The Art of the Table: How Carla Ballerio-Greggio is Redefining Everyday Luxury

Born and raised in Monaco, Carla Ballerio-Greggio is a vibrant creative force blending tradition and innovation. As the curator of the renowned tableware selection at Sabrina Monte-Carlo, Carla brings a fresh, playful elegance to the world of luxury home décor. With a lifelong passion for entertaining and a keen eye for design, she is now spearheading the brand’s digital evolution, transforming the way people experience tabletop beauty, both in Monaco and around the world.

Born and raised in Monaco, Carla Ballerio-Greggio is a dynamic and creative spirit. She curates the distinctive tableware selection of Sabrina Monte-Carlo, bringing her passion for design and entertaining to life. Carla also takes care of the elegant Lalique boutique on Boulevard des Moulins.

The Beginning of a Transitional Period

Carla joined the family business eight years ago. An avid online shopper herself, she envisioned expanding the Sabrina Monte-Carlo experience to clients around the world through digital platforms.

“I knew the experience people get when they work with us here in Monaco, and I wanted to share that feeling more broadly.”

The Covid pandemic provided the perfect moment to launch the e-commerce side of the business.

“When the world seemingly stopped, we received a lot of work. People were spending more time at home and realised they wanted their surroundings to be beautiful and functional. I remember receiving many requests from Monaco families for themed dining sets.”

Carla personally oversaw the wrapping and shipping of online orders and managed the entire customer experience. The first version of the website focused primarily on tableware, but it quickly became clear that the Sabrina Monte-Carlo universe offered much more.

She observed that clients were increasingly interested in the complete lifestyle concept behind the brand.

“We began asking ourselves how we could better showcase all our products, brands, and projects. Because someone who walks in for a picture frame might become a client for an entire home. That was the vision behind expanding the website, a complete solution for the home, from a coffee cup to children’s toys.”

Hello, Tableware

Carla’s love of tableware was born in childhood. She was fascinated with miniature dining sets and Chinaware, often receiving little tea sets as gifts for Christmas or Easter.

“My mom always taught us to set a beautiful table. I used to play with tea sets with my dolls and my cat.”

Like many Monegasque families, Carla’s parents frequently hosted guests.

“We grew up watching our mum prepare the house beautifully with flowers and sweet treats around the house. She always involved us in setting the table and presenting everything nicely. Funny enough, I think our first family-only dinner happened during Covid. So I truly grew up in a social environment,” – she laughs.

What’s the key to a beautiful table?

“It’s all about the accessories. I’m obsessed with placemats, napkin rings, and napkins, they’re like the jewellery of the table. You can transform a simple white Chinaware set just by changing the accessories. Like wearing white clothes and switching up your jewelry.”

Are there trends in tableware?

“Generally, tableware doesn’t follow trends. Trendy items you see on Instagram are usually lower quality. We focus on timeless pieces that last. My advice? Stick with classic Chinaware, glassware, and cutlery. But have fun with the tabletop, that’s where you can express personality through seasonal colours and accessories.”

What was the most popular trend this year?

“Cherries! Clients loved embroidered cherry blossoms on napkins—it adds something playful and elegant to a plain white set. With good basics, you can always mix and match.”

How many tableware sets should a household have?

“Two maximum. Some people keep special sets for occasions, but I believe in using your tableware every day to celebrate life. The more you use it, the better it lives.”

What does your own tableware look like?

“Mine is super colourful!”  – she giggles. “I have yellow plates, blue and pink placemats. I love sorbet colours, turquoise, light pink, yellow, lilac. My glasses are all one of a kind, from my own designs. It’s eclectic, fun, and perfectly my style.”

Autumn Season

What does Carla recommend for autumn table settings?

“Earthy tones. Keep a white base, then add warmth with candles and napkin holders. A small touch can make a big difference.”

What role does tableware play in dining experience?

“It sets the tone. A well-dressed table leaves a good impression and enhances the dining experience. The plate matters as much as what’s on it.”

Creative Spirit

Seeing a beautiful tableware in Monaco, you might be admiring Carla’s own creations without even knowing it.

“Since childhood, I have followed my mum on work trips, learning about brands, creative processes and customer needs. I saw the market gaps. I had the opportunity to be in front of the clients and suppliers, I saw just what was missing in the market.”

Her first creation? Napkin holders, then glasses and plates. Inspired by the yachting lifestyle, her napkin holders were designed in solid silver, adorned with motifs like a lobster.

“I was inspired by the yachting lifestyle, where cocktail napkin holders are typically heavy and quality materials, opposed to the cheap plastic that flies away. So I designed a nice silver one with a lobster on it.”

Carla’s designs always combine a touch of whimsy with practicality. Her first tableware line featured Sabrina Monte-Carlo’s signature turquoise, a fresh, joyful hue that echoes the Mediterranean and identifies well with the family brand.

Do you design more than tableware?

“Yes! I often collaborate with my sister Manola on Sabrina Kids and Sabrina Babies. I designed carpets and playful table mats for kids that you can colour, erase, and reuse.”

One drawing mat, hugely popular among children, is Monaco-themed. It features iconic landmarks and events: the Palace, Casino, Oceanographic Museum’s turtle, F1 cars, tennis players — and hidden Easter eggs like Carla’s cat, Choubie.

Where do you find creative inspirations?

“From travel. We choose destinations based on what’s new in design. We really base a lot of our travels on what just opened, what’s new. I look for the hottest restaurants, design hotels… and of course, nature is always inspiring.”

Do you get creative blocks?

“Yes. That’s why I try to focus on one project at a time, especially when I’m creating mood boards. I give it my full attention and all my creative juices into one project,” – she smiles.

The Perfect Gift

The Lalique boutique features more than just Lalique.

“We work with over 50 brands. We represent each one with carefully chosen objects.”

Best-selling item?

“Picture frames. They’re the perfect gift for weddings, baptisms, birthdays, or dinner hosts. They fit in any interior and add a homey touch.”

Do people collect crystal items?

“Yes. Lalique, for example, is a best-seller and very personal to me. My parents are collectors. I used to tell my mum I’d never fill my home with Lalique, I thought it was too classic.  Now I’m the first to buy the new releases!” – laughs Carla.

What’s the latest collection you would recommend?

“The new Terra Mineral collection, launched in early 2025, is gorgeous. It’s much more contemporary than usual Lalique pieces, soft colours, a trendier aesthetic, and a more accessible price point. It works beautifully in modern homes and appeals to younger clients.”