Perfect setting for the reunion dinner

Bakhache says the choice of tableware makes a difference to the dining experience

ANTOINE Bakhache is clearly in his element when it comes to things that delight the senses, from sparkling gems and jewellery to high-end upholstery and furniture. “I’ve just added another to the list, Christofle,” says the Lebanese who is now settled in Malaysia. “Imagine dressing up your dining experience with this dazzling flatware and porcelain,” he says as he shows off the table setting at the Christofle boutique in Starhill Gallery. “This setting, for example, is perfect for Chinese New Year,” he says, showing me red, white and black coloured chopsticks with silver coating at the top, silver trimmed porcelain and brandy balloons. “Very elegant, very classy. Yes, there’s nothing quite like delicious food, beautiful surroundings, fabulous company and elegant, luxurious tableware to enhance one’s dining experience,” he says, flashing a dimpled smile. For over 170 years, Christofle, renowned as a French luxury tableware brand, has been gracing the tables of royals and celebrities. It is also the tableware of choice in prestigious hotels such as the Ritz of Paris and the Raffles in Singapore, ocean liners and restaurants like Alain Ducasse’s Spoon and Louis XV in France, the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Taillevent in Tokyo. Over the years however, the company has worked with well-known artists such as Jean Cacteau, avant-garde architect Gio Porti and designers Andre Putman and Ora Ito to expand its range of items to include crystal, decorative items, baby gifts and even contemporary jewellery. “They make wonderful gifts and are very affordable,” says Bakhache. To celebrate the Year Of The Tiger, Christofle has created 20 limited edition sculptures worldwide of the feline. Set in sterling silver on a bronze base, each piece weighs 15kg and stands 20cm tall. “We were given one and it’s already sold,” says the Tripoli-born Bakhache, the managing director of Bakhache Luxuries, which is responsible for bringing the brand to Malaysia.

For this festive season, Christofle is offering a brandy balloon set free with every purchase of two sets. Each set has two brandy balloons and is priced at RM660. Bakhache also manages the House Of Mouawad (Malaysia) which deals with breathtaking timepieces and jewellery. Clients include royal families of Saudi Arabia and Brunei.

It’s not surprising that this charming father of two knows all about this tableware like the back of his hands. “I grew up using Christofle because that was the tableware of choice for most middle and upper middle class Lebanese families. Mum used to do so much entertaining those days and there were sets for daily use and those for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays and weddings.” When he got married, his mum presented him with a flatware set. “Friends also gave me Christofle tableware and I, too, have been collecting them on my own. It’s really an heirloom, a valuable gift you can pass down the generations.” Christofle flatware, along with its china and crystal, is immensely popular among collectors of quality silverware. Bakhache decided to set up Christofle boutique as an extension of his services to clients. “Many of them entertain frequently and I would like to introduce them to a better way of enhancing their dining experience using elegant tableware,” he says. Isn’t he concerned about the economic downturn and its effect on his newly-opened business? “It will turn around and we are confident we can ride it,” he says.

Bakhache is planning to introduce a Bridal Registry soon to help engaged couples in the communication of gift preferences to wedding guests. “From the time the list is registered until it is closed, our specialists will advise and guide the future bride and groom in choosing their gifts and keep them informed of the gifts given.”