Journal

A table with... Isabelle Bucx

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 Isabelle Bucx, an Amsterdam-based photographer with a love for analog photography. Isabelle captures the world in soft grain and bold colour, telling stories filled with intimacy and atmosphere. She photographed Pien's cookbooks, shaping their visual identity with her instinctive eye and effortless sense of mood. Whether she’s shooting food, people or travel scenery, Isabelle has a quiet way of making everything fall perfectly into place.

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

When I’m with people, definitely team dinner-at-the-table. Preferably one that’s nicely set with candles, coasters, flowers, and a fun water jug. When I’m alone, though, I love eating on the couch with a good series or movie on.

Who or what inspires you every day?

I don’t draw daily inspiration from one specific person or thing. It can happen while I’m walking through Amsterdam, or from a book I’m reading. I’m also often inspired by friends and people around me.

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

Lighting is everything. You can style your home and set your table beautifully, but if the lighting isn’t right, you lose a certain kind of atmosphere. My tip: use lots of small lamps you can dim and, of course, candles. I love candles!
Prep ahead. When I’m having people over, I like to prepare parts of the meal in advance. Multitasking, talking and cooking at the same time, isn’t always my strongest skill.
Create a mood with scent and music. I love burning incense, but if that’s too strong for someone, a scented candle works just as well. When guests come over, I usually put on a jazz playlist, something like Jazz for Autumn.

What small detail instantly makes your house feel like home?

Scent, definitely. Scented candles and diffusers, usually something with fig notes.

Which three things can always be found in your kitchen?

A set of sharp knives, good-quality extra virgin olive oil, and popcorn kernels (I love making popcorn!).

What’s your go-to dish to impress without stress?

Boeuf bourguignon! Very easy to prepare ahead, but it still feels like a bit of a feast.

What do you love most about what you do?

That I’ve been able to turn my hobby into my job and that it allows me to travel the world and meet so many fun, interesting people.

Coco Tablecloth

€69,95

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Alba Dinner Plate - Set of 2

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What are your favourite Pien’s Tables items?

I think the dotted tablecloth is very cool and of course those amazing plates!

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

Honestly, exactly what I’m doing now!

Which song always sets the perfect mood at your table?

I don’t have one specific song in mind, but as I mentioned, I love jazz. It’s always the perfect background for a dinner with friends.

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

I make pasta alla norma quite often, mostly because it’s easy. But if I’m honest, the food that always makes me happiest is Japanese: sushi and ramen!

A table with... Isabelle Bucx