Oser Communications Group

TABLETOP UPDATE 1 2 KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW ■ JUNE 2014 ■ www.kitchenwarenews.com BY DONNA BOYLE SCHWARTZ Today's consumers want to make a personal design statement in their dining rooms, and leading dinnerware suppliers are happy to oblige them, introducing a wide variety of soft textures, attractive abstracts and allover neutral patterns to play into this growing trend. These décor-friendly, refined designs often are described as "non-solid solids" because they fill a role that is similar to solid colors on the table— offering the perfect backdrop and ultimate layering potential for myriad mix- and-match table settings. Typically these patterns are fairly amorphous and may consist of textured or marbleized looks; stylized geometrics or architectural inspirations; allover vines, twigs, leaves or floral elements; and other motifs drawn from nature, including animal skins and even sea life. What all of these patterns have in common, however, is that they marry beautifully with a wide variety of other designs, and therefore give the consumer maximum flexibility when it comes to decorating the table. "We intentionally sought to create abstract designs f rom our representational patterns when we took to designing traditional rimmed dinnerware," explains Francine E.C. Shannon, Director of Marketing, Caskata, Inc. "Sea Fan was the first representational design we turned into a pattern by layering it on the rims to act as a neutral; we did it in our Caskata Blue and Platinum to go with our two primary colorways. Our next collection, Arbor, is a layering of leaves— also in those two colors—that is designed to act as a neutral to mix-and-match with our botanical pieces." Nikko Ceramics is highlighting mix-and- match options with its Fanciful Yellow and Fanciful Blue casual porcelain collections, both of which feature a mica element in the decoration, giving the floral patterns a slight shimmer. "Fanciful Yellow and Fanciful Blue bring freshness to the table," declares Tage Strom, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Development at Nikko. "These two patterns also support each other nicely in store displays and should be shown together. As place setting components are also sold open stock, a creative retailer or end consumer also can pull together their own combinations." Portmeirion Group is expanding its popular Spode Delamere collection with the addition of two new layering components: Delamere Bouquet in cranberry and Delamere Lakeside in soft blue have been added to the popular Delamere Rural, allowing the modern bride freedom to mix and match the place settings. "Today's modern bride wants a classic, yet contemporary look for their dining table, and the Spode Delamere collection provides that style," states Wendy Motlaq, Corporate Vice President for Portmeirion Group. "Delamere Bouquet, Lakeside and Rural each create elegant settings on their own or when used together." Each piece in Spode Delamere includes an exquisitely detailed border of flowers and scrolls, known as British Flowers, sourced f rom the Spode design archives dating back to 1828. Classic French floral patterns blend beautifully with architecturally- inspired designs in similar shades at B.I.A. Cordon Bleu, which is adding a selection of accent pieces. "I asked the factory to create a new set of accent plates, which will mix and match naturally with our existing collection," comments Virginie De Toustain, Sales and Marketing Director at B.I.A. Cordon Bleu. "We also have been 'harmonizing' our collection by re- coloring top selling patterns—for example, Arcades Powder Blue is now mixing with our top seller Orsay Powder Blue, and it is updating the look. Retailers and consumers have been embracing this look. The designs are safe and timeless." Villeroy & Boch also draws on its European heritage for the new La Classica Contura mix-and-match premium bone porcelain collection. "Brilliantly inspired by the domes and rotundas of Europe, this collection includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bread and butter plate, bowls and serving Nicely Neutral: Textural Tabletop Patterns Fuel Mix & Match Possibilities pieces that can be paired with La Classica Nuova, a sleek white collection," details Bernard Reuter, President of Villeroy & Boch Tableware, U.S. Division. "Villeroy & Boch is receiving very positive feedback on this new collection. Many are commenting on the fine details and intricate designs. La Classica Contura works on the table and is appealing, as it offers luxurious style and everyday functionality. It offers a timeless elegance and modern appeal." Extra texture is in the forefront of new creations by designer Michael Wainwright, who developed a new glaze technique for his Savannah leopard skin design. "All of Michael's patterns are modern in feel and striking in pattern," asserts Bette Demeri, Marketing and Sales Account Manager, Michael Wainwright Inc. "He brings a handmade aesthetic to all his creations, making each individual piece a special part of every table. The mix-and- match appeal allows each customer a chance to design their own collection. "Our newest patterns are Tempio Luna, a crackled, marble like texture, Como and La Rochelle, which are both 'carved' textures, and all have been very well received," Demeri continues. "Most importantly, the mix-and-match capability of these patterns makes them so versatile from a casual setting to a more formal one. Additionally Michael's best selling Truro pattern, available in platinum and gold, uses texture as the main focus of the design. His inspiration for this pattern sums it up best: 'Inspired by walking barefoot on the beaches and golden dunes of Truro, Cape Cod, this collection captures the timeless shifting of ocean, wind and sand as 24k gold or platinum joins with porcelain.'" Many suppliers are highlighting interesting geometric influences, both in design and shape. Lenox, for instance, launched its Entertain 365 to widespread acclaim at the New York Tabletop Market in April, with retailers praising the collection's flexibility and style. "Lenox Entertain 365 comprises three beautifully contemporary carved patterns that work together in combinations that can mix and match for breakfast in bed to gala events and everything in between," points out Beth Baer, Director of Marketing, Dinnerware and Gifts, for Lenox Corporation. "Consumers can choose f rom three designs: First is SHAPE, a smooth faceted, octagonal shaped pattern. The second is called SCULPTURE, which is a beautiful woven, sculpted weave design in a classic round shape or an innovative rectangular shape. The third is SURFACE, which is very textural and tactile with a great geometric design. "Consumers can choose their own patterns to mix and match," Baer continues. "The textures and silhouettes of these plates look amazing together and it is fun to make each setting at the table a little bit different from the next. Accessories include nesting platters and stacking bowls with different textural elements to create endless opportunities for entertaining in style whether it is for a casual, every day meal or a special evening with friends or family." Tonal variations and striking shapes also characterize new tabletop ensembles from Over And Back. "Over And Back continues to see a landscape dominated by white porcelain in a variety of interesting silhouettes, but now we find elements of color ranging from subtle to brilliant," remarks Rick Gillett, President of Over And Back. "Consider the Romanesque marble effect on our Spanish Steps collection; heat up your space with our south of the border Soleil ensemble; or punctuate and emphasize brights with Over And Back's Coffee Break Mugs. "Design is never static—but ever evolving," Gillett adds. "We love our white foundation but we also embrace color as a force that defines who we are and where we're going." www.biacordonblu.com www.caskata.com www.lenox.com www.michaelwainwright.com www.nikkoceramics.com www.overback.com www.portmeirion.com www.villeroy-boch.com For More Information

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