As food and beverage trends ebb and flow through our kitchens, so do tabletop trends. The past few decades have significantly shifted from white cloth-covered tables, carnation-filled vases, and ornate silver service to more approachable, hip, and modern styles. We will discuss the current trends in plates, glassware, flatware, and tabletop decorations so you can impress your customers with a modern dining experience and get a leg up on your competition. Let’s zoom in on the top trends in service ware.
Plates
Boho and Bright
Boho (Bohemian is a trend from the fashion/clothing industry that is finding a home in restaurants.) Bright colors with geometric patterns are common and captivating, with visual effects that draw the eye inward toward the food. Many designers and decor experts recommend combining patterns with a bright complementary color, such as a bright single-colored dinner plate served with a patterned sauce bowl. Another element of the boho trend is intermingling patterns, styles, and looks to create a ‘home spun’ yet still bright and cheery feel. This effect leans heavily on nostalgia, conjuring big family dinners where none of the plates matched the bowls or saucers. A boho pattern and style can excite the dining room table, even in the most minimalist presentations.
Earthy and Natural
A steadfast industry trend is using earthy and natural plates, platters, and service ware in a rustic theme. These can range from slate and wood plates, share plates, and platters to marble-like chargers and demi bowls. A new outlet for this evergreen trend is stoneware, which has a slight renaissance, especially in the minimalist or simplistic decor realms. These pieces remain beautiful while drawing little attention away from the food. The popular color schemes range from natural whites, gray and dark blues, browns, and black. Some intertwine the color schemes – such as an off-white stone bowl with a dark rim or a dark-colored plate with a light rim or undercoating.
Glassware
Simple and Classic
Current glassware trends are taking a page from mid-century modern and retro styles in classical design – think your grandparent’s crystal cocktail glasses. These glasses are simple, sturdy, and functional while remaining stylish. The glassware must be subtle and discreet, with mixologists and sommeliers designing beverage menus with creative, visually stunning drinks that must be observed to be experienced and enjoyed.
Specialized Ceramics
On the other end of the spectrum, from simple and classic glassware, bar managers and mixologists are looking for specialized ceramic glassware to serve a specific purpose for the cocktails they serve. It can be whimsical, like Jose Andre’s popular D.C. spot, Bar Mini, serving drinks in a ceramic dinosaur or textured ceramic glasses like those served in Mexico City’s Fifty Mils (keeps the frosty condensation-laden cup from slipping out of patrons’ hands). Plus, ceramic glass is always needed with the boom in tiki-style drinks.
Flatware
Warmth, Two-Toned, and Iridescence
The flatware scene has three heavy-hitting trends – warm metals, two-toned (metal/wood or metal/ceramic), and iridescence. Warm metal flatware is the most common when frequenting restaurants or trade shows. They range in color from bronze, copper, and gold and are extremely popular with decor experts and restauranteurs. They offer a hint of warmth on the tabletop instead of the stark brightness of classic silverware. These metal tones are also slightly muted with a matte finish or vintage-style polish to look more worn and used.
Two-toned flatware is a new industry trend, and the look is ultra-modern and sleek. It combines warm metal with stoneware, wood, or ceramic base. The top is usually metal, but occasionally you will see the pattern inverted.
Lastly, iridescent flatware is the flashy, fun, and funky option for those looking to spruce up their table setting – it will certainly catch the customer’s attention. You can find these in bright ultraviolet rainbow colors or muted tones.
Are you looking for industry insight into the latest foodservice products and trends? Reach out to us and our experts will help your business get to the next level.
