Pia Seidel
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Setting the table: 3 creative ideas worth copying

Pia Seidel
21/5/2024
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

During Milan Design Week, a veritable feast of culinary experiences was served up for our viewing pleasure. We can learn plenty from it.

Setting a table can become routine, but it doesn’t have to. Three multi-sensory tablescapes I saw at Fuorisalone proved this to me. With their unique designs, they turned food into a talking point. From a change of perspective through explosions of colour to orderly chaos, here are three creative ideas you can keep in mind when you next set your table.

1. Repeat elements

Ananas Ananas turns food into design. The food art studio from Mexico, founded by Verónica González and Elena Petrossian, specialises in the design of culinary events. At Milan Design Week, they staged a pop-up bar in the Caffè Populaire. On display – customised table decoration made of mirrored stainless steel, surrounded by a backdrop glowing in orange. «These installations are meant to be temporary,» says Petrossian about the studio’s work in an interview with WWD. «They should be enjoyed in the present – and that’s it.»

The tablescape from food art studio Ananas Ananas focused on repetition.
The tablescape from food art studio Ananas Ananas focused on repetition.
Source: Pia Seidel
Aperitivo tableware from Ananas Ananas was designed to match the food.
Aperitivo tableware from Ananas Ananas was designed to match the food.
Source: Pia Seidel
It’s made entirely of stainless steel.
It’s made entirely of stainless steel.
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Prettier than your average toothpick: each skewer sprouts individually from a single large plate.
Prettier than your average toothpick: each skewer sprouts individually from a single large plate.
Source: Pia Seidel

The food art studio designed extra tableware for each selected item to offer guests an immersive experience. Some tomatoes were attached to a metal object on the wall, like an abstract painting. Other vegetable canapés were draped on a horizontal metal plate with filigree skewers.

Even small bowls look better on a pedestal.
Even small bowls look better on a pedestal.
Source: Pia Seidel
The fact that the tomatoes are hanging provides a change of perspective.
The fact that the tomatoes are hanging provides a change of perspective.
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The repetition creates an impressive interplay of shapes and colours.
The repetition creates an impressive interplay of shapes and colours.
Source: Pia Seidel

The duo consisting of Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis specialise in impressively staging still lifes and walk-in installations. Their studio Objects of Common Interest presented Purple Nebula at the Nilufar Gallery. The collection consists of vases, plates and furniture inspired by a wonder of space – planetary nebulae. «Purple, a colour rarely found in natural formations on our planet, is abundant in the ethereal nebulas of outer space,» the press release reads. The design duo wanted to create a monochromatic dining area in purple for their presentation.

The arrangement of Objects of Common Interest wowed with one and the same colour family.
The arrangement of Objects of Common Interest wowed with one and the same colour family.
Source: Pia Seidel

Semi-transparent curtains and a circular carpet create a secluded area reminiscent of diffuse fog. «In this space of community and togetherness, subtle shades of purple draw the eye inwards and encourage a heightened sense of concentration.»

The vases and plates are made of cast acrylic paint. They share the same colour and design language as the dining table, stool and carpet.
The vases and plates are made of cast acrylic paint. They share the same colour and design language as the dining table, stool and carpet.
Source: Pia Seidel
As everything has the same colour, the focus is drawn to tactile textures and materiality.
As everything has the same colour, the focus is drawn to tactile textures and materiality.
Source: Pia Seidel
The installation by Mas Creations scored points with diversity.
The installation by Mas Creations scored points with diversity.
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Lamps, oil and decorations – many shapes, materials and colours came together here.
Lamps, oil and decorations – many shapes, materials and colours came together here.
Source: Pia Seidel
Handmade objects stood calmly next to 3D-printed pieces.
Handmade objects stood calmly next to 3D-printed pieces.
Source: Pia Seidel
Instead of ceiling lamps, many table lamps were used.
Instead of ceiling lamps, many table lamps were used.
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The rich blue of some objects formed a contrast to the rest.
The rich blue of some objects formed a contrast to the rest.
Source: Pia Seidel
The repetition of colours and shapes creates a balanced scene.
The repetition of colours and shapes creates a balanced scene.
Source: Pia Seidel
Header image: Pia Seidel

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