belongs on the table. The seven S’s are sabzeh (sprouts), samanu (sweet wheat pudding), senjed (dried oleaster), seer (garlic), seeb (apple), somaq (sumac) and serkeh (vinegar). Most sets also include a mirror, candles and dishes for the symbolic items, and many families add painted eggs, a goldfish and a book of poetry.

Enamelware (Minakari) sets

Minakari, the Persian art of enamelling on metal, gives these sets their rich colour. Hand-painted in deep blues and intricate patterns, enamelware dishes are both functional and decorative, and they bring real vibrancy to the table. They are a lovely choice if you want a traditional look full of colour, and because each piece is hand-painted, no two sets are exactly alike.

Turquoise-inlaid copper (Firoozeh Koobi) sets

For something more luxurious, a turquoise-inlaid copper set is hard to beat. In the craft of Firoozeh Koobi, tiny pieces of Persian turquoise are set by hand into polished copper, creating a striking contrast of warm metal and sky-blue stone. The turquoise carries its own meaning of protection and good fortune, which suits the hope and renewal of Nowruz. These sets make a real statement and become treasured heirlooms.

Persian calligraphy sets

If you love the artistry of the written word, a calligraphy-inspired set adds an elegant, personal touch. Pieces decorated with lines of Persian poetry or fine Nastaliq script turn the table into a small gallery of Persian art, and they pair beautifully with the other symbolic items. They are a thoughtful choice for anyone who values culture and craftsmanship as much as tradition.

Traditional or modern?

At Persis Collection we make both. Our traditional sets feature hand-painted Persian patterns and ceramic dishes by our artisans, while our modern designs offer minimalist shapes, geometric motifs and sleek finishes for a contemporary table. Think about the room the table will sit in. A traditional set suits a warm, classic setting, while a modern set looks at home in a simpler, more pared-back space.

A kinder choice for the goldfish

The goldfish is one of the most loved symbols on the table, standing for life and movement. Many of our customers now choose a decorative ceramic fish or a goldfish candleholder instead of a live one, which is kinder to animals, avoids waste, and can be brought out again every Nowruz. It carries exactly the same meaning, and it lasts.

How to choose the right set

• Match the style to your home. Choose enamelware or copper for a rich traditional look, or a modern set for a minimalist space.
• Think about reuse. A quality ceramic or copper set is an investment you will use for years, which makes it better value than disposable pieces.
• Check what is included. Sets vary, so look at how many dishes, and which extras such as a mirror or candleholders, come with it.
• Order early. The most popular sets sell quickly before Nowruz, and sabzeh needs days to grow, so give yourself plenty of time.

Why handmade matters

Handcrafted Haft Sin sets stand out for their authenticity and detail. Unlike mass-produced versions, each piece reflects the skill of the maker. At Persis Collection we work with more than 250 Persian artisans, so every set carries genuine craftsmanship and cultural knowledge, and supports the people who keep these traditions alive.

Frequently asked questions

What are the seven items of a Haft Sin set? Sabzeh, samanu, senjed, seer, seeb, somaq and serkeh, each beginning with the Persian letter S, usually with a mirror, candles and dishes alongside.

What is the most popular style of Haft Sin set? Turquoise-inlaid copper and hand-painted enamelware sets are among the most loved for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Can I get a custom Haft Sin set? Yes. Because we work directly with artisans, we can offer different materials, designs and styles to suit your taste.

Do you ship worldwide? Yes, we ship worldwide with express delivery to the USA, the UK and Europe, and we pack the ceramics carefully so they arrive safely.

Whichever style speaks to you, a beautiful Haft Sin set makes welcoming the new year a joy. Explore our handmade Haft Seen and Haft Sin sets to find the one that feels like yours.