Journal

A table with... Sammy Rees

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 Samantha Rees, or as friends say Sammy, the founder and creative mind behind Saison, a Brooklyn-based culinary studio. Sammy started Saison during the pandemic to connect with her neighbors and friends. What began as a small passion project has grown into a beloved catering and baking business.

As a self-taught baker, Sammy creates specialty sweets for celebrations, events, and everyday moments worth celebrating. Now, Saison is entering a new chapter with the opening of its first bakery and shop in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. With Saison, Sammy wants to offer a community hangout, where people can enjoy a cup of coffee and of course: the best freshly baked goods.

Pictures: Judson Rappaport

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

My husband and I sit down together at the table almost every night. As life gets busier, this daily ritual feels more and more sacred to me. With friends, we always around the table for a long dinner. But if it’s just me, there’s nothing cozier than curling up on the couch with a bowl of pasta and a good show.

Are you team filled fridge or empty frigde?

A filled fridge, but in a thoughtful way. I love keeping beautiful staples on hand that can instantly make a simple dish feel special: good butter, cheeses, olives, capers, homemade jam, yogurt, fresh herbs. I shop for fruit and vegetables as needed so they are as fresh as possible. You’ll also always find some leftover sweet from a baking day tucked into the fridge.

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

Prep. One of my favorite parts of hosting is the ritual before guests arrive — making a menu, going to the market, setting the table, putting music on while I cook. I try to have everything about 75% done before people come over so I can actually relax and enjoy the evening alongside everyone else.
Create warmth. A clean kitchen, candles lit, good music playing, flowers on the table — it doesn’t need to be elaborate, but I think it helps people feel at home and relaxed.
Treat your guests. I always want people to feel both comfortable and a little special when they come over. Whether it’s walking into a beautifully set table or warm cookies after dinner; I always try to bring in some small touch to make it feel special.

What small detail instantly makes your house feel like home?

My dogs. They’re truly the heart of our home.

Which three things can always be found in your kitchen?

Flaky sea salt, fresh eggs (we have chickens!) and a sweet treat.

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

A simple seasonal risotto, a big herby green salad, and chocolate mousse for dessert. It feels romantic and comforting without being overly complicated.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love being able to bring a little bit of happiness into someone’s day. Food has such an emotional quality to it, and I never take for granted that something I make can become part of someone’s morning ritual, dinner party, birthday, wedding or memory.

Striped standed bowl

€150,00

Our striped standed bowl is the kind of piece you’ll use every day without it...

Alba Dinner Plate - Set of 2

€39,95

As someone who works with plates every single day – plating them, filling them with...

What are your favorite Pien’s Tables items?

I love anything that makes everyday rituals feel elevated, so I adore the Alba plate’s. I also love the Striped Standed Bowl, it’s the perfect playful, yet functional piece.

Pien always has a bottle of bubbles in the fridge. What was your last moment worth popping one open?

Signing the lease for the bakery! I don’t drink anymore, but I love celebrating life’s big moments with a special dinner out.

Which song always sets the perfect mood at your table?

I usually put on soft jazz or something warm and instrumental, music that fills the room without taking over the conversation. But if the night starts to feel a little celebratory (my favorite kind of night), we’ll inevitably turn on dance music and make a bit of a party out of it.