Bouchon; Laura Cunningham; The French Laundry

Laura Cunningham is renowned in the restaurant world for her enviably impeccable taste. Once the Director of Operations for the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group (she’s also the great chef’s longtime partner and now fiancé), Cunningham is a highly sought after consultant in the restaurant and hospitality world. She has masterminded the table settings for some of the finest dining establishments in the country, and is set to open her own restaurant, Vita, named after her late grandmother and serving Southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine, in the Napa Valley this summer.

Cunningham’s hand is evident at the tables of Keller’s award-winning The French Laundry, Per Se and Bouchon. While the style of its each different (and perfectly matched to the cuisine), the restaurants are united by a classic elegance featuring subtle but beautiful tabletop objects.

While the restaurants she works with feature serving pieces and china from recognizable brands like Cristofle, Bernaudaud, Riedel and Rosenthal, Cunningham is drawn to boutique collections when setting the table at home: “I love egg cups by Ted Muehling. For salt and pepper grinders, I love the classic Peugeot or the Sochaux. As for table linens, the Belgian company Libeco has the best—the napkins are oversized and the colors, weight and softness are great. For bud vases, I like the white-ivory line of Caleb Siemon, an LA glassblower, or Venini vases are amazing (the single color series).  The best butter dishes are from WMF, in classic stainless. Lastly, for candles, I adore the company Glassybaby.  The colors are amazing, and the glow from them is so lovely.  Added bonus: the owner chooses different charities and donates a portion of profits from each candle.

Here’s How To Catch Cunningham’s Look

1. Ted Muehling Porcelain Egg Vase (buy it now price, $495)

2. Peugeot Chateaneuf Salt and Pepper Grinder (buy it now price, $139.99)

3. Set of Six Antique Christofle Silver-Plated Knife Rests (sold for $67)

4. Vintage Linen Tablecloth and Set of 12 Napkins (buy it now price, $67)

5. Bernaudaud Aries Dinner Plate (buy it now price, $6.68)

6. Antique Christofle Louis XV Flateware Set (buy it now price, $999)