The creative juices are flowing through the tabletop industry again, fueled by optimism that business is, at last, on the upswing. This was evident at the recent New York Spring Tabletop Show, where vendors put their best foot forward in every category of business, offering exciting new collections and concepts. Here the HFN Awards of Excellence highlight some of the most noteworthy products.
CASUAL DINNERWARE
Wedgwood
WWRD, the parent company of the Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton brands, has been on a mission to remain relevant to today’s lifestyle-oriented consumers, and Wedgwood’s new Nature’s Canvas collection reflects that commitment. This is a definitively casual collection that is designed to mix and match. It is on-trend, taking its cue from nature with a variety of tactile and textural motifs in a neutral color palette of sandstone, clay, limestone and marble, finished in either high gloss or unglazed ceramic. Dinnerware pieces are solid-colored with a robin’s egg blue edge treatmen. wedgwood.com
EVERYDAY GLASSWARE
Mikasa
The whimsical handpainted stemware business has become a growing niche, and the Celebrations by Mikasa launch of 13 different designs stands out for its creativity, its execution, its packaging and its price. Themes are fun and sassy, including “Totally Taken,” “Diva,” “Here Comes the Bride,” and, perfect for the summer season, “Beach Babe,” featuring a yellow polka-dot bikini, surf board, tropical drink and pair of shades. Each stem is individually gift-boxed and retails for $14.99. “The Celebrations by Mikasa Hand-Painted Stemware Collection is the perfect addition to the Mikasa stemware assortment,” said Michelle Zazzini, senior vice president of the Mikasa luxury tabletop division, Lifetime Brands, Inc. “These stems make a perfect gift for friends or family.” mikasa.com
FLATWARE
Oneida
Flatware is taking center stage with a wealth of new designs and innovation. A perfect example is the new Vivanti collection by Oneida. The pieces are made in Italy from 18/10 stainless steel and plated with either a gold or black titanium finish. Two of the new patterns include Alessandra Gold, which has a matte gold finish on a classical shape, and Romano Black, shown here, whose sleek profile and shiny black titanium finish make a strong style statement. The contemporary designs and the eye-catching finish offer an exciting alternative in the fine flatware category. oneida.com
FORMAL DINNERWARE
Lenox
The Marchesa Collection by Lenox represents a new marriage of brands geared toward the bridal market. Lenox has partnered with Marchesa, the design house known for its red-carpet eveningwear and bridal gowns, to create a couture bone china tabletop collection inspired by Marchesa’s dress designs. There are eight different patterns in the initial launch and each one is distinctive, from the charcoal-like floral renderings of the black and white Floral Illustrations to the pheasant design featured on the turquoise and chocolate Palatial Garden. “We wanted to develop this collection the same way we do each of our gowns, with one of a kind designs and detailed craftsmanship—creating a uniquely elegant dinnerware style not yet found in the market,” said Georgina Chapman, co-founder of Marchesa. lenox.com
GIFTWARE
Nambé
The Scoop Server, part of Nambe’s 2010 Metal Collection, was created by designer Wei Young, who also designed its Swoop and Peel bowls. Form meets function in this elegant piece, in which the dip bowl seems to hover above the larger serving bowl. Young is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and the head of the New York-based, multidisciplinary design group, Mydesign Group. This trio of new pieces reflects the new collaboration between Nambé and Young. “The Scoop Server is a great way to welcome Wei Young to our design team. It has the potential to become an iconic Nambé piece,” said Bob Varakian, president of Nambé. “The Scoop Server was admired for its beautiful design and versatility. We are truly proud to add it to our line-up of award winning designs. It fits right in.” nambe.com
UPSTAIRS GLASSWARE
Eisch
Eisch Glaskultur, maker of the 10 Carat Duck Decanter, is a family-owned business that has been making high-end glassware in its own factory in Bavaria, Germany, for more than 50 years. The company is proud of its innovations in no-drip decanters and “breathable” glass, or lead-free glassware that undergoes an oxygenation process that enables it to aerate wine in two to four minutes. eisch.de/eng