Vibrant Colours and Playful Patterns
Although I’ll always love a pristine white tablescape, gone are the days of plain white as the only option. Today, dinnerware is all about expressing personality through vibrant hues and dynamic designs. Think emerald greens, earthy terracottas, pinks and blues and all of the gorgeous rainbow hues in-between. We’ve seen the colour shift coming for a few years now, but it’s been subtle. Not now. Pretty much everything goes. Likewise a love of fun mixing and matching means you can truly make your dining an individual style statement.
Personally, I can’t get enough of the Ginori 1735’s Diva Collection. I actually spied it in a shop window in Venice during a recent trip and I’ve been preoccupied with it since then. This line plays with pastel colours like Celeste, Giallo, Rosa, and Verde, all accented with elegant gold geometric lines and detailing. Inspired by 1950s Italian cinema and coffee culture, the Diva Collection will bring a serious touch of retro glamour to your table. I confess: I am in love.
Unique Shapes and Textured Finishes
Dinnerware is no longer confined to traditional round plates: Asymmetrical designs, irregular edges, and textured surfaces add depth and interest to today’s tablesettings. The handcrafted look of Villeroy & Boch’s rich blue Lave design has so much warm and appeal. Matte and speckled finishes are also particularly lovely, offering a modern, organic feel. And those all-white designs seem completely fresh and modern when tweaked with texture – like the etching effect seen in V&B’s “Manufacture” porcelain design.
Nostalgic and Nature-Inspired Motifs
I’m also spying a growing appreciation for dinnerware that’s a bit nostalgic. Here, inspiration comes from nature but is interpreted in countless ways. Botanical prints and toile, fruit motifs and vintage patterns, are all making a comeback. The looks feel whimsical and charming, but still super-refined.
William Sonoma’s Famille Rose exemplifies this trend in the most super-feminine, vintagey floral way. It’s a vibrant and zesty take on Victorianna. And the hand-finished pieces layer beautifully with other WS collections, too! The result, as shown here, is irresistibly elegant and happy. (Photo: williams-sonoma.com)
Ginori 1735 does this beautifully too with its Oriente Italiano Collection. The Italian-crafted, porcelain tableware collection features timeless designs in a gemstone-like palette of rich greens, pinks, blues, yellows and golds with floral patterns and iconic motifs. Available in tableware, tea and coffee sets and home accessories, the collection’s pieces are designed to combine with the brand’s other collections. Shop the Oriente Italiano Collection. Also available at William Ashley.
So have fun. The new tableware design trends allow for so much personal flair. Let you imagination run will, and have fun creating your own truly one-of-a-kind tablescape!
