2011 New York Fall Tabletop Show

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

Nostalgic looks, functional designs and sensuous textures

Every spring and fall, the tableware industry shows off what’s new, stylish and on trend at Forty One Madison in New York City. The show is only open to the media, retail buyers and interior designers as many of the new introductions haven’t even been produced yet and won’t be in stores - well, until a store commits to purchasing them. The fun part about visiting these showrooms is that you get a glimpse – a whole year in advance – of what the latest tabletop colors, fashions and concepts will be. Here are a few of the standouts and trends spotted.

Textured Trend in Flatware

Hampton Forge launched a new line of textured flatware patterns from their Italian design team. According to Suso Balanza, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Hampton, “The new Hampton collections pair elegant design and sensuous texture. We feel ‘textures’ are the next hot trend in tabletop fashion.” The Argent Brocade pattern is one of my favorites in this series – you really get the appeal of the texture. Hampton is known for its accessible price points and the new Signature and Argent collections indicate another trend. Consumers want value – but they won’t part with their dollars for something cheap. These textured collections put something more in your hand. It’s forged stainless that will last, with designs that can play from kitchen to formal dinner party.

Amazonia

This tableware pattern takes me back to my grandmother’s apartment. She had these Audubon prints that were part science, part fashion and part nature. I loved them then and I love the modern interpretation in the Villeroy & Boch Amazonia Collection. The Amazonia collection features the diverse and colorful nature of the Amazon region in delicately crafted porcelain.

Nesting in Format

You have to love dishes that perfectly nest one inside the other. Especially when space is limited. Format is a minimal, modern collection from Rosenthal, designed by Christophe de la Fontaine. It’s striking retro 50’s and 60’s design features basic cylindrical forms that offer purposeful function. For instance the glasses have a platform at the bottom, which helps collect the aroma and releases the wine’s bouquet.

Sphera

Sphera by Sambonet is a red dot design award winner for its nostalgic space age design and functional quality as a decorative item or serving tray. I’m very much into the whole Pan Am, Mad Men vibe and these curvy trays make me crave highballs and happy hours. It’s also nice to see a design that can live in a masculine or feminine world. Many of the patterns at the Fall Tabletop show have pulled back on frills since men do take an active part in the registry experience. And many young men are also decorating their own spaces.

International Flavor

Laurie Gates is a master of color and pattern – his hand crafted dishware patterns are bold and distinctively on trend. The new Melrose Collection incorporates popular paisley and Jacobean design elements in deep rich reds and purples. Laurie tells us that paisley is considered a sign of fertility. So aspiring grandparents take note! This might make a perfect wedding gift.

For availability of these collections, designers and consumers should check online or call the manufacturers.

Lori Dolnick is a regular contributor to ::Surroundings::