Cold December nights. To warm up during this winter period, Meillart and Dennis Elias have come up with three traditional Christmas tables : a so-British Christmas, a Kaleidoscope Christmas and a Christmas in golden hour. Interview with Marie d’Hoffschmidt, co-founder of Meillart, and influencer Denni Elias, artistic director of this exclusive collaboration.
Why did you choose Denni Elias ?
Marie d’Hoffschmidt : When we met Denni, this collaboration was immediately obvious. First of all for his warm, curious and welcoming nature. Because a collaboration is above all a story of meeting people. Secondly, because this muse of Piaget and Cartier is distinguished by her taste for beauty, her knowledge of fashion and design, two worlds that often intersect, and by her creativity. And finally, because we were delighted to discover that Denni already collected some of our craftsmen’s pieces and that she had often rubbed shoulders with the world of exceptional craftsmen in her family and professional environment. The shoot took place in her Parisian flat. She imagined three Christmas tables and staged herself in front of each of them, giving us her advice on how to have the best Christmas ever.
What made you decide to accept this collaboration ?
Denni Elias : What first attracted me to Meillart was the energy of the whole team: young, enthusiastic and open to all ideas for a platform like this. Through this new initiative, I was excited to be part of these first chapters of Meillart, because everyone was willing to work and do more than expected, and the sense of collaboration was even stronger. Although my work in the luxury and fashion industry takes up most of my time, my passion for design and lifestyle has grown so much in recent years that I know that each of the objects we have selected will have a positive impact on the quality of life in our homes. Each piece is unique, beautiful and useful. I believe that our homes should be filled with items that have all three of these characteristics.
Can you tell us a little about Denni’s selection ?
Marie d’Hoffschmidt : Denni immersed us in a traditional Christmas day divided into several key moments. We thought together about the pieces that would take his tables back in time, in accordance with his wishes. In the morning at brunch time, the sun is shining and the pieces had to reflect this: the kaleidoscope table was created in a very natural way: blown glass, silver and gold. So something very fresh and sparkling at the same time. Then, around the Golden Hour or sunset, and the themes of gold and the horizon, we created exclusive pieces in collaboration with the Houria Tazi workshop in Rabat. These were a perfect match for Marie Daâge’s horizon plates. Finally, in the evening, for the traditional Christmas meal around the tree, we accompanied Denni in a So British selection. Crackers and Christmas turkey were the order of the day, as was the silver cutlery set taken out of her trunk for the occasion.
What were the criteria for your favourite selection ?
Denni Elias : Warm and cheerful: I chose the different placemats according to the conviviality and happiness that one feels at Christmas, at different times of the day. The moment of the meal, and everything related to the Art of the Table experience, is the moment we often spend with those closest to us, which makes it the most meaningful.
I chose the tables for 3 different moments of the day around Christmas :
The brunch moment (Kaleidoscope) is all light, contemporary and energising. I also thought of a very dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.
The sunset hour inspired a very sensual and passionate design, without fear of colour. Candles, oysters and champagne evoke something intimate and sincere.
At night, the atmosphere becomes very traditional and British. It’s definitely planned around family time, turkey, Christmas decorations. I cherish these moments with my grandparents, my parents and everyone else. I think of the laughter and carols of my childhood.
In your opinion, what is the most important piece at Meillart to enhance the Christmas table ?
Marie d’Hoffschmidt and Denni Elias : We would say that the must-have piece to delight the eyes and the whole family is the golden Lobmeyr crystal bonbonnière. An ode to craftsmanship. The glass is so fine and delicate! But at the same time, everyone will dip their fingers into it to nibble on a sweet… Of course, we can’t forget a beautiful and well-made table that will bring together, for the duration of the day, the members of a family to laugh and sing about the happiness of being together.
Click here to see the entire Meillart x Denni Elias selection.
Read also > FINE ARTS PARIS AND THE BIENNALE: LOUIS DE BAYSER DECIPHERS THIS FIRST EDITION
Featured photo : © Meillart
