Tableware and Decor: How they Craft the Experience
Sunday 7 September —
16:00
- 16:45
The Talks — Hall 6
Description
In 2025, the gastronomic experience—whether in a Michelin-starred restaurant or a relaxed bistro—goes well beyond the plate. It now relies just as much on an increasingly refined sense of staging.
Driven by this trend, tableware design is becoming more eclectic, blending styles, eras, colors, and materials.
The goal? To craft a distinct visual identity for each restaurant.
Participants
Elodie PiègeManaging Director - Maison Piège
Cécile ViarougeFounder - Blanche Patine
Natacha ArnoultSet designer & Art Director
Danièle GerkensJournalist
Elodie Piège
Managing Director - Maison Piège
Originally from the south of France, Élodie Piège began her career in luxury hospitality almost by chance, following business school and several experiences abroad. It was at the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, where she led the communication department, that she found her true calling. Hospitality became more than a profession—it was a passion and a personal fulfillment, driven by her deep appreciation for travel and human connection. After working internationally, she joined the legendary Hôtel de Crillon in Paris in 2006, where she spent ten years as Director of Communications. It was within the storied walls of the Crillon that she met Chef Jean-François Piège, then Executive Chef of the establishment. For the past twelve years, Élodie Piège has served as Managing Director of La Maison Piège, which she has built and developed alongside her husband and partner. Together, they form a defining duo in the contemporary culinary world. With a strategic and creative vision, Élodie leads the growth of a true gastronomic empire—over twelve restaurants and concepts across the globe, all driven by a shared passion and bold ambition. A couple united in life, and in the kitchen.
Cécile Viarouge
Founder - Blanche Patine
After working for five years in the art market, culture, and communications sector in Paris, Cécile Viarouge decided to launch her own business in 2015, which she named Blanche Patine. From her studio near the Canal Saint-Martin, she curates and sells small treasures she sources from across France. She has developed a particular expertise in Terre de fer ceramics dating from the late 19th to early 20th century—an area in which she has become a true specialist over the past decade. Driven by passion, she has played a key role in bringing this antique tableware back into vogue, helping transform it into a genuine trend. This deep interest led to the publication of her first book in October 2024 with Éditions E/P/A: Terre de fer – Collections de céramique ancienne.
Natacha Arnoult
Set designer & Art Director
Paris-based set designer Natacha Arnoult works in the field of lifestyle. After studying political science and spending a few years in New York City, she found herself being called into the world of styling and set design, and works for editorial, publishing, commissioned as well as personal projects. Natacha also is an Art Director : she sources tableware and craft for a variety of lifestyle projects and thrives to feed the imagination of creatives in need of inspiration. She is sensitive to light, shapes, colors and materials, as well as to the beauty small imperfections can bring. Her work is about creating timeless atmospheres and unique experiences. She offers a sensorial, analytical and bespoke approach to every project.
Danièle Gerkens
Journalist
Editor-in-chief of ELLE Décoration, ELLE à table and Art & Décoration, Danièle Gerkens has a degree in Economics and in the History of Art and Religions. Born and raised in Africa, she has worked as a journalist for ELLE magazine after various experiences: copywriter at Publicis, consultant at UNESCO, cook at l'Arpège with Alain Passard... She is also the author of several books including "Zero Sugar", an investigation published by Les Arènes.