The global tableware market is expected to reach USD 79 billion by 2030, with growth driven by increased consumer spending and a shift toward premium products. Seven industry experts share their thoughts on what’s top of the table in tableware, from vibrant mix-and-match combinations to authentic artisanal offerings that enrich the dining experience.

Porcelain neutrals a win-win

The enduring appeal of porcelain tableware is evident in its resurgence within hotel and restaurant décor, mirroring current residential trends. Neutral shades are often preferred for their versatility, practicality and timeless appeal, while also, importantly, providing a budget-friendly solution. Additionally, they allow restaurants to ensure that the food presentation remains the star of the show. Finally, customization, such
as adding logos and designs, works well on porcelain in neutral colors, allowing for a clean and classic aesthetic.

A human element

Marking a shift away from mass-produced items, handmade tableware is becoming highly popular in the culinary world, reflecting a growing appreciation for authenticity, individuality and a connection to the human element in design. These pieces evoke nostalgia and tradition, enriching the dining experience. Distinctive designs and shapes that exude uniqueness and authenticity not only enhance the visual appeal of a dish, but also elevate the perceived value of the menu, allowing chefs to truly showcase their culinary artistry. Irregularly shaped handcrafted tableware, in particular, represents a promising opportunity for small-scale producers
to showcase their craftsmanship and the stories behind their creations. However, factors such as limited production capacity, extended lead times and higher costs are likely to moderate growth prospects.

Seamless, eclectic settings

The mix-and-match trend offers a unique opportunity to infuse personality and individuality into a table setting, while embracing diversity. To achieve a cohesive yet eclectic look, begin by selecting a theme, color palette and mood. A neutral base can anchor the vibrant accents, while contrasting patterns and textures add depth and interest. Experimenting with various materials, such as porcelain, stoneware, copper, wood and glass, helps to create a truly distinctive and entertaining table setting.

The power of personalized touches

White and gray tableware sets are popular for several reasons, including the way that they dovetail well with so many table settings. Other advantages include their ability to frame and highlight dishes, capturing the light and giving volume and depth to light meals. Our preference is to add a personalized touch to make the venue stand out and the table-setting unique. Choosing one color from the décor or texture and incorporating it into the setting through the table accessories is one effective way of doing this.

In praise of perfect imperfection

The current trends of embracing imperfections in tableware and shifting toward more artisanal, handmade pieces resonate deeply with me and are strongly aligned with the brands I am proud to represent. I am convinced that the time is right to steer away from the mass-produced, industrial-looking plate and focus on a more artistic approach. Hand-crafted and hand-finished tableware is ideal for enhancing culinary creativity and allowing chefs to create a characterful table setting that reflects their personality. The uniqueness of this tableware helps to make each menu truly stand out. I like to describe each piece as ‘perfect imperfection!’

A balancing act

Mixing and matching colors, shapes and patterns in tableware can be highly effective, but isn’t an easy fix or something to be done randomly. Achieving harmony in colors that align with the food and the interiors is a delicate balancing act and needs to be done with taste. Any combination should take account of several elements, from the menu, décor and ambiance of a venue to the chef’s personality. The right tableware will elevate the overall dining experience, also helping to make it an Instagrammable one!

Prioritizing quality

The global tableware market is expanding due to increased consumer spending on dining experiences and a rising interest in premium products. More people are investing in quality tableware as they prioritize aesthetics and the overall dining experience, whether at home or in restaurants. Businesses can leverage this trend by offering high-quality, unique designs that stand out, focusing on both the luxury and artisanal aspects of their products to attract customers looking for something special.

Authentic dining experiences

Handmade or irregular pieces add warmth and character to the dining experience. They give the table a unique, crafted feel that enhances the connection between the diner and the meal. This shift toward artisanal pieces creates a more personal and authentic aesthetic, making the dining experience feel less formal and more inviting. It is likely to grow as consumers seek more personalized, one-of-a-kind items, which will open up opportunities for artisans and small-scale producers to offer their unique designs to a market that increasingly values craftsmanship and individuality over mass production.

Creating harmony

To create a cohesive yet eclectic table setting, start by picking a common theme, like a color palette or material, to tie everything together. You can then mix different shapes, patterns or colors, but make sure there’s balance. For example, bold colors can be paired with neutral tones, or smooth textures can be combined with more rustic, rough pieces. The goal is to create variety without clashing, ensuring
a harmonious look. When working with bright, multicolored themes, choose one dominant color and use others as accents to keep things balanced. Combining warm and cool tones, such as pairing bright blues with warm oranges or yellows, can create a striking, yet balanced look.

A distinctive, sustainable offering

Sustainability has been a growing focus in the Middle East’s hospitality sector in recent years. Having handmade artisanal pieces adds to the overall tableware aesthetic and accentuates the need for distinctiveness and sustainability in the industry. Handmade tableware often carries a unique character, with subtle flaws that can create a warm, welcoming environment as opposed to the more rigid formality of traditional table settings. It can also reflect a chef’s vision of how to present his food. In 2023, we introduced a handmade ceramics brand entirely handcrafted in the UAE and, this year, witnessed record sales.

Springboard for artisans

Handcrafted tableware often tells a story which revolves around craftsmanship. Rising demand for this type of tableware will encourage artisans to showcase their techniques and inspire a whole new segment of SMEs. The focus centers on brand identity and personalization of an establishment’s key elements. These trends also invite opportunities for brand collaboration, with a growing number of notable chefs adding subtle design inputs when opting for handcrafted pieces. Because artisans rely on design direction, the small-batch production method allows adaptation to evolving trends and diverse product lines.

Build on neutrals

Mixing and matching can be a fantastic way to create a vibrant and eclectic table setting, but can become overly haphazard on a table if not done correctly. My suggestion is to establish a color palette first, keeping these three important elements in mind: lighting, flooring and table color. Try to use a neutral base and then wrap your color palette around it. Always incorporate some natural rudiments on your table which can unanimously unify the underlying color tones.
One word of caution – mixing and matching can be a challenge when it comes to inventory management.

Evoking an Italian ambiance

We see the selection of tableware as an extension of our commitment to offering an authentic Italian experience. Each piece is carefully chosen to reflect the elegance and timelessness of Italy’s culinary traditions, while also complementing the restaurant’s modern, yet warm aesthetic. Our tableware aligns with our interior design, which showcases works by renowned visual artists. This careful alignment ensures that every detail contributes to a cohesive experience, transporting guests to the landscapes of Italy.

Practicalities matter

Our approach to tableware selection begins with ensuring that each piece aligns with the mood and essence of our Italian-inspired menu and venue. A refined elegance defines our brand, but we also balance aesthetics with practicality, choosing durable designs that can withstand the demands of restaurant service. Collaborating closely with our chef is crucial to ensure that the tableware enhances the presentation of our dishes and seamlessly combines visual appeal with functionality.

Vibrancy in vogue

We’ve observed a growing trend toward more vibrant, design-driven tableware, reflecting the increasing emphasis on the visual appeal of the dining experience. A mix-and-match concept is one means of crafting a distinctive, personalized aesthetic, offering a venue a vibrant way to introduce color, shape and pattern into the dining experience, while maintaining cohesion. We know our guests appreciate the artistry and distinctive style of our tableware, underscoring the role it plays in enhancing both the food and the atmosphere. Just as we carefully select ingredients from Italy, our choice of crockery adds another layer to the experience, helping us to create the ideal blend of taste and visual delight. In fact, the famous Italian saying ‘Mangiare con gli occhi’ (To eat with your eyes) comes to mind!

Evoking an Italian ambiance

We see the selection of tableware as an extension of our commitment to offering an authentic Italian experience. Each piece is carefully chosen to reflect the elegance and timelessness of Italy’s culinary traditions, while also complementing the restaurant’s modern, yet warm aesthetic. Our tableware aligns with our interior design, which showcases works by renowned visual artists. This careful alignment ensures that every detail contributes to a cohesive experience, transporting guests to the landscapes of Italy.

Practicalities matter

Our approach to tableware selection begins with ensuring that each piece aligns with the mood and essence of our Italian-inspired menu and venue. A refined elegance defines our brand, but we also balance aesthetics with practicality, choosing durable designs that can withstand the demands of restaurant service. Collaborating closely with our chef is crucial to ensure that the tableware enhances the presentation of our dishes and seamlessly combines visual appeal with functionality.

Vibrancy in vogue

We’ve observed a growing trend toward more vibrant, design-driven tableware, reflecting the increasing emphasis on the visual appeal of the dining experience. A mix-and-match concept is one means of crafting a distinctive, personalized aesthetic, offering a venue a vibrant way to introduce color, shape and pattern into the dining experience, while maintaining cohesion. We know our guests appreciate the artistry and distinctive style of our tableware, underscoring the role it plays in enhancing both the food and the atmosphere. Just as we carefully select ingredients from Italy, our choice of crockery adds another layer to the experience, helping us to create the ideal blend of taste and visual delight. In fact, the famous Italian saying ‘Mangiare con gli occhi’ (To eat with your eyes) comes to mind!

Versatile color codes

Neutral shades, like white and gray, maintain their popularity in tableware choices made by hospitality providers because they complement a wide variety of color schemes. Importantly, this allows them to be easily adapted to changing interior design trends. They also provide chefs with a versatile canvas that enhances the presentation of their dishes, offering them opportunities to showcase their culinary skills with greater impact.

A holistic sustainability drive

Embracing imperfections in plate designs aligns with the growing broader sustainability trend we’re seeing across the industry. Specifically, chefs are incorporating imperfect (or ‘wonky’) fruits and vegetables into their dishes as part of a sustainable approach, in a bid to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility.
This move dovetails well with the use of more artisanal, handmade tableware. It significantly influences the overall dining experience by shifting the focus toward authenticity, uniqueness and a deeper connection to nature.

Enhancing the customer experience

Several factors are contributing to the robust growth underway globally in the high-end tableware segment of the hospitality industry. These include an increasing willingness among travelers to invest more in their holidays and travels, reflecting their growing desire for experiences defined by quality and luxury. There are several ways in which establishments can go the extra mile and demonstrate their commitment
to ensuring client satisfaction. These include adopting a more creative approach to the hospitality aspect of guests’ stays by investing in segments such as tableware. Doing so plays a crucial role in helping to enhance the overall customer experience and meet the rising expectations of guests.