As a table stylist, savoir-vivre expert and lifestyle influencer, Léa Sfeir’s journey is far from being an ordinary one. A French with Lebanese origins, she experienced life in Paris, Milan, Istanbul and Dubai, and gathered all the inspiration she needs to become a sought-after expert in dressing tables that bring Europe and the Middle East together. Join us for a conversation with her, as we go through the process of setting up a table, her preferences and what she has in store for those who are passionate about this art.     

Why did you choose Art de la Table as a profession?

I did not choose it as a profession at all. To me, it has always been important to dress up a pretty table for my family and friends whenever we would get together for a meal. This is how I was brought up. As I started a few years ago to show the process and my tables on my Instagram, I started to be approached by brands either to host and create tables for their special dinners, or to create content for their pages.

Take us through the process of setting a table.

First of all, it depends if I am setting up a table for my friends or for a brand.

When I am setting up a table for a personal gathering, I choose a color, a theme, an object that I saw, my mood, the season or even my guests to get inspired. If they are Lebanese, I set up a table and create a menu that are not related to the Lebanese culture in order to make sure to take them on a short trip. Once this is settled, I start developing my idea. Any object can be used on my table if it’s harmonious. I like to create little surprises on the table and offer a little something before my guests leave.

If it’s for a brand, the process would be different. In this case, there could be a brand guideline or theme which I will respect religiously, or there isn’t and they give me full creativity to set up a table that is truthful to the brand’s DNA. To do so, I go through its history, colors, codes and create my mood board.  

How does your journey in Paris, Milan, Istanbul and Dubai inspire your work?

I grew up in Paris and it is home to me. So, France has a huge influence on my style and on my vision. I’ve been immersed in the culture of luxury, elegance, effortlessness, simplicity and sophistication at the same time. Lebanon is my origin country and the warmth, generosity and colors are definitely part of me and this shows on my table, while Istanbul taught me to look beyond, to open my eyes to every part of the History and use it in a pretty way and understand what did it bring to our era. The Ottoman era wasn’t the easiest for Middle Eastern countries, but it is very inspiring and the graphics and the traditional designs are ones I love and learned to appreciate when living there despite the prejudgments that I might have heard. As for Dubai, it is the city that not only gave me new opportunities, but also showed me how to surpass myself, to look beyond the sky, not to be afraid to start something new, to look towards the future, to break barriers and to never be satisfied. If I ever had ambitions, Dubai increased this feeling in me and my creativity as it made me want to always give more.

Among all the collaborations you were part of, what was the constant element that truly reflects the spirit and values of Lea Sfeir?

In all the collaborations that I was part of, what truly reflected my values and spirit were authenticity, gratefulness and the sense of always giving my best, no matter what and no matter who.   

What are the latest trends in table settings and which one is your personal favorite?

It’s been a while that mixing and matching has been a trend, and to be honest, it’s becoming very important to see everything and all the styles on a table. I love fresh plates with colors, I love vintage tableware and more than anything I like a table featuring tableware that tell a story, an authentic one.

Table art is an ephemeral art, but it is an art. The most important part is how it is genuinely interpreted on a table.

Tell us about your box.

After listening to my followers’ wishes and needs when telling me « if only I can do the same » or « if only you can come and set up my table », I decided to create a box from scratch with literally everything you need to dress up a beautiful and elegant table on your own: big and small plates, a few vases of different heights, candleholders and glasses all crafted in artisanal blow glass, napkins, double-sided placemats and candles. Everything is handmade and available in limited quantities for an exclusive table. I didn’t want too many persons to have the same table in their house. I also made sure the price is affordable to many. Owning a ByLeaSfeir box is owning a timeless and exclusive collection of pieces that you will be able to transmit to your children; it’s a box that tells the story of Bibi Khanum Mosque on your table. That’s why I called it « Khanum Box ».

Article Written by Mirella Haddad