For Elise Pioch Balzac, a dining table isn’t just a place to eat. It’s where lovingly prepared food is shared, stories are told, connections are formed, and memories are made. It’s important, and it deserves to be dressed for the occasion. Empowered by her belief in the table as the centre of home life, Balzac embarked on a journey to make, as she calls it, “jewellery for the table.” Quirky champagne coupes adorned with multicoloured baubles, scented candles inspired by insects and snails, olive oil bottles covered in dainty hand-blown olives of verdant green — hers is tableware with a sense of humour, decor that taps into the inherent joy and fun of entertaining.

Balzac’s was an approach that instantly resonated. 12 years after launching Maison Balzac, the brand’s pieces remain synonymous with chic hosting and elegant gifting and are now sold in some of the world’s most stylish retailers, from Liberty London to Brown’s Fashion and now, The Strand Arcade. Ahead of Maison Balzac’s third Australian store opening in the iconic Arcade, we sat down with the effortlessly chic French founder Elise Pioch Balzac to hear about how she feels about opening a store in the Strand Arcade, the stories behind her favourite pieces, and her advice for hosting the perfect party.

The Strand Arcade: Your new store in the Strand Arcade will be your third bricks-and-mortar store. How does it feel to be opening a store in the iconic Strand Arcade?

Elise Pioch Balzac: It feels like a dream. The Strand Arcade is so deeply meaningful, it symbolises the best of European and Australian style together and, to me, it represents the climax of my journey from Paris to Australia over the last 20 years.

How were you inspired by the architecture of the Arcade when it came to the design of the store?

The existing features of the Arcade, and this particular boutique, were already so beautiful that we decided to simply follow the aesthetic: original wooden black floorboards, an extremely high ceiling and white walls, huge windows framed by original panelled frontage... it only needed simple white joinery to display our very colourful collection, as well as a huge 1970’s chandelier to bring a chic and warm focal point.

What excites you most about having an outpost in Sydney’s CBD?

I am very excited to welcome visitors who will discover our brand for the first time. This is the advantage of being in the CBD, the demographic is so varied, rich and unexpected.

What can fans of Maison Balzac expect from the new store?

For the first time, we will offer a curated selection of our favourite products based on eccentricity and playfulness. We will also feature floral installations from Sydney-based artist Doctor Cooper, reinvented every two weeks in the window of our boutique.

Do you have any favourite pieces, either from new collections or original pieces?

I have one firm favourite (he is my hero): our giant snail incense holder, made in France from Carrara marble powder. He seems to be coming out of a dream; he is calm and strong; he is elegant and surreal. We only make 50 snails every year, so he is also very precious.

Are there any amazing stories behind any of the pieces?

Every single object in our collection has a formidable story, it is one of the conditions to make it into our world: each product has to have a genuine, interesting and original tale. My favourite is the Prawn Cocktail coupe and platters’ story: they are inspired by my passion for catching prawns with my father when I was little. I used to spend hours waiting for these small, transparent prawns to enter my net, it was so meditative and beautiful. Prawns had to be part of my collection, so they ended on the rim of a glass coupe and a platter. They mean so much to me and also tell the story of the 1980’s all over the world.

What are your spring entertaining non-negotiables?

Years of entertaining have taught me that even the simplest food deserves to be displayed in interesting vessels and shared with people you love. Every piece we create can welcome any dish while telling an interesting story. In spring, I think every party setting should have some kind of greens or flowers housed in champagne flutes or small vases. The table will instantly look playful and charming.

One thing always on your table when you’re hosting?

A breadbasket full of freshly cut French baguette!

It’s not a dinner party without... a good playlist (or FIP radio streaming live from France).

My go-to playlist for hosting is... either Maison Balzac Boutique or MB Chic Dinner Party, both on Spotify.

IMAGE: @jorgeriviera.photo