Patterned Tableware 

Pick a pattern, make an impression

Tableware trend: patterns, finishes and colours

Patterns. Humans are hard wired to recognise them, they’re what help us remember things and there is scientific evidence that moderate visual complexity makes people feel happier, more alert and connected with other people as well as boosting creative thinking. But it’s a fine line – too much complexity can overwhelm and even induce stress.

This natural preference for pleasing visual complexity could well be part of the appeal driving the current increased demand for patterned tableware, with operators looking for visually interesting items to add personality and style into their overall presentation. While our neurosomatic responses explain why we like them, there are of course other factors driving this trend. The ongoing economic climate means businesses are reaching for anything that helps them stand out from the crowd to create an experience that will attract customers. Vivid colours, interesting patterns and well chosen textures aren’t what attracts diners – that’s still great food – but a little extra visual “pop” can definitely help to tilt the odds that the overall experience is something they’ll want to tell their friends about.

Food for the gram

This is particularly important when you factor in how much easier it is for people to tell their friends about the great meal they had. Word of mouth is increasingly accomplished through pictures on social media, so serving dishes that photograph as well as they taste could help to tempt in new customers, so long as they like what they see in their Instagram feed. This awareness of what is called the experience economy drives many operators to look at tableware that adds to the overall vibe they’re trying to create and not just as a purely functional necessity. It’s a careful balancing act, as colours and patterns should enhance the food rather than distracting from it.

The aim of choosing tableware and décor as a whole for the purpose of making something that people want to share with their friends on social media is ultimately downstream of the main aim of operators, to create a memorable experience for diners. If an operator has a bold vision for their business, then every piece of equipment can play a role in building and reinforcing that theme.

Mise-en-scène

While you’re probably familiar with the term mise en place from its use in culinary contexts the concept of mise-en-scène is what we mean when we’re talking about every piece of décor and equipment building the overall theme and vibe an operator is trying to create. Every detail conveys meaning, whether or not it is intended. The more details included in the décor will add to the overall experience of dining, and the closer this is to the central experience of dining out – eating – the greater the effect. Many diners will have a range of pre-existing associations with types of tableware that will shape their expectations. The most common of these is the association of fine dining with brilliant white plates and silver cutlery, so playing against these expectations can have a powerful effect. Many modern fine dining establishments will use one or two statement pieces of brightly coloured or patterned ware for serving certain dishes to create a specific impression. Used thoughtfully, colours, patterns and textures can evoke emotional responses that support the quality of the food, helping to shape the atmosphere and adding to the overall experience.

Beyond the aesthetic there are plenty of practical reasons to choose patterned tableware. As with all commercial tableware, performance and durability are still the prime requirements for most operators. They don’t want to be replacing things any more than necessary. This is another area where patterned ware can help, as scratches and marks often won’t show up as clearly as they might on a polished or plain matt finish, helping to extend their working life. In some cases ware with integral patterns or textured elements can assist with grip, making them easier for staff to transport. Different colours of ware can also be used to create subtle coding, allowing for easy identification of meals prepared for different dietary requirements or to assist in the creation of distinct areas of staff activity, allowing them to quickly identify who has responsibility for certain areas.

One thing to consider when suggesting tableware is to not be too led by trends, to prevent customers from looking outdated when new trends emerge. Balancing the desired look with ware that can be adapted to changing requirements is the key to ensuring that they won’t be experiencing buyer’s remorse with a look that seems out of date after a few years.

But with more operators looking for simple ways to demonstrate their personality and create a theatrical presentation, there will always be a demand for bold designs and vivid colours in tableware.

Many thanks to the FEA member companies who contributed to this article. Listed below are some of their latest releases showcasing vivid colours or patterns – check out the carousel above for pics, and click on the company name to visit the website.

Bluestem Group

Positano and Capri are two ranges of kettles and toasters from Ariete, which showcase the vivid and complex traditional patterns from the Mediterranean. Positano takes inspiration from classic Italian tiles, featuring many different designs with eye-catching geometry and colours, while Capri uses Spanish derived Majolica designs with timeless blue patterns against white with touches of yellow highlights throughout. Both ranges offer 1.7l kettles and two- and four-slice toasters.

Catertherm

If you’re looking for a theatrical front of house food presentation, the Aluchef Colour Collection is a range of cookware in a selection of vibrant colours designed to help create a standout buffet display. Constructed from durable aluminium it features a ceramic interior coating that guarantees excellent cooking and makes cleaning easy. Giving the ability to cook, transport, store and serve in the same dish it helps to reduce handling and washing up, combining great looks with practicality.

Dalebrook

The Talon collection is a range of Melamine tableware that features bright coloured exteriors and an attractive corrugated pattern. Designed to give operators a way of introducing personality without overwhelming the presentation, it consists of plates, bowls, cups and dishes in a selection of sizes and shapes. The corrugation not only looks great but helps to dissipate heat, allowing for safer handling.

Elia

Elia offers a selection of vacuum jugs in vibrant colours including red and blue, offering a touch of personality to beverage presentation. Crafted from stainless steel, it features a silicone base for stability and is designed to withstand the demands of day to day service. Available in 1 and 1.5 litre versions, they keep beverages hot or cold for extended periods.

FEM

The Cool Line collection from Pujadas is a range of induction ready cookware fusing commercial grade durability and bright colours that help to create a visually striking buffet display. Made from cast stainless steel, they are equally at home in the kitchen as they are front of house.

Grunwerg

Grunwerg’s Condimates acrylic salt and pepper mills feature bold colours that bring a hint of fun and vibrancy to the dining table. Made with transparent plastic, the bright colours help them stand out and create a memorable tabletop presentation, allowing operators a simple way to express individuality with everyday dining accessories.

Pro Foodservice Reps

Venym is a range of professional barware from Barfly. Made with stainless steel, it features a rich bronze colour with a satin finish and a distinctive snakeskin pattern. The range includes shakers, strainers, jiggers, spoons and double-wall mixing tins.

Signature FSE

Heaven from Pinti Inox is a range of stainless steel cutlery which comes in two finishes – Velvet, a matt option, and Treasure, polished. It’s also available in a range of colours such as champagne, bronze and titanium, giving operators a huge choice of modern and stylish options for cutlery.