A table with... Ian Kas
Journal

A table with... Ian Kas

by Pien Wekking

Welcome to Table Talks, our digital dinner table, where inspiring guests take a seat and we talk the way we would over dinner — about the journeys we’re on, the ideas that move us, and what it means to gather around a table.

Meet Ian Kas, the creative mind behind After Rain. He is rethinking the way we experience gifting flowers. Bouquets should not be delivered in a standard, inconvenient box, but in a way that represents the beautiful experience of receiving flowers. At the same time, he runs Nine Sixteen, a social-first agency that helps brands translate their visual identity into scroll-stopping content for different platforms. So yes, he can do it all. With his love for design, his sharp eye for detail and his passion for storytelling, we are curious to hear what he has to say about sharing a table. 

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Are you team dinner at the table or on the couch?

Wow, off to a strong start. I’m definitely team dinner at the table, much to the annoyance of some of my friends. I just can’t relax on the couch.

Are you team full fridge or empty fridge?

Can it be something in between? I always have some on hand, but I try to make sure nothing goes to waste.

What are 3 hosting, interior or cooking tips you always live by?

  1. Is it a cliché to start with flowers? Of course, I always have some at home. And whenever I host a dinner party, I always use them to create a nice centrepiece for the table.
  2. Tell a story. That brings me to my second tip: I always enjoy approaching things with a bit of a conceptual touch. So even with a dinner party, I love it when there’s a theme and a story connecting the dishes.
  3. Homemade bread. Then, number 3: I’ve been baking a lot of sourdough bread again lately, and I have to say it’s always a hit at the table.

What small detail instantly makes your house feel like home?

I always try to bring something back from every trip abroad to decorate my home. So I’m well on my way to building a collection of plates, figurines—you name it. I think this gives a home character, because it’s something that most likely only you have.

Which three things can always be found in your kitchen?

I’m a huge fan of coarse, and especially flaky, sea salt. It’s totally decadent, but you won’t catch me using regular table salt anytime soon. Plus, I love everything spicy, so I have a huge collection of sambal, sriracha, and Tabasco, and I put these on EVERYTHING. Then I’ve developed a new obsession with peas. They’re so easy to add to and on top of everything. And they’re healthy, too.

What do you love most about what you do?

The variety! In addition to After Rain, I run a social media agency called Nine Sixteen. So I really love the contrast between spending a whole day at my laptop developing creative concepts and getting my hands dirty with flowers.

Alba Pasta Plate - Set of 2

Alba Pasta Plate - Set of 2

Regular price €34,95
Sale price €34,95 Regular price
Unit price
As someone who works with plates every single day – plating them, filling them with...
Alba Dinner Plate - Set of 2

Alba Dinner Plate - Set of 2

Regular price €39,95
Sale price €39,95 Regular price
Unit price
As someone who works with plates every single day – plating them, filling them with...

What are your favourite Pien’s Tables items?

For me, the plates are definitely number one—they’re so unique and truly Pien!

If you knew it would be a success, what would you do?

This is a total change of subject, but I’ve secretly always wanted to write or produce music. Not because I’m good at it or have a knack for it, but because it just seems so cool. But I guess that’ll just have to stay a dream for now.

Which song always sets the perfect mood at your table?

Would an album work too? I always prefer to listen to albums from start to finish, and right now I’m totally into 99 Nights by Charlotte Cardin or Charm by Clairo while I’m eating.

We won’t let you go without our favourite question: what dish could you never get enough of?

Ramen! In all shapes and sizes. That’s why my recent trip to South Korea was truly a dream come true. But even here in Amsterdam, there are some fantastic spots like: Men Impossible, Gifu, and Fou Fow Ramen.