The Ritual of Gathering: Ancient Stories, Contemporary Connections
From the earliest days of Athens, rituals of gathering, hospitality and celebration have been woven into the city’s story, helping shape the cultural character of the capital we know today.
For a media dinner at Conrad Athens The Ilisian, Andria Mitsakos, founder and creative force behind Anthologist, brought the story of Athens to life through a tablescape that combined mythology, craftsmanship, and the enduring tradition of gathering.
The story began at Byzantino, a place of gathering since 1963, where an iconic olive tree has stood witness to generations of meals, conversations and celebrations. But the connection between Athens and the olive tree reaches much further back. In the ancient story of Athens, Athena and Poseidon competed to become protector of the city, each offering its people a gift. Poseidon struck the earth with his trident and produced salt water. Athena planted the first olive tree, offering nourishment, oil, wood and abundance. Her gift was chosen, and the city took her name.
The olive tree remains deeply connected to Athens, and it became a natural starting point for the tablescape. Its branches ran through the setting, which was surrounded by pieces from the Anthologist Blown Glass Vase collection, while custom embroidered napkins brought pattern and texture. Created by one of Greece’s last remaining glassblowing studios, the pieces reflect the character of the craft through subtle variations in colour and form, with the minerals used during the glassmaking process giving each one its own distinct character.
The olive tree remains deeply connected to Athens, and it became a natural starting point for the tablescape. Its branches ran through the setting, which was surrounded by pieces from the Anthologist Blown Glass Vase collection, while custom embroidered napkins brought pattern and texture. Created by one of Greece’s last remaining glassblowing studios, the pieces reflect the character of the craft through subtle variations in colour and form, with the minerals used during the glassmaking process giving each one its own distinct character.
One of the most personal details at each place setting was the begleri, a smaller relative of the traditional Greek komboloi. Held and moved through the fingers, the begleri has long accompanied moments of conversation and reflection. Anthologist has reimagined the familiar form in leather and glass, giving it a contemporary expression while retaining its connection to Greek tradition. Placed on each plate, it became both a decorative detail and a small object to interact with throughout the evening.
The experience continued beyond the dinner with an in-room gift: a small blown-glass vase inspired by ancient forms and the enduring olive tree. Created by the same Greek glassblowing studio behind the pieces on the table, each vase is unique, with its own subtle variations. A personal reminder of the glass that shaped the table, the vase also reflects the tradition of Greek hospitality and giving, offering guests something to take with them from the evening.
From the olive branches and handblown glass to the embroidered linen napkins and begleri at each place setting, every element contributed to the story of the table. At its heart, the tablescape celebrated something timeless, the simple pleasure of gathering around a table, sharing a meal and connecting with one another."
